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how do you test a weld for strenth? i have a mm210 and pretty much go by the chart under the lid for settings. i welded two angle pieces together to form a U, "but joint"? i then cut across the weld to see penatration and there seemed to be a line where it did't "fuse" together. i put it in a vise and with visegrips was able to tear it apart! now i'm a pretty big guy but i've never actually ripped steel apart before. what do you think? it was 1/8 thick. no bevel on the edge but i left a 1/16 gap between. thanks, JOE.....
Reply:If you can pull it apart with V'G's..You fail.. Bevel it and try more heat..There is no way in hell you should be able to pull a welded anything apart like that.. ...zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:thanks for that vote of confidence zapster! i'll consider this my on-line course. i'm gonna try that and get back to ya.
Reply:Joe post some pics if you can..... before and after. List the parameters you are using on the machine tap setting, wire speed, the type of gas and flow._________________Chris
Reply:O.K. i guess it was the heat? i'm using .035 wire, 75 argon/25 co2. the guide on the lid says for 1/8"  volt 3 wire speed 40 wich is what i used the first time. since the next size is 3/16 @ 3/42 i moved up to 1/4 @ 4 on volts and 48 on wire speed. no break just bent metal and not at the weld. i guess i'll step up on what the guide says and work from there. when i master this i'll let you tell me why my tips melt when i do alum. thanks guys, JOE...
Reply:Originally Posted by joemani'll let you tell me why my tips melt when i do alum. thanks guys, JOE...
Reply:Originally Posted by joemani'll let you tell me why my tips melt when i do alum. thanks guys, JOE...
Reply:You can break most welds subject to a few conditions. From reading your post I think you welded from the inside of the "U" but didn't get full penetration. If you put that in a vise and bend it back over itself it will break. Bend it the other direction and it's a whole different ball game.In my job I teach apprentice Boilermakers to weld and have a rule that all fillet welds are only welded on one side. I then put that in a press and break it back over itself, this way we can see how much fusion they got. It also allows the same 2 pieces of steel to be welded 8 times before getting thrown in the scrap bin. Every now and then I get one that doesn't listen and welds both sides. I put these in the press as well but they bend right over and that can take up to 20 tons. You can put this to use if you are dogging two bits of plate together with a wedge. Weld one side and put the wedge in from that side. When it is tacked and the wedge removed , belt it from the other side and it will break so you can reuse it again.Long winded I know but I hope it helps.clive
Reply:Well - there's your problem...  Funny as heck when Adam says that on Mythbusters. I can see Zap saying that.John -  fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!-  bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com
Reply:Joeman,I have the same machine and almost always go higher on the chart. Those settings are pretty good if you have a gap between the pieces and do 2 or three passes. If you are tacking pieces go real hot.Mig tips melting off could be the brand of wire you use. Get a name brand stay away from cheap stuff, they don't come off the spool smoothly. It'll drive you nuts.Man invented metal, he can do whatever he wants with it.KMAC
Reply:thanks for the replies, at the risk of being the dumbest on the forum i'm going to ask this anyway! if i turn up the volts, lower the wire speed, will this alow me to go slower as to melt the steel more to get deeper penatration to get a stronger weld?  why dosn't this guy take a class you ask?  well i did. there where many students and one teacher, i tried to get the basics and bought what i thought was a good machine and here i am, i don't know any welders so thanks for your patience. JOE...
Reply:if i turn up the volts, lower the wire speed, will this alow me to go slower as to melt the steel more to get deeper penatration to get a stronger weld?
Reply:Wire speed = amps.  That is all there is to it.  More amps = more penetration.  Chaning voltage only affects the arc.  #1.  Set amps (wire speed)#2.  Adjust volts to get the smoothest arc.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:o.k. what do you think of this. wire is .035 settings 3 & 42 ON 1/8" with bevel and 1/16" gap 75/25. i seem to be getting better penatration and am trying to stay at the edge of my puddle. what should i do to get a flatter bead ? it seems if i speed up i lose penetration. thanks, joe Attached Images
Reply:picture didn't turn out to good in post, sorry i'll try again.
Reply:try these Attached Images
Reply:Well now that is much better!!Now you pass.. Your not pulling that apart with VG'S  ...zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:The last one looks really nice.  Looks the heat, gap and volts were just right.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.