First beads with a MIG welder

admin

Kinda labeled them in order of how I did them. But basically I got the welder hooked up and just spend 30 min. or so throwing some small beads down. The welder is the Harbor Freight 120 amp, and flux core wire. I know I didnt spend much time on it or throw two pieces together but I figured I would get some opinions anyhow.Thanks,SmittyLast edited by zapster; 01-15-2011 at 12:34 PM.
Reply:By #9 it's starting to look better"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Not bad for starters... Just keep on practicing, and be steady..[Account Abandoned 8/8/16 Please Do Not Attempt Contact Or Expect A Reply]. See you on YouTube! -ChuckE2009
Reply:thx guys, I feel like I cant really see a good puddle or anything as Im welding sometimes
Reply:Well thats a problem... Haha...You'll never get a good weld without seeing the puddle...Next time that you are practicing, strike an arc, and let the machine weld for a few seconds, you should see a "glob" or a "pool" of molten metal start to form. It is going to be orange-ish, or green, depending on your helmet. Then, youll see where the wire is feeding into the puddle, melting and becoming part of the puddle. Just start to move the wire away from the middle of the puddle, slowly, and there you go. You should be using a comfortable gun angle, that lets you hold the gun easily and see whats going on. Good luck :-)[Account Abandoned 8/8/16 Please Do Not Attempt Contact Or Expect A Reply]. See you on YouTube! -ChuckE2009
Reply:I think I may have had too much of an angle at times, because sometimes when I was done I would go from like, a half inch of wire to two inches or wire poking out of the gun!
Reply:move your head, not your gun to see the puddle, More stickout means less amps so what your set at wont be what your welding at if your stickout is too far.25 years of age.Been welding since Feb 23rd 2009.LU1007 Millwright (A1)
Reply:thanks. did what you all said, got back out there and gave it a shot and I feel like Im getting much more comfortable. I took some pics of the practice I did today, will post them up here tonight or tomorrow night