Welding 101 tips and tricks.

[sweetk30]

I have a can of some kind of cleaner I would assume that would be the nozzle dip.

Would that be the reason for having the problem?

cleaner is cleaner .

nozzle dip keeps weld slag / and junk from clogging the gun tip .

http://www.uwelddirect.com/0-108-16.html

get a practice weld going . then when tip warm lightly dip the tip in the nozzle dip . but don't shove it all the way in or plug the tip area up so shielding gas can not come out .

thin coating is all that's needed. this stuff lasts a long time in this size jar . but man does it save you a lot of cleaning and stuff.

also don't use brake cleaner or related products for clean prepping parts . during welding it burns off and creates a DEATH gas

 

[Babaganoosh]

I was on the floor, I have access to the scrap bin at work from the body shop so I want to use all the free metal I can get.

 

[Richcz28]

Definitely get off the floor. I have a metal cart that I weld on. I can hook the ground right to the cart. I keep the top ground clean so I get good contact. I have also have a vice and a bench grinder on the cart.

 

[BBC]

I can help you get started if you would like. I will bring over my mask and give you some pointers. I'm on your side of town as well. Pm me if you want

 

[Babaganoosh]

Might have to take you up on the offer. I'm off the freeway and deer valley or beardsley.

 

[livid4dirt]

Definitely get off the floor. I have a metal cart that I weld on. I can hook the ground right to the cart. I keep the top ground clean so I get good contact. I have also have a vice and a bench grinder on the cart.

This...Get in a comfy position to learn. Run stringer beads til you get a handle on it. You will have plenty of time for out of position welding when you actually start welding on rigs and what not.

 

[wasted wages]

Keep adjusting your settings a little at a time until you can run a short stringer bead that sounds like sizzling bacon when you pull the trigger....

A good set up mig is easy to lay down a bead......if the gun is jumping and sticking to the work piece ,something is wrong,,, adjust you settings a little at a time....
In time you will get a feel for the speed and the heat range you need to be in....

Practice, practice, practice.....and don't be afraid to move the knobs ....just do it in small amounts,,,and see if it helps or gets worse...and listen for the sizzle!!!

When you hear it your there!

 

[Babaganoosh]

I was thinking today and checked the sheet on the inside. I had my wire speed at 80 and the base guide says 60.


Yes I have the pictures on my phone.

 

[Babaganoosh]

Got to mess with it for about a hour or so after work today before it got to dark.

I brought over my harbor freight helmet and wow what a difference. As mentioned above I was using a wire speed of 80 when the cheat sheet called for 60. The cleaner I have a can of wouldn't spray well but I was able to get some out. It was a silicone spray? Still having trouble with burning up the tips and not staying clean but that will come around.

The top one going vertical is my brother in laws with a wire speed of 60. The top of the 3 is my first one at 60,2nd one was at 55 and the 3rd was at 50.

This was my final weld, I wanted to go from one side to the other.

Overall, I'm extremely happy with this and having a blast.

 

[sweetk30]

fyi chart is just a starting point .

your getting better . keep playing and posting pics .

 

[Babaganoosh]

Yes which is why I went down a little sense it looked a little to fast for me. Thank you, I'm extremely please with today's results vs yesterdays disaster. It can only get better from here.

 

[sweetk30]

and go get some nozzle dip . you will thank me .

also work the gun tip a little in to each piece in a weaving pattern kind of . it will get you a better weld .

also more weld time / heat goes in to the thicker material if to different thickness pieces .

best way is just play with scrap .

 

[jekquistk5]

Welder

That last one is better but far fom good. Keep at it gun and puddle control are key. Like I said before good helmet allows you to see, and you have to see the puddle.

Keep at it

 

[jekquistk5]

Before welding on your truck. Weld in all angles vertical etc.

 

[Babaganoosh]

and go get some nozzle dip . you will thank me .

also work the gun tip a little in to each piece in a weaving pattern kind of . it will get you a better weld .

also more weld time / heat goes in to the thicker material if to different thickness pieces .

best way is just play with scrap .

By the time I remembered I stopped into harbor freight and they didn't have any.

I was using a "e" pattern to get that weld above.

 

[sweetk30]

try a stich left/right weaving .

 

[Babaganoosh]

I wish the garage had better lighting it just has a single bulb in the center.

I picked up the nozzle dip today. I went for the gel vs the spray can.

 

[Babaganoosh]

Had some more time today, not a lot but some. I'm really starting to see something now.

The 4 horizontal lines are weaving the vertical ones are e's

 

[sweetk30]

much better danyo son wax on/ wax off has you lookin good.

and good heat in the weld as seen on the back side.

 

[Babaganoosh]

Thank you. I have found I go way to slow, suggested wire speed is 60 I was between 40 and 45 on those welds.

And the nozzle dip worked great, far less clogs. Now if I could just get the trigger to feed the wire consistently I would be happy, the slightest bend in the line and the wire doesn't feed.