|
|
This is the first time I've ever welded so I'm sure I'm doing a lot wrong. I'd rather know what I'm doing wrong from the start rather than form bad habits and try to correct them down the road.I taught myself from watching Youtube videos so that may explain some of my faults. Welder: Decastar 180E MIGWire: .35Gas: No clue.Steel: 1/4" square tubing (guessing on the thickness as I didn't actually measure)I had to play around with the settings on the welder a lot to find the right ones. There was no chart on the welder to show general settings for different thickness so it was a lot of guess work.After a few tack welds to get a feel for what I was about to do, I lay down my very first bead.... ever.Here it is: (I was mostly excited to find out it works)2nd bead looks entirely different:I noticed there was a lot of spatter and wasn't sure if this was normal so I looked into it a bit. After doing a bit of research, one suggestion was to reduce the heat. So I turned it down and notch and it cleaned things up nicely. These were the last beads I attempted.Lastly, why do my tack welds have dimples in the middle? Is that normal?Any input is appreciated.
Reply:When your stringer looks like that first one with the pointed dimes you are moving too fast. Are you pushing the gun or pulling it? Hard to tell by the picture, but the last few stringers look like they might be sitting pretty high.Powcon 400SM2-PD60 wire feedersMiller XR controlAlumapro push/pull gunSpeedglas 9100xBFH
Reply:I'm pulling for all of them. Would I be going too slow if it sits too high or should I broaden my torch movements to spread the puddle out a bit more?Last edited by Ptero; 01-20-2014 at 10:25 PM.
Reply:Your gun angle will play a role in that too I shoot for about a 15 degree angle whenever possible.HH 210 MVPHypertherm Powermax 45300 sqft shop but it works.
Reply:the last picture is what you call fish eyes. that's because you're aiming the nozzle at a 90 degree angle towards your work piece.And fish eyes will cause a bust out on a test.For a mig practice set your machine (I'm not familiar with your machine)But for a Lincoln machine on a flat position (1g) plate CS 1/4" .035 you'll want to set the machine to about 22-23 with a wire speed of 200-250 you'll want to slowly watch your puddle and make it about 1/8" wide and drag it (with out the nozzle touching the work piece) at a 45 degree angle. I usually keep a rhythm in my head, like 1 1 2 1 1 3 1 1 4 1 1 5 etc it keeps the pace even.Clean your pass, repeat with an overlapping bead.And wear some ****ing boots. |
|