Woot! Got my Lincoln Mig 140 ! Need help.

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Well, I ordered the SP 140 T from Weldingweb last week and it came yesterday. I hooked up everything and it's very nice and well built. Definitely worth the $524 shipped. I am running the factory spec, Fluxed Cored right now and welded on some metal pieces. I want to weld aluminum and can someone please tell me how?Well, with the package I got 2 spools of wire. One is the N211, Fluxed cored steel. And the other is N something and it says to use "Argon/Co2.I was thinking of using this wire or buy aluminum wire and get a 38" tank with Argon/CO2 mix.  Is this good?Do I need that Magnum Spool gun thingie?
Reply:In addition, My flux cored welding sucks ballz. Can someone post some pictures of their Flux Cored welding. I think it's very ugly and glob like, or maybe I just suck.I really want a nice wave of welds but Globs are the only thing I can produce. That's why I want gas MIG maybe I can get better results..Am I nuts or noob?
Reply:Gas mig can make better looking welds, but get the hang of the flux core first.  As for the aluminum, don't bother for a long time.  Pushing aluminum is a pain in the azz and your machine doesn't have enough amps to weld much aluminum.Run some beads and show some picsDavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Also be sure you have the wires inside correct for your process.  The panel shold tell you what you need to do.Build a Barstool Racer at BarFlyRacers.com!
Reply:Originally Posted by Absolutist24In addition, My flux cored welding sucks ballz. Can someone post some pictures of their Flux Cored welding. I think it's very ugly and glob like, or maybe I just suck.I really want a nice wave of welds but Globs are the only thing I can produce. That's why I want gas MIG maybe I can get better results..Am I nuts or noob?
Reply:and you need to use straight argon for aluminum. still buy the co2/argon mix and practice some gas  weldinghttp://www.aloumac.ca/
Reply:Definitely.  Thank you guys. I will definitely hold off on the aluminum for it takes a lot of amperage. I will practice with the Flux Cored for about 1-2 years before I move on. I have been welding flux for a year but just on and off and nothing consistent. I will grind down all the scrap metal I have around the back yard today and get the machine tuned in and settings right so I can hear the "Zipping" noises. "I definitely need some gear: Autodarkening, Leather apparell, and jacket."Note to self: Stop welding with flip flops, shorts, and holding Lincoln's handheld sheild. LOLThanks a lot again guys.  I'll practice like there's no tomorrow!I am buying more gear this week.  Woot!~
Reply:Here is what I did today and the quality of the welds I can do.I made a paint gun holder out of some scrap metal around the yard. The welds aren't pretty but they are solid. Let me know what I may be doing wrong. Thanks.The metal is thin, probably 1/16".  I used My SP140T / Fluxed cored. With A setting and a Feed of 1. Man! FUGLIEST welds I've ever seen. LOLLast edited by Absolutist24; 09-04-2008 at 07:31 PM.
Reply:At least you take good photosEd Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:but looks about right for Flip Flops and a hand held shield.Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:Originally Posted by Absolutist24Definitely.  Thank you guys.  I will practice with the Flux Cored for about 1-2 years before I move on. ~
Reply:Was that an Old fence/gate panel?Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:Originally Posted by Broccoli1Was that an Old fence/gate panel?
Reply:2 for one dealhttp://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/hsh/827338362.htmlYou can use the Co2 jug for your welder tooEd Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:i would try to slow your movement down and maybe try to either do circles 000000 or maybe a ))))))))))))))))) movment side to side. i am glad to see your first project is somthing not involving traffic( like a bumper or brush guard).  mine looked close to that when i first started. keep practicing and you will get it.Millermatic 211weldpack 3200 squirtgunsquare wave 200victory journeyman kitHypertherm 30xptoo much other crap to listtinkerer extraordinaire
Reply:I would not try to weld anything that depends on strength for now.  Your welds need work.  I have run .035 FCAW and my welds are beautiful.Just keep praticing and slow down.  I believe I have a photo of some welds I did in 1/4" MS with FCAW.  I will post the photos in a day or so...Build a Barstool Racer at BarFlyRacers.com!
Reply:Did you grind off the paint? Everything needs to be spotlessly clean before you start.
Reply:First you want to grind all the paint ect off before you start welding with a mig. Get you ER70S2 solid wire .023 wire or .030 wire with 75/25 mix gas If your welding in a shop set your flow meter on 15 to20 It will weld like a dream you will be more happy Fluxcore wire is junk yard welding.Start off practice with the machine on high,thick metal.Then move down to thinner metal with a lower setting. You want to get a puddle about 1/4 to 3/8 wide and a slow movement side to side to keep the width of the pudddle as you move left to right side.On the other hand if your right handed always weld from left to right if your left handed weld right to left.I use to teach welding at tec school.I learned my son to weld a mig with in one week he can pass a bend test.
Reply:Originally Posted by speeddyFirst you want to grind all the paint ect off before you start welding with a mig. Get you ER70S2 solid wire .023 wire or .030 wire with 75/25 mix gas If your welding in a shop set your flow meter on 15 to20 It will weld like a dream you will be more happy Fluxcore wire is junk yard welding.Start off practice with the machine on high,thick metal.Then move down to thinner metal with a lower setting. You want to get a puddle about 1/4 to 3/8 wide and a slow movement side to side to keep the width of the pudddle as you move left to right side.On the other hand if your right handed always weld from left to right if your left handed weld right to left.I use to teach welding at tec school.I learned my son to weld a mig with in one week he can pass a bend test.
Reply:Originally Posted by Absolutist24I've gotten sparks and debris on my head, arms, legs, foot and one landed on my nuts. It hurts really bad.
Reply:Originally Posted by jetenginedoctorI move to nominate this as quote of the month.  Anyone second this motion?
Reply:Look up Rocky D on the Hobart forum- he is in SD and would be willing to help you out.http://www.hobartwelders.com/weldtalk/member.php?u=22Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:I would clean everything way better.  There is too much paint too close to the welds.  I usually try and grind off at least 1" around the joint.  When i try and weld over paint it looks really bad, doesn't like to arc, and smokes and pops.  Even if its something with paint in the cracks, that i cannot grind out, it will not look very good, and smoke and pop more. You can double check the polarity because i have had that happen to me before.  Good position, an autodark helmet, and trying to position everything in a way that its easier to weld really helped me out.  I'm still relatively new and have only been welding for a couple years, but i have made all kinds of mistakes and could could give you some pointers on what not to do!  I'm in SD near qualcomm stadium.I love the smell of burning metal!! Started with a O/A torch, got a millermatic 180, then a old miller dialarc 250 HF watercooled tig.  This is not a cheap hobby!!
Reply:Check around in your area, inquire at the Local Welding Supply stores if any nearby, see if you can find a class, at least a one-day seminar.  I am a novice and have the same model machine.  I found a one-day seminar on MIG offered by new England School of Metalwork, held at an LWS shop.  Was very helpful.Those pics of your first welds look like loads of sputter and spatter. I see that if I have switched processes and have the leads hooked up with the wrong polarity.  Check the polarity of the work clamp and wire leads. Flux Core (FCAW) - Electrode Negative - Work Clamp Positive.  The label on the inside of the spool compartment lid can be misleading, read it carefully.Aluminum with the Lincoln MIG 140:You should add a spool gun: Lincoln Magnum 100SG.  This is an add-on designed just for aluminum.  It comes with a 1lb spool of .030 Al.  You won't do anything real heavy, but you can patch up an aluminum canoe and stuff like that.  I haven't used mine yet but expect to soon.  The manual says to use only 100% Argon for aluminum.  I have heard some other custom mixes work well, but until you gain proficiency with what is prescribed in the manuals I would use only the prescribed formula.  The Magnum 100SG has a list price of a little over $200, but a web search will reveal it can be had for less.Good luck!-MondoLast edited by Mondo; 09-09-2008 at 12:21 PM.Reason: added missing text.Member, AWSLincoln ProMIG 140Lincoln AC TombstoneCraftsman Lathe 12 x 24 c1935Atlas MFC Horizontal MillCraftsman Commercial Lathe 12 x 36 c1970- - - I'll just keep on keepin' on.
Reply:Check around in your area, inquire at the Local Welding Supply stores if any nearby, see if you can find a class, at least a one-day seminar.  I am a novice and have the same model machine.  I found a one-day seminar on MIG offered by new England School of Metalwork, held at an LWS shop.  Was very helpful.Those pics of your first welds look like loads of sputter and spatter. I see that if I have switched processes and have the leads hooked up with the wrong polarity.  Check the polarity of the work clamp and wire leads. Flux Core (FCAW) - Electrode Negative - Work Clamp Positive.  The label on the inside of the spool compartment lid can be misleading, read Aluminum with the Lincoln MIG 140:You should add a spool gun: Lincoln Magnum 100SG.  This is an add-on designed just for aluminum.  It comes with a 1lb spool of .030 Al.  You won't do anything real heavy, but you can patch up an aluminum canoe and stuff like that.  I haven't used mine yet but expect to soon.  The manual says to use only 100% Argon for aluminum.  I have heard some other custom mixes work well, but until you gain proficiency with what is prescribed in the manuals I would use only the prescribed formula.  The Magnum 100SG has a list price of a little over $200, but a web search will reveal it can be had for less.Good luck!-MondoMember, AWSLincoln ProMIG 140Lincoln AC TombstoneCraftsman Lathe 12 x 24 c1935Atlas MFC Horizontal MillCraftsman Commercial Lathe 12 x 36 c1970- - - I'll just keep on keepin' on.I agree keep Practicing!!! You should get somthing like this after your done welding with flux core. Little splatter.