Help wanted please

[Mush]

I'm just a beginner at mig welding so looking for some advice from your experience. I bought the R Tech 181 auto welder but I'm having a little problem, I'm using .8 wire and 5% Argon which I was told should cope with most things. I've set the machine as recommended ie 2mm box section, .8 wire and the flow meter at about 12 but I seem to be getting a lot of splatter. Is this to be expected or do I need to adjust something?

Appreciate any advice.

 

[Beanwood]

You probably need to adjust something.
First make sure you turned the gas on again!
Is the box section actually steel and is it clean - Not just a bit clean, but really clean?
Turn up the wire speed - what happens?
Turn up the power - what happens?

 

[Smallfry]

Are you working in or outdoors ? If outdoors the wind will blow the gas away, so you would need to have something to shelter yourself.

If the weld looks like chocolate Aero bar, this is a sign. Also a sign if you have forgotten to turn the gas on.

You will always get spatter, post a photo, might be normal.

 

[chip]

As you said, beginner. .is it your first machine and first welds?

 

[Hotstuff]

Do make sure that your weld site is clean and shiny.
Get yourself some Acetone to clean the surface free of contaminants.

 

[cocker]

Where are you ? Someone on here may be local enough to have a look .

 

[Pete.]

Get some scrap and start your weld going. As you weld bring your tip closer to the work, you will probably find the splattering drops off to a nice even weld noise.

 

[Barking Mat]

You weren't in central Devon, North Dartmoor around 20 / 25 years ago by chance ?

Just I new someone with the same name.

 

[pedrobedro]

Is the gas set at 12 with the trigger pulled ?

 

[waddycall]

Have you read the tutorial on this site? If not click on the green button that says mig at the top left of this page and follow the instructions.

 

[chrismac]

Depending on your current volt selection, (careful not to call it amps) ie if you are hot enough your wire speed is too high, but if your not hot enough (leaving a very small narrow bead) you need to leave the wire speed as it is and turn your volts up, better off starting hotter and getting a good bite into what ever you are welding or practising on to start as you can always turn thing down once you have the correct settings, you will get there.

That is of course there is no other factor, dirt, wind causing your issue.

 

[Mush]

Thank you very much for all your valid questions and helpful tips, no it wasn't me in the West Country mate.

I adjusted the gas flow slightly, made sure the metal was very clean and just tweaked the wire speed and the welds now seem a lot better.

Great forum for asking for help

 

[Beanwood]

Thank you very much for all your valid questions and helpful tips, no it wasn't me in the West Country mate.

I adjusted the gas flow slightly, made sure the metal was very clean and just tweaked the wire speed and the welds now seem a lot better.

Great forum for asking for help

Great stuff- when it goes really well there is a very satisfying sizzle!