![]() |
|
![]() |
#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Austin, MN
Posts: 117
|
Check out my welding
Got a new welder from harbor freight and trying wire feed (no gas) welding for the first time. As you can see, I suck. Can anyone tell by the pic what my major malfunction is? This is an old box side that's going to the junk anyway. Tried different speeds, kinda looks the same, minimum setting.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: USA
Posts: 255
|
Re: Check out my welding
I'm not a professional or an authority on welding by any means but all those craters come from not have any sheilding gas to protect the puddle. It will be easier for us to help once you get some gas so we can see what you can really do.
Those large holes are where the heat was too high and the puddle just blew through. For a butt weld on sheetmetal, it's best to take your time and just do a series of spot welds. Pull the trigger for about a second, let it cool for a few seconds or jump to another area then zap it for another second. The long "stack of coins" type of welding is used on much thicker material. Keep practicing, you'll get it in no time. We all started out doing the same thing. Last edited by silverstreak; 06-01-2010 at 07:35 PM. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#3 |
Prestige Worldwide
![]() Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Worldwide
Posts: 2,553
|
Re: Check out my welding
Are you using flux core?
Last edited by Number98; 06-01-2010 at 07:23 PM. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Northwest NJ
Posts: 746
|
Re: Check out my welding
Grinding the area clean to bare matal will help. Chris
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Austin, MN
Posts: 117
|
Re: Check out my welding
I'm for sure staying in one spot too long. Farting is the only gas I have for this welder (not capable). I did clean the area with a flap wheel first. Should I stay at a minimum wire speed?
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#6 |
My Carbon Footprint
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Orygun
Posts: 5,527
|
Re: Check out my welding
First of all.....you should try opening your eyes!!! LOL
Just kidding and that's how you learn. I'm not sure how the chinese welders do but you need to weld with the flux core wire at about .035. I learned on that but once you weld with gas you will never go back!!!!!!!!! ....and farting on your weld is NOT what I'm talking about! Last edited by prostreetC-10; 06-01-2010 at 07:27 PM. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#7 |
Active Member
![]() Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Centrally located between Houston, Austin and Waco. BCS area.
Posts: 7,947
|
Re: Check out my welding
Problem with gas is that you have to be in an area where there's no wind. Preferably in a metal building or similar. I agree that it's the way to go if you're welder is set up for it. If not, just keep practicing using different settings, vary your speed, and/or try different wire sizes.
Welding is a learned process and takes practice -somewhat like painting. One of the things I've learned on this site is that if you really want a good quality weld, you have to buy a good, quality welder. So, I'm still holding off until I can afford one. ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#8 |
Prestige Worldwide
![]() Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Worldwide
Posts: 2,553
|
Re: Check out my welding
All of these are good advice.
Minimum wire speed is also not always the best way to go.... as the puddle heats and the base material begins to melt you will need to add "enough" wire to fill the keyhole... thus speeding up the wire some will help fill in this gap. Practice, practice, practice.... you will have to "play" with your welders settings some until you find the best settings for the material you are working with. Not all welders will react the same so get to know yours. Last edited by Number98; 06-01-2010 at 07:46 PM. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#9 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Austin, MN
Posts: 117
|
Re: Check out my welding
Cleaned a spot to bare metal for the ground but was using an extension cord. Will eliminate the cord. The ext. cord did have a ground on it tho.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: orlando
Posts: 456
|
Re: Check out my welding
.035 is too heavy for that sheet metal. In order for .035 to meld w/ the steel you must get it way too hot. That's why you must use something thinner, say .025. Flux core can be a bear but that's all you can use SOMETIMES outside if it's windy. It's much easier to learn with steel wire & gas. Also, I'm a "spend the good money up front" kind of guy when it comes to tools, ESPECIALLY big ticket stuff. You'll have it much longer, & you'll have less problems. For the truck sheet metal, spot weld, move a coupla inches, spot weld, move a coupla inches, etc. Until you get it all filled in. Then grind it down and fill in the low spots. Then grind some more. Patience & practice.
There's an old question that goes: "What makes a GOOD welder?..............A GRINDER. Keep practicing. Go to:millerwelds.com You'll love it
__________________
A man's thoughts devise his ways; but it's GOD that directs his steps. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#11 |
My Carbon Footprint
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Orygun
Posts: 5,527
|
Re: Check out my welding
zeeklu reminded me of something. Your ground is extremely important. Can't clap onto paint. You really should sand off a spot so you can clamp to bare metal. I'm guessing this is a 110 welder? Electrical supply can make a difference. Try to plug into a clean outlet with no other items plugged in and stay away from extension cords!
Last edited by prostreetC-10; 06-01-2010 at 07:45 PM. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#12 |
My Carbon Footprint
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Orygun
Posts: 5,527
|
Re: Check out my welding
You are right on the .035 John. I got my wires crossed. It's REALLY hard to weld good into just a thin gague as sheet metal with flux core. You really need to try and get gas!
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#13 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Austin, MN
Posts: 117
|
Re: Check out my welding
I'm using .039 at the moment. Should I drop to .025?
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#14 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Austin, MN
Posts: 117
|
Re: Check out my welding
I mean't .030, not .039.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#15 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: central pa
Posts: 1,525
|
Re: Check out my welding
You need to be at bare metal all around the weld area front and preferably back. I would start welding with the panel upright, It is easier to get the right angle with the gun and practice/practice/practice. The smaller the wire the less burn through, Around here it is near impossible to get anything smaller than .035 flux. With sheet metal you really don't want to "run a bead" you want many many spots to close a seam.
__________________
72 longhorn c30 502BB/th400/fact air/4.11rear/ custom camper 72 bug(the better half's) under reconstruction 2009 HHR aqua blue 71 GMC k20 350/sm465 2009 Chevy hd3500 6.6 Victory Red crew cab dually Dave & Jeanne |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#16 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Fort Walton Beach, Fl
Posts: 357
|
Re: Check out my welding
find you a thicker piece to practice on until you get the hang of the welder. flux is very difficult to weld sheet metal with. weld prep is very important clean all paint possible off. practice lots.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#17 |
Official Site Guitar Shredder
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Oz
Posts: 3,955
|
Re: Check out my welding
all great and sound advice....And I would agree...Switching to gas would help a lot...And making sure you have a good clean ground is number one...And make sure the pieces to be welded are oil and paint free.....Flux core does have its place...And for the most part...Its not on sheet metal....Good Luck and practice.......
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#18 |
Grandpa in the rustmobile...
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Spokane WA/Viola TN
Posts: 11,422
|
Re: Check out my welding
you need GAS man! after that and cleaning the metal its not too bad watch burnin those holes there a pain to refill LOL
__________________
John Goose-1968 C10 355,9.32-1CR, Vortec Heads ,262 voodoo, 3.73:1 3OTT (HS ride/beater/farm truck) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=317684 Grams 53-1953 Chevrolet Belair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4327784 1969 Chevy C10 Shortbed 4.5/6?" Frame off resto http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=548136 1999 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#19 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Malaga, N.J.
Posts: 171
|
Re: Check out my welding
__________________
C/10 John N.J. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#20 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 581
|
Re: Check out my welding
x3 on clean bare metal before welding, its that important! you will notice a HUGE difference. Practice
__________________
"I'll Procrastinate Tomorrow" quote by LEEVON 71 K10 long fleet (sons truck) new 370hp 355, sm465 np205, 3.73's 33's 70 K20 long fleet 98 G3500 work van |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#21 |
printing is my trade
Join Date: May 2009
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 349
|
Re: Check out my welding
I too ran the flux core welder from harbor freight for a few weeks before giving up and buying a gas unit. Sheet metal is too thin for the flux core (at least for me anyway). Burn through all the time. I'm sure some people have made quality flux core sheet metal welds but I'm not sure how.
I took the new gas welder home and was making acceptable welds by the second session. You'd be surprised what a difference it makes. Also I haven't seen any flux welding material that's thinner than .035. After switching to gas, I started with .025 but quickly switched to .030 after getting the hang of it.
__________________
Jojo's '70 stepside build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=344184 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#22 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: N. Vancouver Island
Posts: 122
|
Re: Check out my welding
I use a argon / co2 mix with .023 wire using my miller.. and it welds body panels beautifully.. remember that you need to weld in short bursts and distribute the weld and really watch your heat.
Speeds and phase differ on what type of metal, alot of reproduction panels are cheap chinese thin diameter steel.. american made panels are alot nicer to weld and normally are slightly thicker and closer to the original.
__________________
* 1968 GMC Swb - 98% done (current restoration) * 1971 Chevy Lwb - Retired Dump Hauler * 1982 K10 Longbox - New Dump Hauler Last edited by Deaol; 06-01-2010 at 11:54 PM. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#23 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon 97123
Posts: 1,300
|
Re: Check out my welding
throw the wire that came with the welder away..its crap.....go buy some Miller or lincoln wire.....thats Horbor freight wire is just crap....its a ok home hobbie welder just get rid of the wire
__________________
Measure with a yard stick Mark with Chalk Cut with a torch ![]() Built it yourself, don't count on others to to do it for you or with you. It will never get done |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#24 | ||
"I ain't nobody, dork."
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Whidbey Island, Washington
Posts: 8,940
|
Re: Check out my welding
You need .025 wire and your prolly too hot as well. Proper surface prep is a must.
I weld up to 3/16" with .025 and shielding gas... just do a little swirl action to grab metal... The cheap made welders with no gas welding and flux core wire really arent set up to well to do sheet metal... get a couple hunks of 1/8" angle Iron or flat bar and you'll notice it's easier to do. Gary
__________________
'cuz chicks dig scars... My 1972 GMC 1500 Super Custom (Creeping Death) "long term" build thread. The Rebuild of Creeping Death after the wreck Quote:
Quote:
|
||
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#25 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Austin, MN
Posts: 117
|
Re: Check out my welding
Gas isn't an option right now (cash), so I'm going for the quality .025 wire for now. There's more and better detailed info on this thread than any article or web site that I've ever seen. Good stuff guys!
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Bookmarks |
|
|