Finally Learning
 

Finally broke out the wire feed welder. thats some tricky stuff... but after a few days of practicing, its becoming easier and easier. ill try to get some pics of a few beads tomorrow hopefully.

Re: Finally Learning
 

When I started work on my hotrod I only stick and gas welded. I bought a mig and practiced. I was havung penetration problems and went to the shop where I bought the Mig. The general manager gave me about a 15 min tutorial and solved all my problems. If you get stuck on your progress ask someon

Good luck,John

Re: Finally Learning
 

Those darn penetration problems, I know what you mean !

Re: Finally Learning
 

I have a little 110v. Century MIG that has served me for many years. Best advise I got when I started with it is trying to get it set up so that it sounds like your are "cooking bacon". When I get that sound, I know I am dialed in for that particular job.

Re: Finally Learning
 

Get an auto darkening helmet if you don't have one. Really makes it easier to see what your doing. Nothing like starting your weld an inch off to the side of where you wanted, not that I would ever do such a thing. :o

What I find is that by the time I finish a car I am a damn good welder, then I forget everything in between projects. ;) Right now I am learning to O/A weld. Steel is no problem but Aluminum is kicking my butt.


--louis

Re: Finally Learning
 

Same welder here. Frying bacon sound AND never use lightweight extension cord.

Lonnie

Re: Finally Learning
 

Ive got the "cooking bacon" sound down. now ive got to just work on just getting a good clean weld

Re: Finally Learning
 

Started flux core weldIng on the job in the early 80, s when I-10 run thur PHX. and watch some guys weld some beautiful beads that could be broken in half with a hammer No penetration .....Mill slag will kick your ass. Polish all your areas to be welded at first will help....

Re: Finally Learning
 

Using mixed gas is the best for a clean slag free weld. If using flux core wire instead, be sure the polarity is correct for that wire or it will be full of pinholes and trapped slag.

Lonnie

Re: Finally Learning
 

Clean metal and pushing the bead seems to work best for me..I use Argon/C02....Mark

Re: Finally Learning
 

I finally got the auto dark helmet....got tired of prying my vise grips off my work.

Re: Finally Learning
 

I have found that wearing reading glasses help you see a lot better,I can put the weld on the splices instead of being a 1/6 in. high or low now Cliff.

Re: Finally Learning
 

That's a good tip I wish I'd learned years ago before I needed them. Gives you a closeup view from farther away and keeps you from pitting your filter lens.

Lonnie

Re: Finally Learning
 

The biggest problem learning to run a Mig is penetration. You can run a great looking bead that isn't into the base metal on either piece you are trying to weld. I have see many "factory" Mig welds through the years, that one of the pieces welded had no penetration at all. The part that broke off, had all the weld bead still on it, and the other piece looked like there never was a weld on it. The weld bead itself should never break, it should tear away the base metal if the part breaks.

Re: Finally Learning
 

Okay so. after a few days of practicing. here are a few beads. Top is just a drag weld. Middle is the "Crescent". And the bottom is making the cursive "e". these are a few techniques ive heard of and thought id try them out.

Re: Finally Learning
 

Oh and sorry for the major blurry picture. my phone's camera sucks haha :p

Re: Finally Learning
 

When you can weld two halfs of a soda/beer can together you have it down.

Re: Finally Learning
 

You ll get it.. looks like your gas is to high(spatter) Top looks about best use a good cleaner on your metals, and a good ground .. youll be golden

Re: Finally Learning
 

That's all welding is, is practice, once you learn the basics. You can try several different techniques, find one that works for you, that will give you a high quality weld, looks good, no undercut,and no porosity, and stick with it.

Re: Finally Learning
 

My welding sucks! I've been thinking of taking a class.Not for welding.....for grinding.