tell me why my welds look crappy (Video)

admin

Please look at my welding and tell me why they just don't look right................ I know that I am a -cross eyed- half blind- welderwannabe-Using 6013  5/32" rods @ 130 amps on a 40 year old LINDE 295 amp model 67Got the 6013 from Tractor supply for $10.00 per 50 lbs box (I bought 250 LBS for $ 50.00)Any comments from you would be appreciated...
Reply:Good video.  I have tried filming the arc and have no luck.DCEN or DCEP?     (+ or - electrode?)Forget trying to whip the rod, just run a consistent smooth bead.  Keep the arc no larger than one rod diameter or less.Smooth and steady wins the race.Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:watching you whip i figured it was 6010/6011.  keep the metal puddle in view, learn to distinguish it from the hot slag flow,  and make the rod do what it has to to get a nice even puddle going along.
Reply:Wow.That arc is way too long.  Hear your welder?  You may not have it set completly in the stop on you amperage adjustment. Use both hands to steady you if you need.  It isn't cheating. And slow down. Take time to build a puddle.  Wait till you think the molten metal might fall through.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:looks like u need some practice...
Reply:6013 is a  rod that does not require "whipping".  It is also sometimes referred to as a "drag rod".  Looking at the crown of the weld, your amperage is too high.  Try this.  Clean your base metal (remove mill scale, always do this regardless of what you're welding).  Turn amps down to around 100, for starters.  Strike the arc and attempt to maintain a short arc length.  If the rod sticks, adjust amps in 5 amp increments.  After welding for a short length, look at the end of the electrode.  On heavy coated rods like 6013, 7018 etc, they will actually be burning off up inside the flux coating.  Arc length is determined by the distance from the end of metal welding rod to the base metal, not the flux coating.  A rule of thumb for most electrodes: Arc length should be the thickness of the bare end of the electrode.  Rod should be approximately 10-15 degrees leaned toward the direction of travel.WATCH THE PUDDLE.  A hint on really observing the puddle is to throw away those green lenses and replace with a gold plated lens.  They aren't expensive, and provide unbelievable clarity of your arc and puddle.  Use # 10 for normal arc welding.  # 12 for some mig work.  After you run a string bead and look at your weld, from the video we can see the amps too high, V pattern on the crown of the weld.  Inconsistant speed in the direction of travel.  As one poster mentioned.  Use two hands.  I sometimes  hold the rod with my "free" hand to steady the weld deposit.  Unless I HAVE to use only one hand because of a limited access place, I ALWAYS use two hands.  Support your body if possible to limit movement.I have demonstrated how easy it is to run the heavy flux coated electrodes by this:  I strike the arc, and slowly lay the stinger down on the bench and allow the rod to burn itself off.  Lays a pretty bead.  You ought to see people look at me when I turn around and talk to them while the rod is "welding".  Devil made me do it.Bottom line is, you'll get better with practice.  Good luck.
Reply:I guess I need to slow down- -you know my wife tells me the same thing but thats a different subject.Sometimes I see the great welding in some of the posts and wish I could get welds like that. But I will Slow down - shorter arc - don't whip just drag 6013 - use two hands - watch the puddle -lower ampsSupport your body to limit movement.and sometimes when it really needs to be welded right ----------> I'll hire a professional <I appreciate your help and I will keep practicing (with 250 lbs of rods. I will keep busy)Thanks Guys...