Welding issue

D90mitch

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Sometimes Peterborough, Sometimes Hatfield

• Jun 12, 2015

• #1

Hi all,

Started teaching myself to mig weld the other day. All was going quite nicely with the .6mm wire. However given the applications that I will be doing, I bought some .8mm wire (and tips) as I had been recommended.

So I got the new .8 all set up and the wire is feeding through just fine.

Using just CO2 whilst in these early stages. My welder is 150A and a fairly hefty unit.

My problem is, since I have changed to the .8 wire, it struggles to maintain a weld pool and after a very brief period sticks.

Any ideas?

 

trax

.

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10,639

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Oxfordshire

• Jun 12, 2015

• #2

more wire speed, more power, more gas.. play with it

good qual wire makes a big difference

 

D90mitch

Well-Known Member

Posts

2,419

Location

Sometimes Peterborough, Sometimes Hatfield

• Jun 12, 2015

• #3

It's one setting off last for amps and if I put it on the highest it blows a fuse. Would more wire speed really help in this situation? It's pretty high already as is the gas.

All was good until today

 

owl

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1,807

Location

Breaston Derbyshire

• Jun 12, 2015

• #4

Try turning the wire speed down, also you only need enough gas to stop oxygen getting at the weld, so turn that down and save some money.

 

trax

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Oxfordshire

• Jun 12, 2015

• #5

depends on the metal thickness. if it's 150 and you are up high already then you welding 4mm+?

if wire speed it too high it'll start pushing you away.

i think you should just start at the lowest settings and play with them all to get used to mig.

as above you can buy a flow meter to check gas levels... useful if you plan on doing it a bit to save cash. also remember the wind will blow the shielding away

 

trax

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10,639

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Oxfordshire

• Jun 12, 2015

• #6

also i'm sure you know about Welding - The DIY Guide

 

D90mitch

Well-Known Member

Posts

2,419

Location

Sometimes Peterborough, Sometimes Hatfield

• Jun 12, 2015

• #7

Yes, cheers

I will do that then start at the bottom and work my way up. I have a flow meter already and is handy as you say. I'll have another bash tomorrow and see how I get on. me CO2 only cost a fiver so not too fussed . Will be a bit more careful when I'm on the good stuff haha

Thanks.