Do I need a MIG Welder?

[sixdogs]

I think your right. I took a welding class about 30 years ago but I need some learning. I'm sure I forgot more than they taught me.

I took the class twice. After the first time I was good but still a little bewildered. During the second class I was much more relaxed and really soaked up the info and got some great practice in.

 

[Arc weld]

Nothing better than having someone with experience beside you. You'll be pleased with all the projects you'll be able to do now.

 

[GPintheMitten]

Ok, here's some pics.

 

[GPintheMitten]

More pics. And a video.

 

[GPintheMitten]

Some more pics.

In this photo, you can see the "output plug" hanging down and not connected to the positive port. That's the reason I couldn't make a weld on my first try. After checking out youtube I found a video where it was plugged in and knew it was my problem.



And here's my test welds. You can see part of the weld on the left that was a fail because in my haste, I forgot to turn the gas on. The 3 welds on the right are after I turned the gas on.



And the last pic is of the scrap turned over to show penatration. My hand was not steady and my travel speed was inconsistent but I guess that will come with practice.

 

[ericher69]

The manual for that unit is online: www.everlastgenerators.com/downloads/mig.pdf This covers our smaller units. It uses the Power iMIG 205 as the base for instruction, but features, knobs and functions are essentially the same. One error correction: The arc force control DOES affect the arc (Contrary to the early manual that says it does not). My suggestion is to set it to around 7 and fine tune from there, unless you are a die hard Miller lover, then that case you may want to set your inductance (arc force control) to a wimply 2 or 3. lol.

Wouldn't need that dial if the unit was quality...lol

Some more pics. In this photo, you can see the "output plug" hanging down and not connected to the positive port. That's the reason I couldn't make a weld on my first try. After checking out youtube I found a video where it was plugged in and knew it was my problem. http://s467.photobucket.com/user/GPintheMitten/media/20140114_122647_zps3bkypczx.jpg.html And here's my test welds. You can see part of the weld on the left that was a fail because in my haste, I forgot to turn the gas on. The 3 welds on the right are after I turned the gas on. http://s467.photobucket.com/user/GPintheMitten/media/20140114_135350_zpssssiu4gl.jpg.html And the last pic is of the scrap turned over to show penatration. My hand was not steady and my travel speed was inconsistent but I guess that will come with practice. http://s467.photobucket.com/user/GPintheMitten/media/20140114_135420_zpsjcwmekmu.jpg.html

Congrats on the welder.

 

[Shield Arc]

GpintheMitten it is hard for anybody to make welds look good on a flat plate. And how many times are you really going to do that? I'd jump right into lap, and fillet joints. First in the flat position, then vertical up hill, then over head. Then think about doing some V-butt plates in all 4-positions.:thumbsup:

 

[GPintheMitten]

Am I supposed to push the gun into the weld or pull it like I would a stick electrode? I had a hard time trying to see the puddle. But I only had a couple of minutes because I had to go out of town. I'll try some more this afternoon.

I'm anxious to weld on my new cab but I think a little practice with scrap first is called for.

Thanks guys.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

Am I supposed to push the gun into the weld or pull it like I would a stick electrode? I had a hard time trying to see the puddle. But I only had a couple of minutes because I had to go out of town. I'll try some more this afternoon.

I'm anxious to weld on my new cab but I think a little practice with scrap first is called for.

Thanks guys.

I'd push it. Some people will tell you to pull. You have to lean in while you are welding to see the arc with about any process. The biggest mistake most beginner welders make is trying to stay upright. Unless you are good and experienced, that just doesn't work. Use both hands if necessary to steady and prop. There's no shame in that. It'll help keep speed consistent too.

 

[Shield Arc]

Am I supposed to push the gun into the weld or pull it like I would a stick electrode? I had a hard time trying to see the puddle.

A lot of people will say it makes no difference, I'm like Mark, with Mig I push, with anything that produces slag I drag.
Here is a good chart by Miller.