What do you do when you run out of mig wire?

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You break out the tig of course!But what do you do when your beads aren't exactly that "stack of dimes" that everybody knows and loves?You break out the camera of course!......and hopefully learn somethingThis is the beginning of a fire pit. All scrap, 1/4" bottom and 14ga sides.Weld process is 1/16" and 3/32" filler, depending on gap. E3 and 2% thoriated tungsten in 3/32". Miller DialArc HF with pedal set at 40-190 and 68 on amperage adjustment.I read DSW's post on running hotter to reduce heat input and was practicing "mashing the go pedal". I tend to weld cold.Anyways, more to come. I just wanted to get this thread stated while everything is fresh in my mind.Well, I tried to add pics through my phone but can't.Hey though, on the bright side, I picked up my first SA200 today! More on that later though..... Sent from my XT907 using TapatalkLast edited by dubl_t; 04-06-2014 at 11:15 PM.Lincoln SA 200Esab Caddy 160Thermal Arc 201TSMiller Dialarc HFI don't like making plans for the day because then the word "premeditated" gets thrown around the courtroom....
Reply:Attachment 686231I know I got most my porosity from poor prep, which is no excuse.I don't know if shake too much, our just don't have the muscle memory needed for badasss beads. Sent from my XT907 using TapatalkLincoln SA 200Esab Caddy 160Thermal Arc 201TSMiller Dialarc HFI don't like making plans for the day because then the word "premeditated" gets thrown around the courtroom....
Reply:Penetration seems to be good, I don't knowPit size is 2'x2'Sent from my XT907 using TapatalkLincoln SA 200Esab Caddy 160Thermal Arc 201TSMiller Dialarc HFI don't like making plans for the day because then the word "premeditated" gets thrown around the courtroom....
Reply:It will hold.Grind them smooth and shoot it.Just a couple welders, big hammers, grinders, and torches.Work will free you.Men in dirty jeans built this country, while men in clean suits have destroyed it. Trump/Carson 2016-2024
Reply:If I run out of MIG wire, I either go get more or switch to stick welding. TIG is not an option for me right now.
Reply:i dont ever run out. i always have an extra spool.
Reply:Originally Posted by dubl_tHey though, on the bright side, I picked up my first SA200 today! More on that later though.....
Reply:Penetration looks decent, but inconsistent. No big surprise from the look of the top of the bead though. I'd honestly rater see the penetration you got with inconsistent beads, then really nice beads with no sign of penetration. Thick to thin can be a challenge, I don't think you did all taht bad overall.Things that can help consistency. Are you resting your torch hand on something to maintain a consistent height? Free hand is all well and good, and is important in the long run, but taking that variable out of the equation when possible isn't bad. If you look at many of Zaps posts he'll have an arm rest or block set up to rest his hand on when welding. Maintain a consistent feed rate. It's not always easy to do and I know if I haven't done tig in a while constantly, my ability to feed filler consistently suffers. Practice....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:Originally Posted by AKweldshopIt will hold.Grind them smooth and shoot it.
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWPenetration looks decent, but inconsistent. No big surprise from the look of the top of the bead though. I'd honestly rater see the penetration you got with inconsistent beads, then really nice beads with no sign of penetration. Thick to thin can be a challenge, I don't think you did all taht bad overall.Things that can help consistency. Are you resting your torch hand on something to maintain a consistent height? Free hand is all well and good, and is important in the long run, but taking that variable out of the equation when possible isn't bad. If you look at many of Zaps posts he'll have an arm rest or block set up to rest his hand on when welding. Maintain a consistent feed rate. It's not always easy to do and I know if I haven't done tig in a while constantly, my ability to feed filler consistently suffers. Practice...
Reply:Originally Posted by 7A749Nuthin a grinder won't fix bro. It's not falling apart, just keep burning rod man. Clean metal helps too.
Reply:I put the top support ring on tonight, no filler and same settings. Better, but nothing to write home about.I think I'm pulling my filler out of the argon shield, cuz with no filler my porosity was alot less. Sent from my XT907 using TapatalkLincoln SA 200Esab Caddy 160Thermal Arc 201TSMiller Dialarc HFI don't like making plans for the day because then the word "premeditated" gets thrown around the courtroom....
Reply:Steel and alum you need to use filler. You need the deoxidixers and alloying components in the mix..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:Originally Posted by DSWSteel and alum you need to use filler. You need the deoxidixers and alloying components in the mix.
Reply:Hard to explain bud but here goes. With tig you really have to learn and relax and float like a butterfly. That is probably a better practice trying to get that down to second nature than anything else. After that feeding wire accurately while watching the bead profile as you add to your puddle. Just practice and focus, but never practice on a project. I hate being bi-polar it's awsomeMy Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Reply:Originally Posted by weldermikeHard to explain bud but here goes. With tig you really have to learn and relax and float like a butterfly. That is probably a better practice trying to get that down to second nature than anything else. After that feeding wire accurately while watching the bead profile as you add to your puddle. Just practice and focus, but never practice on a project.
Reply:Originally Posted by weldermike Just practice and focus, but never practice on a project.
Reply:Get rid of mill scale back a inch or so. Stay with the 1/16 filler after a while you will find you like it more. "For build things of this thickness" I think the smaller filler just tends to give you a little more control. Sometimes you just have to feed it faster. Seat time is the biggest one in my option though. As long as you understand the fundamentals. Reading the puddle and hand,foot,eye coordination will come. Just look at the difference between the first posted welds and the second set. I know you didn't run filler but the motions were more consistent. No need to mash the pedal on steel though. That's the nice thing about steel you can work it at a slower pace. Sure you might have a little more heat input but on a project like this I say no big deal. Aluminum you have to mash it and get going. Most importantly don't get frustrated. Your doing good man. Hope this helps nice project also.-Keaton
Reply:Originally Posted by DSW If a few nuns and puppies are harmed by the falling books, that's their problem.
Reply:Originally Posted by MinnesotaDaveSafety first - Save the nuns and puppies At least save this nuns puppies.....
Reply:Originally Posted by MinnesotaDaveSafety first - Save the nuns and puppies At least save this nuns puppies.....
Reply:Originally Posted by sbchp355Oh those nuns have such big hearts. Awesome Dave!
Reply:Thanks all. That "float like a butterfly" hit home, I know I'm tense...death grip on the torch and all. And nuns! Well, who don't like nuns Sent from my XT907 using TapatalkLincoln SA 200Esab Caddy 160Thermal Arc 201TSMiller Dialarc HFI don't like making plans for the day because then the word "premeditated" gets thrown around the courtroom....
Reply:When the MIG runs out I grab the gun for the flux core welder that sits on top of the MIG. If that runs out I'll grab the TIG but only if it is a clean easy to get to spot. If not I'll just run to the LWS and buy up some more wire.
Reply:Originally Posted by VPTWhen the MIG runs out I grab the gun for the flux core welder that sits on top of the MIG. If that runs out I'll grab the TIG but only if it is a clean easy to get to spot. If not I'll just run to the LWS and buy up some more wire.Ok, put on legs and the adjustable grate.Here's one of the anti theft loopAnd one last tig weld just for kicksI'd like to thank everybody for the help, it is appreciated.Now, how 'bout some more nunsSent from my XT907 using TapatalkLincoln SA 200Esab Caddy 160Thermal Arc 201TSMiller Dialarc HFI don't like making plans for the day because then the word "premeditated" gets thrown around the courtroom....
Reply:Originally Posted by dubl_tOk, put on legs and started the adjustable grate.Here's one of the anti theft loopAnd one last tig weld just for kicksI'd like to thank everybody for the help, it is appreciated.Now, how 'bout some more nunsSent from my XT907 using Tapatalk
Reply:Originally Posted by dubl_tNow, how 'bout some more nunsSent from my XT907 using Tapatalk
Reply:Holy crap Dave, I knew you'd come through You definitely added to this thread!Sent from my XT907 using TapatalkLincoln SA 200Esab Caddy 160Thermal Arc 201TSMiller Dialarc HFI don't like making plans for the day because then the word "premeditated" gets thrown around the courtroom....
Reply:Originally Posted by dubl_tHoly crap Dave, I knew you'd come through You definitely added to this thread!Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk