new welder question

[dragoneggs]

You're better off with a gap. There is a reason pipe is welded open root.

Even on thin stuff? 1/8in or less? I know thin to you is 3/8in. I burn up edges if not tight.

 

[r8nger]

Doesn't look bad at all, need the thickness of materials welded to be sure . I would drop the heat down a little - 19.5-20 for 1/4 include materials . Also, if your horizontal , try pushing the puddle instead of pulling for a cleaner weld.

 

[Shield Arc]

Even on thin stuff? 1/8in or less?

Well no! That's a different story.:laughing:

 

[Oldpath05]

Yeah I wish I had volt/amp info rather than the arbitrary numbers on my Miller 211. I know you really don't need it but it would be nice to know and compare when someone gives you that kind of info.

If those welds are from your first day... you are off to a better start than I was! This is where I struggle... when welding a radius or gapped joint. I now try much harder to get my gaps and fit ups tight.

I'm thinking that those volt amps numbers are only good for the same brand and or similar model welder inverter's, for instance the newer Miller XMT 350 too the Miller 354-304 inverters, the volt amps are quite close, go to a different brand and they might be off.

I have a Miller 211 with (Auto Set) had for it 3 years now and last month I started trying that auto set feature, I'm kinda liking it, set one dial on .030 wire setting, set the other dial on how thick of steel that's being welded, like 1/4" and it automatically has the right wire speed and heat, setting goes from 24 ga.-3/8", just one dial to adjust.

 

[dragoneggs]

I'm thinking that those volt amps numbers are only good for the same brand and or similar model welder inverter's, for instance the newer Miller XMT 350 too the Miller 354-304 inverters, the volt amps are quite close, go to a different brand and they might be off.

I have a Miller 211 with (Auto Set) had for it 3 years now and last month I started trying that auto set feature, I'm kinda liking it, set one dial on .030 wire setting, set the other dial on how thick of steel that's being welded, like 1/4" and it automatically has the right wire speed and heat, setting goes from 24 ga.-3/8", just one dial to adjust.

Yep I have the same one and am really enjoying it. I almost always start with the auto set and tweak it from there. I am finding that the auto set is almost always better than me screwing with it (still a newbie... have a day job). SA during some invaluable personal instruction told me to forget it and learn by listening but I guess I didn't listen well. :laughing:

SA also handed me his reading glasses to try under my helmet and that changed my world. Apparently I don't hear or see well.

 

[BukitCase]

Dragon, you're gettin' like me - lose 3 more senses, and we won't even KNOW when they "pat us in the face with a shovel" ...Steve

 

[Shield Arc]

I have a Miller 211 with (Auto Set) had for it 3 years now and last month I started trying that auto set feature, I'm kinda liking it, set one dial on .030 wire setting, set the other dial on how thick of steel that's being welded, like 1/4" and it automatically has the right wire speed and heat, setting goes from 24 ga.-3/8", just one dial to adjust.

I don't like people telling me what to do. I won't stand for a welding machine to tell me what to do!:laughing:

 

[LD1]

Yep, the radius of heavywall tube makes it nice for welding and getting good penetration. The real issue is trying to weld 11ga tubing to the heavywall stuff. Especially out of position.

 

[cqaigy2]

I don't like people telling me what to do. I won't stand for a welding machine to tell me what to do!:laughing:

I tip my head so it looks right side up.

 

[Oldpath05]

I don't like people telling me what to do. I won't stand for a welding machine to tell me what to do!:laughing:

You have to look at it from another angle, the Miller Auto Set machine is not telling me what to do, I'm telling that machine what to do, when I set the dial on 1/8", I'm telling and commanding the Miller Auto Set machine to set the amps, set the volts, set the heat, set the wire speed, make my coffee. :thumbsup: