Mig worms..

Rusty4242 · Jul 5, 2008

I was using my Millermatic 175 to weld the seams of 18 gallon hydraulic oil tank
for the splitter I'm finishing. The seams were smooth and sound until I started seeing short "worm" like formations growing right after I stopped welding. They look like those worms of ash you see from those little burning pellets you can get a the fair. The argon / co2 is low but not empty. What's up, you welding experts?

keving · Jul 5, 2008

Sounds like a shielding issue or contamination. I'm sure someone will know for sure...

kennyd · Jul 5, 2008

The argon / co2 is low but not empty.

I think that is your problem. I have had problems also tying to use the last little bit of gas in my tank. The guy at the welding/gas supplier said when the tank gets low, it's mostly just CO2 left...

Berniep · Jul 5, 2008

I think we need pictures.
Are the "worms" forming out of voids left in the welds or are the welds themselves taking on the appearance of the worms?.

wushaw · Jul 5, 2008

I have found in my little amt. of experience is contamination is 99% cause of worms growing after the weld.
Every now an again I will get a gust of wind right at the end of a weld and get a grow worm.

I refill my bottle when I get down to @ 100psi.

Scooby074 · Jul 5, 2008

Contamination, either low gas or oil on the metal. Try grinding metal clean if you already aren't.

sandman2234 · Jul 6, 2008

If you own the bottles, and have to pay for their maintance (hydrostat tests)
it would be well advised to not run the bottles completely dry anyway. Leaving a small amount in the bottle keeps the humidity in the air from entering the bottle, which is what causes internal rusting, and bottles failing the hydrostat tests. On Oxy/Act rigs, the pressure also helps keep the Acetelyne from entering the Oxygen bottle should an O-ring in your torch fail. Basically it is just a good idea not to completely empty a high pressure bottle, such as Oxygen/welding gases, etc.
David from jax

Rusty4242 · Jul 7, 2008

It turns out that the problem was the gas. There was still 250 or 300 PSI left
in the tank. Hooked up a full tank and was off to the races with no problems, once the new gas got thru the hose. Those bubbly worms were hollow and slag like. Ground them off and rewelded those spots. Thanks for the help, Larry
I'll post a photo of my splitter when its done.