frame welding settings?

[BK]

quick question, what settings are you guys running on your welders, heat, speed, size wire, for welding up frames, 1/4, 3/16, and 3/8? just curious.

[bobthecop]

ttt

[thekid54]

That's a pretty vague question. There are a lot of factors involved like wire size, type of shielding gas, type of machine, etc. I adjust my settings to get good penatration and a good looking weld. That could vary depending on where and what I'm welding (vertical, overhead, thick-to-thin,etc.) I have a Millermatic 175, CO2/Argon mix gas, and .030 wire. On frame stuff I was usually running 7-9V and 70-90 wire speed. Hope that helps.

[BK]

yeah, thats what i did mostly on my frame, and all my sheetmetal fab, i had lots of test welds first. i just ordered and will be arriving soon a licoln 180t mig and plan to use gas. Im going to be re-back-halfing my frame, and will be welding 3/16 metal. i will bevel all edges, and do continuous welds. i was just curious. im sure when i get it, ill get back into it really fast, its just been a while.

[Slammed67]

My Miller 210 has a settings chart under the cover that gets you in the ballpark based on wire size, type of gas, and thickness of metal. I start off using the recommended settings and then adjust if needed.

[XXL]

Originally Posted by Slammed67

I start off using the recommended settings and then...

... turn it up 2-3x and burn the hell out of it.

[Slmd92DIME]

I turn it up as much as I can without burning through. You have to get good penetration for it to hold well.

[BK]

for sure. keep in mind, i have welded quite a bit, i was just curious. im not cocky, im going to take a day or two getting back into the groove, and getting aquainted with the welder. should be here in under a week! and i just priced my metal, 147 for a 20ft of 2x4x3/16"

[lowrollin70gmc]

I was taught to weld on sheet metal, so thicker stuff is awesome, no burning through! I put her on full tilt boogie and see how she goes on some practice pieces.

[BK]

yeah, i was taught on like 18 guage, then 20 guage. im all ready, just need the welder, ha.

[droppedgmc]

in running .030 wire, 4.5-speed, 6-heat on my craftsman mig. that gets a good burn onto the frame

[fireout]

Fire up the cracker box if you want good penetration on your welds.

[abadsvt]

Also something that many people aren't aware of is that when you weld a butt weld on metal that is a little thicker 1/8, 3/16 and so on is to grind down the edge to a 45* angle which creates a "V" that way when you weld you are welding both sides. That is what i did when i built my frame. The welds are very strong. Anyways good luck and i agree with everyone turn it up and if you have a 110/220 wire feed try to use the 220.

[BK]

for sure. i do chamfer all my thicket metals. i will be using this thing very hot.