jamesmartin
Well-Known Member
wind your wire speed up till you feel its too fast then turn it back a little ,same with power as muuch as you can with out blowing through it,and try not to go to fast
ShaunC
Member
Thanks James i'll give that ago. Am I right in thinking 'Too fast' would cause the weld to be 'gappy' for want of a better word?
Dr_evil
Banned
too fast and on the wrong setting may result in a poor weld as you aren't getting enough penetration to move at that speed. Thus leaving it week and blobbed on top rather than melting both pieces together properly
jamesmartin
Well-Known Member
yes ,slow wire speed causes issues too and if welding overlap angle torch into the 90 degree the 2 pieces make
ShaunC
Member
oh http://www.landyzone.co.uk/lz/attac...ig-farnborough-hampshire-review-rear-arch.jpg that is awful.
I don't feel so bad after seeing that!
I don't feel so bad after seeing that!
RobP
Active Member
+1 on the flap discs.
Clean the metal till it is shiny and has NO rust on it. Looking at the underside you can see the oxidation that was on those sheets.
I have the same welder (Clarke 160TM) and the power settings are easy:
Lowest: 1, 2, 3 (switch on low) 1, 2, 3 (Switch on high) Highest
If I was doing the same thickness I would be starting on 3 (low) and the wire speed set to half way.
Then wind up the wire speed until you feel it starting to stutter/push the torch away then back off slightly.
Too slow a wire speed will cause burn back on the wire where the connection between the wire and work piece breaks and then remakes then burns back again. (this may also be a cause of the popping)
Clean metal.
Up the power and speed
Try another practice piece
Time spent practicing will increase your confidence when it comes time to do it on the motor. Better get the welds right now than try the footwell and have to cut it out again
Clean the metal till it is shiny and has NO rust on it. Looking at the underside you can see the oxidation that was on those sheets.
I have the same welder (Clarke 160TM) and the power settings are easy:
Lowest: 1, 2, 3 (switch on low) 1, 2, 3 (Switch on high) Highest
If I was doing the same thickness I would be starting on 3 (low) and the wire speed set to half way.
Then wind up the wire speed until you feel it starting to stutter/push the torch away then back off slightly.
Too slow a wire speed will cause burn back on the wire where the connection between the wire and work piece breaks and then remakes then burns back again. (this may also be a cause of the popping)
Clean metal.
Up the power and speed
Try another practice piece
Time spent practicing will increase your confidence when it comes time to do it on the motor. Better get the welds right now than try the footwell and have to cut it out again
ShaunC
Member
That all makes sense Rob. From what you describe about the wire speed and looking at the condition of the tip after a 'go' I think you may have nailed it, the arc is certianly cutting in and out. Now you've mentioned it I can see the issue, at the time I was totally confused.
@Oldseadog.
What part of my 1st date do I tweak to get the power and speed adjusted!
@Oldseadog.
What part of my 1st date do I tweak to get the power and speed adjusted!
jamesmartin
Well-Known Member
get a bag of spare tips ,change them when it seems stuttery
lorri789
Well-Known Member
I use the Hobbyweld gas for home use. I'm learning gasless welding just now and it is nowhere near as good as gas, but it is very handy to have as a skill. eg. run outta gas with only a wee bit to go or whatever. Gasless is very mucky and I find it difficult to see the pool. Constant cleaning of welds and tacks drives me bonkers.
Discophil34
New Member
hmmm was going to pay a guy £30 per hour to do my arch and battery tray but after seeing this I might get a welder and give it a go. I have access to a few gasless migs but don't want to be put off by the mess it will no doubt make so may try and get a second hand gas mig. Keep up the good work really interested in this thread to see how you get on.
ShaunC
Member
I am going to order up 1 maybe 2 of these: https://www.weldequip.com/products/mb15-spares-kit-large.jpg
ShaunC
Member
I would definatly give it ago. My theroy is, assuming I get the hang of it the £300+ is an investment. By the time I have finished my Disco I will have saved a fortune! and picked up a useful skill in the process.
Last edited:
jamesmartin
Well-Known Member
if your doing a good bit of welding buy some more tips ,are you using an reactive mask
