Bought a Miller Multimatic 200

[Sodo]

I've typed this too many times, for almost 3 years now. If I can't get sonme good info on TBN I've half-a-mind to just go get an Argon bottle and find out for myself. And I just got done preaching to find a project and just start/learn. I can think of a few 1/8" thick Aluminum projects that aought to be doable with ~150 amps. A railing should be doable. (But I don't have any railing needs).

 

[Shield Arc]

Eventually want to make a railing.

For smaller diameter pipe, a Tig welder may be a better option.

 

[dragoneggs]

For smaller diameter pipe, a Tig welder may be a better option.

Yeah now I realize TIG is probably much better option for a prettier weld.

 

[yomax4]

I'm not a big spool gun fan. Start cold - finish hot. Tig is great for thinner material. I'm blessed to have a synergic twin pulse Mig power supply with pulse frequency control, Current change and relationship control. With a Python push pull. I can do 1/16 aluminum with 3/64 wire. Sets up like a tig welder but is mig. Hard to believe I know but these type of units will be common in the USA in the next couple of years. Affordability is another question. I mentioned that I was blessed. I got mine for free.

 

[Shield Arc]

I played with the pulse when I first got my Lincoln V350-Pro.
This weld was done with a spool gun on (I think) 16-GA aluminum.

 

[Sodo]

This calculator may be of some use to you guys.
MIG Solid-Core Welding Calculator - MillerWelds

Thanks but thats where I got the 3/16" and 150A numbers. Would be great if other members have pics, projects, examples of a MultiMatic 200 or equivalent smaller machine MIGGIN' some Aluminum. Especially at the thicker end of its ability.

The MultiMatic200 is an inverter machine, has DC only - I understand that DC TIG can be done on aluminum but to expect poor results, and nobody considers it a useful option.

 

[Shield Arc]

This Tig weld on aluminum was done on DC, with 100% helium.

 

[Shield Arc]

This aluminum weld was made with one of my Everlast stick welders with 100% argon, and a Tig rig. Without a foot pedal you can only make short welds. No way to back off the power as the aluminum gets hot.

 

[Sodo]

This Tig weld on aluminum was done on DC, with 100% helium.

I would be very happy with that weld. That doesn't look like other folks' descriptions of DC TIG on Aluminum.

I already have a Tig torch & foot pedal, and a Spoolmate100 Mig gun.
So for an upcoming Aluminum project (3/16" thick) which makes more sense?

1) Lease an Argon tank and crank up the SpoolMate100 MIG gun?
2) Lease a Helium tank and do DC TIG.

 

[Shield Arc]

Helium is so expensive! And you have to run around 30-cfh. Because helium is lighter than air. With 100% argon I run about 15-cfh.

 

[Sodo]

OK so as I suspected, DC TIG is not a valid option (except perhaps inverted welding to save helium ) Not for me, I don't have good experience welding inverted, that's something I could sure benefit from instruction on.

So my Spoolmate100, just sitting there, getting old (like me) but shall be rousted from it's 3 years slumber! I'm getting psyched for another type of welding! :thumbsup:

 

[IslandTractor]

Add me to the list of Spoolmate virgins. Mine is also still untouched in the original package. Despite grand plans to do lots of fabricating, my Miultimatic 200 does mostly repair work outdoors and I find the stick and mig (dualcore) functions have done all I need. The portability, dual voltage and stick/mig functions still make it a great choice for me.

 

[BukitCase]

Sodo, before you try heavier aluminum with that spoolmate 100 you may wanna contact aametalmaster here -

Spoolmatic 30A - Miller Welding Discussion Forums

He's done mods on different spoolguns so they don't burn up tips so fast (and can use more standard M15 tips when they do) - the link in his sig line only shows one for the 3035, so you may have to join (if you're not already a member) and then PM bob -

I only ran steel wire thru my Spoolmate 100 and had no problems, but I was only using it for tacks/light steel - then I found a half-price deal on a mm252 with dual running gear AND a never-used Spoolmatic 30A and sold the 211/spoolmatic 100 to a friend - but that Spoolmate 100 just seems kinda light for anything serious... Steve

 

[Shield Arc]

I remember Bob Wright, very knowledgeable man! :thumbsup::thumbsup:

 

[Sodo]

My project will get serious sometime after I get the Argon tank, and if I can produce some decent aluminum welds. If I can't get the Aluminum MIG going satisfactory, it will be steel.

 

[dragoneggs]

My project will get serious sometime after I get the Argon tank, and if I can produce some decent aluminum welds. If I can't get the Aluminum MIG going satisfactory, it will be steel.

Gonna be following you on your Aluminum MIG journey!

 

[Big Barn]

My project will get serious sometime after I get the Argon tank, and if I can produce some decent aluminum welds. If I can't get the Aluminum MIG going satisfactory, it will be steel.

Sodo (Dragoneggs and others) I can only ASSUME my Tweco spool gun for my Thermal Arc 181i is similar to your Spoolmates.



Here's my first mini project 3 years ago when I bought it. 1/4" (pushing the limits obviously by the looks of it) material for a wall mount spool holder for rolls of emery cloth. 650 IPM. 24.9 volts. Inductance set at 1.



I would HIGHLY recommend looking into the spool gun modifications BuckitCase referenced.

These days I only use this setup for light materials such as the .100 bright tread aluminum plate I use to fabricate belt guards.





Okay, guys. Hope that's some incentive to grab a bottle of argon.

Terry

 

[Shield Arc]

This weld is on one of the thicker aluminum plates I made.
This was playing with the pulse on the Lincoln V350-Pro. I did not whip at all! The ripples are all pulse. 3/64" 5356 wire.

 

[Big Barn]

This weld is on one of the thicker aluminum plates I made.
This was playing with the pulse on the Lincoln V350-Pro. I did not whip at all! The ripples are all pulse. 3/64" 5356 wire.

That looks REALLY nice! I haven't played with pulse on mine enough to really get it dialled in yet.

Terry

 

[Shield Arc]

I haven't played with pulse on mine enough to really get it dialled in yet.

Me neither really!