How to transition to MIG?

[Big Barn]

Sounds like a cool project to me!

 

[BigBlue1]

Wow!! What a difference an auto-darkening helmet makes. Especially one that can be adjusted to the correct shade for MIG welding instead of my old-school stick welding helmet. Really nice to be able to see not only the arc itself but the puddle and the surrounding metal a bit too. With my new helmet I might even get better at stick welding.

Couple of test welds with the new setup. First one is flux core. Second one is solid wire and C25. As you can see from the left side of that one, I started out without gas until I realized my problem.





I think I'm going to like this MIG stuff.

Rob

 

[ovrszd]

You realize you have to give details. What settings? What thickness of metal? Push or pull?

 

[dragoneggs]

Wow!! What a difference an auto-darkening helmet makes. Especially one that can be adjusted to the correct shade for MIG welding instead of my old-school stick welding helmet. Really nice to be able to see not only the arc itself but the puddle and the surrounding metal a bit too. With my new helmet I might even get better at stick welding.

Couple of test welds with the new setup. First one is flux core. Second one is solid wire and C25. As you can see from the left side of that one, I started out without gas until I realized my problem.

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I think I'm going to like this MIG stuff.

Rob

You are on your way... you will love it. Yeah, get in the habit of checking your gas and ground. It is usually one of those two that trip you up especially if it is a while between weld projects.

 

[Big Barn]

You are ON YOUR WAY Big Blue !!!

 

[BigBlue1]

1/8" steel. MIG settings: voltage 4, wire speed 4.5 (4.75 for flux). C25 @ 20cuft for solid. I guess it would be push.

 

[yomax4]

1/8" steel. MIG settings: voltage 4, wire speed 4.5 (4.75 for flux). C25 @ 20cuft for solid. I guess it would be push.

Just to note, That flux core in theory should be pulled or dragged but it being what it is, It's hard to tell either way. Looking good !!

 

[the old grind]

Did you get those numbers, Richard?

 

[BigBlue1]

Just to note, That flux core in theory should be pulled or dragged but it being what it is, It's hard to tell either way. Looking good !!

I was going right to left with that one so I'm not sure exactly what that would be considered. Probably angled towards the left, so that's why I said push.

I'm looking forward to trying stick welding with this new helmet too. I might not be bad at striking an arc when I can actually see the parts being welded. And if I can see the puddle I might do a better job with the actual weld. Maybe I just needed a $75 helmet and not a $800 welder?? ;-) Just kidding! I always need another tool and it has been a _long_ time since I got a major one.

Rob

 

[Big Barn]

Did you ever mention what auto dark helmet you bought?