I can Weld, I can't weld, I can Weld, This is getting very frustrating.

[cdaigle430]

i think that if the nozzle is melting then your too close to the material. Welding is an art-takes steady hand and the ability to control the puddle. If you hate welding your never gonna get "good" at it. I never got "good" at it even though I went to vocational school for metal fabrication, had the best teachers. Learn to like or love it and you will be fine.

But shaky hands added to my frustration and though I graduated I only worked at two places as a welder. then I switched to IT

 

[Industrial Toys]

I have made millions of solder connections and pride myself on nice looking soldering and welds. If you care about the appearance of your work, that has to be a plus.

I guess, I really need to address the visual aspect of my welding, meaning doing something so I can see. Tried a cheater which helped, but really still can't see jack S#$#!

 

[WranglerX]

Cheater lenses in helmet, lots of light on weld joint, highlight line for bead with marker, tilt head over to side to watch puddle (not over top of gun), scrupulously prep joint for weld, cataract surgery.... But all that is already been mentioned....And the there is the practice aspect...

BUT all this has already been mentioned....

Dale

 

[Industrial Toys]

I neve thought of the highliner. No contamination issue? Won't it melt away a good distance away? It's lame but a straight edge might work so I'm not going off joint into the ruhbarb. In fact, a really good welder just welded a fuel tank for me and used a straight edge to stay on course where seams were very narrow. Poor guy has a lot of pressure on him because he has to do every weld job that has to look especially good.

 

[WranglerX]

I neve thought of the highliner. No contamination issue? Won't it melt away a good distance away? It's lame but a straight edge might work so I'm not going off joint into the ruhbarb. In fact, a really good welder just welded a fuel tank for me and used a straight edge to stay on course where seams were very narrow. Poor guy has a lot of pressure on him because he has to do every weld job that has to look especially good.

Have had good luck with these.... Also practical for marking a lot of things... Use then a lot of metal fabrication for cutting/drilling etc:... Mark it wrong, a bit of carb cleaner (or solvent) erases wrong marks.....

Forney brand, they come in Black, White, Red, Yellow....

Dale

 

[Industrial Toys]

Had some frustration on the weekend. Had a fuel tank laser cut, formed and welded, but I screwed it up and had to make corrections for the mounting tabs. 10 or 12 gauge mild steel.

I couldn't get that Lincoln to weld right on this thing that matters to me, to save my life.

As usual, most of the time, the 035 just explodes when starting the arc and fuses in a ball to the tip.

Then, it sounds more like a torch, without the sizzle, probably like spray transfer but ugly.

So, consulted the chart, which I didn't know was there. And kind of got it sounding like a MIG should, but it seriously seemed to lack any power. Checked the electrical jumpers again, in case I had selected the wrong voltage (running on 230 single phase).

I got it to weld, but with my stitching habit, learned from stick, there was way too much filler, but not too bad a looking weld.


As far as the light goes. It was in bright sunlight, and I couldn't see bugger all. Just the ARC.

Testing the thing for leaks was way more fun! My friends welds were flawless, and I was interested to learn that he had used the same welder I have at their shop.




Needed a diver in the water for this more comprehensive test. lol Told the Lady friend to look for me on the next property if she blows!

 

[Big Barn]

I have a portable work frame/bench like yours!!

View attachment 620541

Where is that tank going? (After it’s Saturday nite bath?). LOL

 

[Industrial Toys]

It was meant to be part of my "quick and easy" conversion of a mobile Onan Generator to Stationary use.

 

[Big Barn]

Nice! I figured it was something like that with the orientation of mounts and fittings.

 

[jaxs]

Ok,I think I see the problem. It's either something minor,something major or it might be a combonation. Let's eliminate as many things as possible then concentrate only on what's left. You mentioned having good relations with one or more good welders. Why don't you ask one of them to weld something with your machine? If they can't do well,they will help figure out if the problem is caused by wire,gas or the machine. If and when they can run good beads,you try it with same settings to see what the result is. If you are still unable to lay good beads,at least you know it isn't the machine or consumiables. Leave the settings or at least write them down. Pratice on same material with same settings until you get the hang of it. You mentioned inability to see,have you had an eye test recently? Narrow it down so you know what you need and your frusteration level should lessen.