newb here, had my first practice session and have a few questions

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Hi, I'm a newb welder, recently bought the HF Titanium 125 flux core welder (120V). The wire is Blue Demon E71TGS .030. I'm practicing with some bed frame angle 2.6mm thick. I've got a few questions if you don't mind.1. if I see discoloration on the backside of the steel, is the voltage setting too high, or do you want to see the heat affecting the back side?2. what is the optimal distance between contact tip and workpiece? 1/2"? 3. should I cut off the tip of the wire after each weld? 4. a lot of my practice welds are skinny compared to what I'm seeing on youtube videos. Should I be moving slower? I'll have to take pics and post them.Thanks for any tips and suggestions.
Reply:First, ditch the bed rail. That crap is notorious for being the worst kind of steel to weld and is frequently unweldable. If you can't find any free scrap, these kits are really good, just order them 10 at a time to get the discount:  https://www.jflf.org/ProductDetails....ductCode=METALYes the heat should affect the back side or you are too cold.Shoot for 5/8ths to 3/4 of an inch of stick out.Not necessarily unless it is too long.Move slower or turn up the wire feed speed, once you get better practice coupons. Also watch your torch angle. You want about a 10-15 degree drag angle.Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:I do agree with [ Louie1961 ]2.6 mm is about 12 gauge. It easier to start welding with 3/16" [4.7mm]or 1/4" [6.35mm] flat bar .The kit Louie1961 looks great for beginners. Dave

Originally Posted by goggins

Hi, I'm a newb welder, recently bought the HF Titanium 125 flux core welder (120V). The wire is Blue Demon E71TGS .030. I'm practicing with some bed frame angle 2.6mm thick. I've got a few questions if you don't mind.1. if I see discoloration on the backside of the steel, is the voltage setting too high, or do you want to see the heat affecting the back side?2. what is the optimal distance between contact tip and workpiece? 1/2"? 3. should I cut off the tip of the wire after each weld? 4. a lot of my practice welds are skinny compared to what I'm seeing on youtube videos. Should I be moving slower? I'll have to take pics and post them.Thanks for any tips and suggestions.
Reply:With an .030 self shielded GS wire go with a stickout around 3/8" - 1/2"
Reply:So stickout is the same as distance from contact tip to workpiece, because wire equals that distance?What differs as you move from 3/8" to 3/4" inch stickout? Less penetration? What about heat?
Reply:Another question - some of the YT welding channels, such as TimWelds, show a very clear orange puddle. I can't really see the puddle that well. I have setting on helmet at 9.5. Kinda worried about dialing down any further. Perhaps shining a worklight down on work area will make puddle easier to see?
Reply:The helmet setting for eyes with mig and fluxcore should be 11 or higher. You find in sun light will give a great view of welding. Dave

Originally Posted by goggins

Another question - some of the YT welding channels, such as TimWelds, show a very clear orange puddle. I can't really see the puddle that well. I have setting on helmet at 9.5. Kinda worried about dialing down any further. Perhaps shining a worklight down on work area will make puddle easier to see?
Reply:

Originally Posted by smithdoor

The helmet setting for eyes with mig and fluxcore should be 11 or higher. You find in sun light will give a great view of welding. Dave
Reply:I would put sun in front of you.I would put a piece of leather on hood to stop sun light from coming inside and hitting the lens it also help with sparks getting on hair.Dave

Originally Posted by goggins

Is that true for 120V flux core welder at a mid-range voltage and wire speed setting?I was in sunlight. I guess I'll try adding additional light to see if that helps.
Reply:

Originally Posted by goggins

So stickout is the same as distance from contact tip to workpiece, because wire equals that distance?What differs as you move from 3/8" to 3/4" inch stickout? Less penetration? What about heat?
Reply:

Originally Posted by goggins

Is that true for 120V flux core welder at a mid-range voltage and wire speed setting?I was in sunlight. I guess I'll try adding additional light to see if that helps.
Reply:I spose its probably easier to burn a hole with the fluxcore but if you are not burning holes in practice on thinner material you dont have it hot enough.   Dont try to sneak up on it with the heat and not get it to really melt.  I tested a little machine the other day, useless on lo, worked ok on hi. I could fix a mower deck with it.www.urkafarms.com
Reply:I agree with Louie.I'm usually at 8 on the shade. 11 would be too dark for me.Shade is for comfort but each person has a different level of comfort.

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Reply:

Originally Posted by Broccoli1

I agree with Louie.I'm usually at 8 on the shade. 11 would be too dark for me.Shade is for comfort but each person has a different level of comfort.


Reply:Lens shade can be tweaked a bit depending on the person. I'd try a #9. Make sure to get in a comfortable position you can see the arc and what the puddle is doing not what the slag is doing. I'd get some E71-T11 wire. It's good for single or multi-pass welding up to 3 passes. E71-TGS is only for single pass and doesn't have to meet any AWS requirements. Would allow you to make bigger welds on thicker material. More volts gives a wider flatter weld. I agree on getting some decent steel to practice on. 1/8" would be good. The thickest you should attempt on your machine is 3/16" but that might be iffy too. Would have to see some pics. of your welds.Last edited by Welder Dave; 8 Hours Ago at 07:41 PM.