Quick question...

admin

Hi folks!Just a quick question to some of the more experienced welders in the forum:  I picked up a Lincoln flux core welder (aka a cheap welder) just because I wanted something to start with...something to learn the basics on.  I've picked up some great tips on here, but I two basic questions.First of all, I tried to weld some thin sheet metal, and I basically burned a hole straight through the material.  Is this typical of flux core?  Should I be using some kind of gas shield for thin steel welding?Secondly: When I weld (or better, when I ATTEMPT to weld) I find that there is a lot of skipping.  In other words, I begin to weld, and as I'm moving across the piece of metal, the arc will engage and disengage quite a bit.  I have my wire feed set to the max, and it still happens.  Am I moving too fast?  Any suggestions on the thickness of steel I could use to practice on?  The sheet metal I picked up at Home Depot would make a lovely cheese grater, but I don't think it would qualify as a "weld" in any professional's eyes.Thanks!
Reply:hehe,  well for starts yeah sounds right for flux.  Flux runs hotter than solid wire, which runs with gas.  Flux is often claimed to be rated for 1/8" and above.  Any "good welder" should be able to get 1/16" no problem, but alas this takes practice, and even then you still burn a whole here and there.  You just know how to react to these types of things a little better.  Basically, if you choose to run flux, slow down, and turn your heat down a lot more.   If your having troubles still, try making a series of smaller welds, and spread them out across your joint.  That way they are able to cool between welds.  Hope this helps.  Good luckCHRIS
Reply:personally I would not recommend flux cored for thin sheet too hard and messy by the time you clean it up you could have bought a bottle of gas . on your wire speed the only time i turn it all the way up is to feed the wire when loading a new spool turn your wire speed down to the recommended speed there should be a chart inside the door of your welder to start off with then fine tune to your needsBTS Welding
Reply:Weldomatic, that skipping you are describing may be caused by your wire not feeding correctly.  I've had that problem and I believe is it caused by condensation on my wire roll.  I usually take the drive roll out and clean it.  This usually solves the problem until next time.  You can test this by seeing how difficult it is to stop the wire between you fingers (make sure it isn't anywhere near your ground). Also the feed should have enough force to curl the wire if you were to drive it into something at about a 45 degree angle.  If you are having a problem with wire feed and it is because your drive roll is slipping, clean the drive roll and also make sure the roll of wire doesn't have more tension on it than is needed (loose enough so it unwinds freely yet tight enough so it doesn't unwind itself).Let's try it this way!!!! No, Really, It'll work...maybe.
Reply:Thanks for all the advice.  I think this will help quite a bit.  I'll just practice on some thicker stuff.  However, if anybody needs a cheese grater, I'll be selling my practice welds for the low low price of only $19.95
Reply:how bout a picture of the cheese grater?  come on we all do it you know...make caca that is, though some make more caca than others CHRIS
Reply:Alas, I gave my cheese graters a proper burial in the dumpster...where they belonged.  I just started welding...I'm still terribly amused by the crackling sound and the fact that I can melt metal.  Last night I got really bored and welded two butter knives together, if that gives you any indication of where I am in my welding career!  I will, however, post some of my ugly welds in the future.  Give everyone a good laugh.