New Welder here

admin

So I never welded anything before until 4 months ago. I am now 30 years old. Anyways getting closer to 30 something sparked in me. I want to make things or build things. I was given a Lincoln 175HD? It was missing the gun, bottle, and regulator. I bought all of that hooked everything up and went to weld. I was so excited. I only have one problem now. I cannot mend the metal. I mean shouldn't I be able to blow a hole through it? All that is happening is heating and melting the wire on top of the metal I'm trying to weld.Any help? It would be greatly appreciated. It's like having a brand new Corvette in my garage and I can't even drive it.
Reply:First off, welcome to the site!But!Info!More onfo needed!Like.Type and size of wire you are using, what gas, how much cfm's are you setting the regulator for, what settings on the machine and type and thickness of metal, do you have the polarity set right?And!Any pictures you can post of the weld would be a great help in identifying the problem!#1. If you don't like what I wrote, or if it offends you, then don't read it!#2. I am living life the way I see fit, if you don't like the way I'M living, tough sh**!
Reply:Yes Brian85, welcome to the forum.Do you have your units manual?  If not, go here http://www.mylincolnelectric.com/Cat...ualsearch.aspx and get so you can read up on the machine and how everything is supposed to work.I'm with Ken on needing more information to better assist you but from your description I suspect the machine output polarity is wrong for the wire you're using, you've got the wrong gas or you're using too much juice for the thickness material you're attempting to weld.If you're using mild steel solid wire and gas (C-25), typical gas flow is 20-25cfh (cubic feet per hour) and polarity should be electrode (gun) positive which is known as 'reverse polarity'.If you're using flux core, no gas is required and polarity should be straight or electrode (gun) negative.Machine settings and photos help alot.MM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!
Reply:Make sure you have enough power to the welder. I had a faulty wire, and only had half the power to my welder, and i had the same problem. Good luck.