Obed
Elite Member
Joshua,Pardon me if you've mentioned it and I missed it, but is there a reason you aren't practicing on thinner metal?
I did start practicing with thinner material. Here are the links. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/projects/157965-home-woods-497.html#post3262898
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/projects/157965-home-woods-497.html
I am now practicing on 1/4" metal because that is a similar to the thickness I'll be using when I mount the ball hitches on my box blade and scraper blade.
Yes, most of my T-welds were cold welds. However, the welds at the end of my practice day were much better than the first.I still really think you are asking too much of your welder, working on metal that thick. Almost all of the welds you're showing look cold to me. You have managed to produce a few that look like they got okay penetration, but you are leaving yourself no margin for error at all. On top of that, you are really making life hard for yourself, trying to learn under such adverse conditions. I admire your persistence--I'll say that.
Yes I am pushing the limits of my cheap welder. I'm also pushing the limits of my inexperience.
Obed