Are there any special storage considerations for aluminum wire?
Yes-don’t open a new package of wire until right before you plan to use it. Aluminum filler wire oxidizes, and this can lead to an erratic arc because oxidation adds resistance, can produce soot and can change the wire’s ability to feed smoothly. Many operators have spent a great deal of time adjusting tension settings, changing contact tips or checking the shielding gas trying to fix the problem when oxidized wire caused the problem. Discard the oxidized spool and open a fresh package.
