self teaching stick welding would love some help!

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hey guys just joined have learned a lot from the site so far. I have an older Lincoln 225 ac ive been practicing on with 7018. I plan on taking the vertical horizontal and overhead tests as soon as possible to try and get a diesel mechanics position. just wondering if theres anything obvious im doing wrong from this pic. this is my first try at vertical had it set to 115. I know I have a long way to go before the test any help / criticisim is appreciated! thanks in advance- kevin Attached Images
Reply:Increase the amps. And don't take such big steps up. Attached ImagesDon’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Agreed. You also need to work on your consistency. I see a bit of undercut in the 1st pict. It's only here and there, so my bet is you simply aren't holding the edge consistently there as you are elsewhere.If that is your 1st run with vertical up, that's not bad at all..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPIncrease the amps. And don't take such big steps up.
Reply:looks like you need to slow down a touch. You can do that so retardedly slow with 5/32.+1 to smaller weave+1 to hold sides
Reply:If you stick alot turn up the power. That power was ment to change, don't be scard of it, 10 amps at a time is what I do. Now that's up or down.
Reply:Originally Posted by kmar35I also seemed to have trouble at the top of the weld im not quite sure why. i thought maybe i was angling it too high and it wasnt hitting the back plate enough and shooting the arc in the air.
Reply:question about the undercut, does it affect the strength of the weld or is it more important on the top layer because its going to have another pass over it? i did a bunch of practice welds vertical on a scrap piece but this is my first with the 2 beveled pieces but im glad it looks decent! thanks i want to get a lighter shade glass i think its hard for me to see the puddle well enough. i have an 11 right now im not sure if 10 would be too light what do you think again thanks for the help
Reply:ok cool i will try that too i was gonna try fixing it when i noticed it but didnt see the harm in just finishing up to there till next time but the shoulder raise sounds like an easy fix
Reply:Originally Posted by kmar35question about the undercut, does it affect the strength of the weld
Reply:If you are using regular 7018 on an AC machine, then you are giving yourself a handicap.Try a few 7018 AC rods. Tractor Supply sells a Hobart version.Lincoln AC buzzboxLincoln AC/DC buzzboxHobart 125EZ (110V flux-core)Everlast PA200 (stick)Everlast PA300 (stick)Everlast PP70 (plasma cutter)O/A outfitSeveral Metabo, Bosch, HF grinders set up differentlyMisc tools
Reply:If your planning on taking a test at a certified test Center or shop, you best start practicing on a dc welder, not your ac buzz box.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:Welding tests for diesel mechanics? You're a ways away from passing your welding tests. It's good if a mechanic can do some welding but if you want to get a job as diesel mechanic concentrate on that first and welding down the road would be my suggestion. Trying to learn and concentrate on two different trades at the same time could be a recipe for disaster.
Reply:Originally Posted by Welder DaveWelding tests for diesel mechanics? You're a ways away from passing your welding tests. It's good if a mechanic can do some welding but if you want to get a job as diesel mechanic concentrate on that first and welding down the road would be my suggestion. Trying to learn and concentrate on two different trades at the same time could be a recipe for disaster.
Reply:I was worried about that I was given this welder for free but I suppose I should upgrade before the test. Is the difference going to mess me up when I get a new welder I know the electrical differences from ac dc just not sure how it applies to the welding techniques
Reply:There is a lot of difference between running on AC compared to running on DC. There is also a lot of difference in the arc from different models, and brands. It may take a while before you will be able to tell the difference. If you're going to work as a welder, you have to be able to weld with any machine they put you in front of. Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400