 Re: Welding
I concur with everything AKwelder said. Using pure argon with steel is not recommended and usually requires less voltage, and it sometimes leaves a hummpy, skinny weld with some undercutting. I can't imagine what caused the problem near the end unless it was "arc blow", or a base metal imperfection. I sometimes put a piece of scrap metal beyond the end of the welded piece to avoid arc blow ( i.e., the weld really ends on the scrap).
I assume when you said you turned down the amperage, you meant you turned down the voltage, but it seems like you have the concept down. If I had a hummpy weld I would have probably first turned up the voltage, and then perhaps down the wire speed, however. I think your problem is that the machine doesn't allow fine enough adjustments to get the perfect looking weld. Once you get the settings just right, the weld will look great and be strong. Switches (high, low voltage) just won't do that. You could grind the weld a bit if it looks real ugly, and then paint it.
I just bought a Millermatic 211 this last week with a Spoolgun for soft metals (i.e., soft wire). It is infinitely flexible and really fantastic, but the whole shebang (filled tank, cart, out the door) was 10 times the cost of yours, unfortunately. |