Welding Tips and Tricks

Hey folks, New to the board and need some help. I own a small shop on the gulf coast, Most of what we do is custom aluminum boats and repair work. Six months ago we got a contract to build out the hulls for 5 meter USV's (Unmanned Surface Vessels). To do this we are using a Miller 252 and a spool gun. 1/4 nad 3/16 plate and 5356 wire. We now have the contract to do the 3 meter hulls. On the prototypes for the 3 meter we found that we could not get into a lot of the hull with the spool gun so we had to tig them. If I have to tig them I go broke.

I have spoken to two different Miller reps and have gotten two different solutions 350p and the 350mpa with the Alumafeed.
I know that some of the older 350p had a problem running 5356 wire. I don't know alot about the 350mpa. I have played with both of them at friends shops. I am leaning towards the 350mpa but would like to hear from any one as to there thoughs.

Thanks

Hey,

welcome. Miller has some great vids on you tube. about their products. Neilsmiller is the name of the you tube channel. Im pretty sure i have seen on on the machine you are talking about.

Mick

I hate to say it, but,

To weld to the specs required for USVs, your options are spool-gun (sucks for the welder) or a push-pull rig.

A machine-pushed (only) aluminum MIG is more hassle than it's worth for the quality and production you're after (any bind at the tip will give you a bird's nest to sort out at the pusher... Tolerable in a hobby ar small job shop, but not for production welding). If you have a contract, I'd seriously look into a push-pull rig. Miller has them, as does Lincoln.

EDIT: Those machines are fine for your purpose... The push-pull, or spool-gun, as you choose are accessories, at the "torch end"

Steve S

Hey,

Here is a link to one of the videos i was talking about. Big bucks but I think you will notice savings in purchasing a dedicated machine. BTW, Ive never used a spool gun but i cant imagine hanging off one would be to much fun.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiH-gYxs ... ata_player

Mick

Hello

I would recommend the powermig 350MP with python push pull gun. I have welded with the XR alumafeed, it does ok, but not what i would expect for the cost!



Just my thoughts!
PS: I'm a lincoln kinda guy anyways.

Sorry about reviving a 2 yr old post. However, there does not appear to much info available in regards to MIller's AlumaPower machines.

I'm wondering if anyone can provide real word feedback as to the long term durability of the Miller 350 MPa Alumapower unit?

It's basically a 350P with 2 roll feeder and new software specifically for aluminum. Designed around running the maxal 4943 wire. So it shares most of its hardware with the 350p. Thus I would think it's similar to the 350P in reliability