Weak grainy weld

admin

Hi, I'm an absolute beginner welder trying to learn all I can.  I have a lincoln 140hd welder that's set up using 100% CO2.  I'm having trouble with my welds.   I'm trying to weld a bolt to a piece of 12 gauge metal.  For some reason I can't get a strong weld.  I'm using the recommended heat/wire feed settings and the welds and weak and grainy.  I don't have any pics but I'm hoping to get a few tips from you guys.  What can I do to get a stronger weld?
Reply:Really need pics to be of any help over the internet, theres soo many factors that can affect a weld its hard to make suggestions otherwise
Reply:might be not enough power to heat the bolt and get it to melt. the bolt will conduct the heat away from the arc ..big bolt? plating ground off?
Reply:Originally Posted by weldbeadmight be not enough power to heat the bolt and get it to melt. the bolt will conduct the heat away from the arc ..big bolt? plating ground off?
Reply:I was messing around with the heat setting and the bolt melted.  I also messed turned the gas up an it seemded to make a cleaner weld when I was just welding beads on a flat piece of metal.  When I tried to weld two pieces of metal together it seemed dirty and grainy once again.
Reply:the grainy welds look like there is no shielding gas.  What wire are you using?  What settings?  What polarity?  You could have your polarity backwards.  It is common mistake on these smaller units.  They come set up for fcaw.Last edited by Scott Young; 04-28-2011 at 01:25 PM.
Reply:Well I found out my problem.  My gun wasn't plugged in all the way!  I'm an idiot!  Problems solved.  Thanks for the help.  I appreciate it.