Might regret this but... live and learn

[dragoneggs]

I recently started welding having acquired a Miller 211 MIG. Having a ball and my first project called for 16gauge 1-1/4in square tube for some tables and shelving support in my greenhouse. Maybe a little thin for a first go as I suffered some burn throughs and what I think were some cold laps (but I really am not sure). Had to do some grinding and re doing but on my second table I think I am getting the hang of it. See the weld pics below and give it to me honestly! I can take it. :ashamed:

 

[Gale Hawkins]

Looks like you are off to a good start welding.

 

[Shield Arc]

When ever I have to weld something thin. If at all possible, I make all welds vertical down hill. I also try to never end a weld out on the end of square tube. The weld is hot by the time you get there, and there isn't much metal there to start with. If I just have to do it that way, I'll place a large tack on the end, and weld onto that large tack to end the weld. On those inside corners where the tube is heel to heel, that is where I would have ended the weld.
What size wire are you using?

 

[gwdixon]

Great advice as usual Shield Arc. My next project is using exactly that type of square tubing so your tips will be put to use.

Thank you for continuing to help us rookies out here.

 

[C4Ranch]

I'm no expert like some here, but I've found when practicing, the best way to judge your weld is to examine the underside of the joint. Realizing that's hard to do with tube.

 

[Shield Arc]

Thank you for continuing to help us rookies out here.

As long as I don't recommend welding machines, everything is fine.
Here is a good video about welding square tube. Been a long time since I watched it, seems as I remember the guy being a little bit of a wack job.:laughing:
http://youtu.be/weloWIzurqU

 

[Arc weld]

Looks like you're having a little trouble seeing where the weld is going. Try to position your head in front of the nozzle and use a push angle coming toward your head. On longer welds you need to move your head while progressing forward. 16 gauge is thin enough, you shouldn't have to weave if your heat is set right. 12 gauge and thicker it's a good idea to weave so you don't get cold lap. Vertical down is easier to avoid burn through but can be a little tricky on a thin butt joint. Finishing on a tack is a great tip for thin material.:thumbsup::thumbsup: Also don't be afraid to go on and off with the trigger to avoid burning through. It's a better option than trying to fill holes and make it look good. Move your welds around on thin material so you don't get warping from having all the heat in one area. Sometimes it's good to clamp or tack heavier sections on thin parts to minimize heat warping. Welds aren't bad for a beginner and it's a good first project.

 

[dragoneggs]

Thanks SA and Arc weld... yes my LWS guy suggested tacking the corners first after told him of me initial struggles, and that tip helped a lot. I am using .030 and did think about going smaller but turned the heat down a bit instead because I was too lazy to set up new wire. Yes, I am also having a hard time drawing a straight line! Frustrating :bang head: I seem to curve off course on only 1 inch runs! What the heck? I haven't tried vertical much at all yet. All has been horizontal or fillets.

My beads are improving but now I think I need to work on my hand/eye coordination which I thought was pretty good before.

 

[Rock knocker]

Looks like you're having a little trouble seeing where the weld is going.

I used to weld a lot as a mechanic in my twenties and thirties, then didn't have the opportunity again for a number of years. At 54, I can totally lose where the weld is supposed to go unless I have the lighting and shade perfect.

 

[Shield Arc]

my LWS guy suggested tacking the corners first after told him of me initial struggles, and that tip helped a lot.

Oh God please tell me that wasn't at Pacific! If so who was it? Dave, Mike, Dave, or the new guy? Thank God Frank left!:laughing: