Please critique these welds

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I just figured out my helmet issues and am really seeing the puddle clearly for the first time. I know these need a lot of work, but I am self taught so any thoughts are appreciated. The specifics are 3/16 HRS coupons, Lincoln L-56 wire .030, C25 gas at 20 cu ft/hr. HH 190 at voltage tap 6 and wire speed at 60 (not sure what that is in volts and IPS). The butt weld was grooved and welded flat. The fillets were welded horizontal and the lap weds  were run flat as well. I did half of each joint pulling from the left and pushing from the right. Thanks in advance! Attached ImagesMiller Multimatic 255
Reply:Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:With mig and solid wire it's typically best to push rather than drag the puddle. It keeps the bead profile lower and reduces heat input into the material. There are times when dragging can be useful, but I've found it's easier to get guys who know how to push a weld to drag later on, than it is to try to get guys who started out dragging to learn to push.1st lap doesn't look too bad. The dragged weld was a bit more consistent than your pushed one, but both were pretty decent. The other beads all look like you were moving too fast and needed to slow down. Consistency also needs work. The last lap joints your aim was way off. You needed to be aiming closer to the upper piece..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:Looks decent.Don't draw circles on lap joints. Get the heat right and push a straight line.Slow down and let it fill ( fillet)Bubble gumTooth pixDuct tapeBlack glueGBMF hammerScrew gun --bad battery (see above)
Reply:lol what... the only time you ever push a mig puddle is when you're welding aluminum. And that's to keep the gas on it.Loui your fillet welds suck. Not trying to be a dick, they just wouldnt pass inspection. You need to bring the bead up by an 1/8th of an inch. You need to bring your beads up on your lap welds higher.
Reply:Hey Ghost,  Quick learning experience.   A quick look at DSW's profile and any of his replies would let you know he has been welding and teaching welding longer than you have been on this planet.  Next time try to learn something before you assume your vast knowledge is better. Now, knowing I have nothing to add to the welding, carry on please.Sent from my SPH-L900 using TapatalkMultimatic 200Ellis 1800Haberle S225 9" cold sawMM 300;  Spoolmate 30A w/ WC-24TB 302GDynasty 280 DX Tigrunner
Reply:Thanks for the feedback. I know the welds are inconsistent and wander around a bit. I was wondering if I hit the right wire speed and voltage, or if they looked too hot/too cold?? I also appreciate the comments about pushing vs pulling, because I think I find it easier to push the puddle believe it or not. Easier to see where I am going.Some of the lap welds looked like maybe they were too hot, or not enough wire speed. I was really biting off the top edge of the top plate without trying.Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:And one of the filets looked halfway decent to me except for the bb's everywhere. Again, too hot? or just going too slow? I have had this welder a while, but I am really brand new to MIG, and honestly pretty much brand new to welding overall. Keep in mind I am an accountant who decided to teach himself how to weld.Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:Originally Posted by DrooopyHey Ghost,  Quick learning experience.   A quick look at DSW's profile and any of his replies would let you know he has been welding and teaching welding longer than you have been on this planet.  Next time try to learn something before you assume your vast knowledge is better. Now, knowing I have nothing to add to the welding, carry on please.Sent from my SPH-L900 using Tapatalk
Reply:I have a little 110 machine I've been pulling every weld unless I can't physically make the weld without pushing. But I'm welding 1/8 and 3/16 which is the limits of the machine anyway.
Reply:Like your dog.....  Miller Dynasty 350Twenty Six HammersThree Crow BarsBig Rock
Reply:I have a new dog as well, so I too have a liver and white and a black and white Attached ImagesMiller Multimatic 255
Reply:Originally Posted by Ghostlol what... the only time you ever push a mig puddle is when you're welding aluminum. And that's to keep the gas on it.Loui your fillet welds suck. Not trying to be a dick, they just wouldnt pass inspection. You need to bring the bead up by an 1/8th of an inch. You need to bring your beads up on your lap welds higher.
Reply:Don't think you will see ghost around, he's a super on a 7-12's job
Reply:Hey, no offense taken. I know my welds suck. I am just a beginner, and not thin skinned.Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:Originally Posted by michaelfDon't think you will see ghost around, he's a super on a 7-12's job
Reply:Originally Posted by Louie1961Hey, no offense taken. I know my welds suck. I am just a beginner, and not thin skinned.
Reply:The Springer is a great dog regardless of which type you get. ( Bench or Field ) I have had a lot of dogs in my life and the three Springers have brought us nothing but entertainment.....Sucks when you have to put any dog down but I will always have one... Last edited by B_C; 01-24-2014 at 01:31 PM.  Miller Dynasty 350Twenty Six HammersThree Crow BarsBig Rock
Reply:Louie...For the time being, I suggest you (1) consider DSW's evaluation and (2) ignore Ghost's opinion....(that is, until we get to see some of Ghost's fabulous welds for eval.)
Reply:please oh pretty please Mr Ghost teach me to be a welder poor old dumb Clifton
Reply:5/32 7018 downhill ,all day all week in 10 deg weather!But if Ghost said it can't be done I'd better stop doing it!GizzmoSyncrowave 250 CK aircooled tig
Reply:Gizzmo, is there a reason that you are running the 7018 downhill?  Is it because of the temp or because downhill welds faster?Miller Syncrowave 350Millermatic 252/ 30A spoolgunMiller Bobcat 225g w/ 3545 spoolgunLincoln PowerArc4000Lincoln 175 Mig  Lincoln 135 Mig Everlast 250EX TigCentury ac/dc 230 amp stickVictor O/AHypertherm 1000 plasma
Reply:B_C...totally agree...have had a total of 4 springers now. Had to give one away because he kept growling at the Mrs. But he was a rescue dog, and I think he needed to be in a one dog home. Had to put my first dog down a couple of years ago, she developed a brain tumor. But I love them. Wouldn't have any other kind of dog, and in my mind they are the very best bird dogs. I love hunting over these guys.Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:Originally Posted by DougAustinTXGizzmo, is there a reason that you are running the 7018 downhill?  Is it because of the temp or because downhill welds faster?
Reply:The 5/32" is the key here. The larger pool this rod makes is just too much to run uphill at 190 amps.In short order the heat gets ahead of the bead and you'll end up gouging out a hole!  After a few beads have been laid downhill  it's ok to run a cover weave uphill but not until then (For me anyway).I can run the 1/8" uphill all day but not the 5/32 rod. As I understand it , some changes in "what's acceptable" have been made for running downhill on bridges. The concern is that the bead moves too fast to penetrate well or it's marginal. Short of that I'm sure it's ok to run down. I usually have to run several beads to ensure a good full weld.  That frame is the beginning of a  150' long arm (one of 2) and is mostly 1/2" 6x6 angle and 3/8" 4x4 angle with 1/2" and 1" reinforcing plates. No problems with the welds!GizzmoSyncrowave 250 CK aircooled tig7018 hmmmmm I guess you guys are talking about stick?   Been a few years since I used a stick welder I worked in a boat trailer shop in 1962 and thats how we stuck the trailers together....Mostly 6014 If I remember correctly....I did learn that going up hill was a stronger slower way to stick but all the downhill welds I did stayed together so I guess it would depend on the application where you started......Over kill bracing wouldnt require as strong a weld as NO BRACING  would....  Miller Dynasty 350Twenty Six HammersThree Crow BarsBig Rock
Reply:yikes! i'm only a foot away. no need to shout.i.u.o.e. # 15queens, ny and sunny fla