More consistent MIG beads?

admin

Hi, i noticed that the beads I run with my MIG tend to be "high" in the beginning, and then level out and get flatter as the bead continues.  I'm assuming that this is because it's getting hotter as I move along.  The first quarter inch of my beads will be higher off the base metal and then after that it flattens out.  How do I get it more consistent, or the same height from beginning to end.  Should I increase or decrease the wire speed?  I'm using a Lincoln 110v with .025 wire and C25.  Thanks!
Reply:That is a common problem with wire welding.  Some machines have a run-in speed adjustment that reduces the wire speed at the start of the weld to help reduce the piling up of filler metal before the puddle gets a chance to get going.  Some machines also have a hot start feature that increases the arc voltage at the start of the weld help get the puddle going sooner.   Without those adjustments to play with, make sure you're not setting too much wire speed, clip any excess wire from the tip before you start the weld so you start with a normal stickout length (about 1/2"), don't hold the torch any further away from the weld at the start than you do normally while welding (again, the stickout length and tip to work distance), make sure you're setting enough voltage for the weld, and hang out at the start untill you see the puddle form before you take off.  You can do a little circle while you're waiting, sometimes that helps.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:I will definately give that advice a try, thanks man!