Made my first weld - have two questions

admin

The welds looked fairly decent. I am using a Lincoln SP135T on some 1/8 scrap. Wire size is .023 which I know is small for the material. I am going to pick up some .030 tomorrow. Amps are set at highest setting and wire speed was 7 (I guess that is relative).Twice I had the tip get clogged to the point I had to change tips. Was this caused by dipping the tip into the puddle? Also, I had one spot in the weld with porosity. Since the weld is Ok otherwise, is this caused by dirt, too long stickout, me, etc? My gas is set at 20; too high?Lee TiltonSCCA F500 Pilot
Reply:Well pics would tell the story much better...As far as tips go..I have a Elcheapo Harbor Freight Fluxcore rig..Sometimes the tips get too hot and make the wire stick inside and then the birds nest of wire happens inside the unit.. Snip the wire off and replace the tip but when the hot one cools down take a file and file the tip smooth...Then use a small punch and push the wire back down the tip and yank it out the backside with vice grips..Get some tip cleaners for a cutting torch and ream out the hole a little bigger and then you can re-use them..I do it when needed.....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:Was the wire buring back up into the tip?
Reply:Originally Posted by tresiWas the wire buring back up into the tip?
Reply:Originally Posted by F500Yes, it appears so.
Reply:As sort of serious and humorous at the same time===during your very first welding (wf) experiences isn't the time to worry alot about tip issues or porosity for that matter. Get a handfull and keep on truckin.  Most tip and wire feed problems just "go away" after you gain some experience and become familiar with your machine and settings.
Reply:Originally Posted by F500The welds looked fairly decent. I am using a Lincoln SP135T on some 1/8 scrap. Wire size is .023 which I know is small for the material. I am going to pick up some .030 tomorrow. Amps are set at highest setting and wire speed was 7 (I guess that is relative).Twice I had the tip get clogged to the point I had to change tips. Was this caused by dipping the tip into the puddle? Also, I had one spot in the weld with porosity. Since the weld is Ok otherwise, is this caused by dirt, too long stickout, me, etc? My gas is set at 20; too high?
Reply:How much stickout did you have?  If you can feel a jerking in the mig gun, change the tip.  I get Tweeco for $3.00 got a pkg of 10.  Bernard are about $4.50 for 10.  At weldingdepot.com .   Maybe get another roll of wire so you can burn the first one up practicing.  Enjoy your new toy We want to see pics!   I guess I wouldn't use a miller tip in my lincoln guns.   DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:yep, just remember on that 1/8th (if you do some serious stuff) multipass 't' type joints and try and allways do both sides of a flat joint.  very cool.Various GrindersVictor Journeyman torch200cf Acet. 250cf oxygenLincoln 175 plus/alpha2 gunLincoln v205t tigLincoln 350mpEsab 650 plasmaWhen you can get up in the morning, Its a good day.Live each day like its your last.