Rust Warrior
New Member
- Messages
- 42
- Location
- United Kingdom Herefordshire
Progress. I've now got the amps running at 55 which seems to be about optimal for the steel I'm practicing on (1.2mm).
It's been a case of experimenting with different weld types including some 'T' joints, lap welds and butt welds. At least I can now write the word, "TEST" in the metal without burning holes.
I tried different ways of welding with the gun, including a weaving motion in addition to the straight drag back.
As for my visor shade, I have that nailed now as well so I can actually see what I'm doing. The issue was that I failed to factor in my base layer eye protection that I use to filter out any UV that sneaks in, in case I knock my visor, or heaven forbid, it falls off! I'm very much a belts and braces person when it comes to PPE, irrespective of whether others may find it a bit OTT. Anyway, the Laser brand welding goggles are shade 5, so I'm already at that level before I even put the auto darkening mask on. I've set the mask to 6 or 7 which, in conjunction with the welding goggles, gives me good double protection without compromising the view. I can now see the weld pool, direction, and arc where I couldn't before, and haven't had any issues after welding. If I need to run higher amps, I'll increase the helmet setting.
It's been a case of experimenting with different weld types including some 'T' joints, lap welds and butt welds. At least I can now write the word, "TEST" in the metal without burning holes.
I tried different ways of welding with the gun, including a weaving motion in addition to the straight drag back.
As for my visor shade, I have that nailed now as well so I can actually see what I'm doing. The issue was that I failed to factor in my base layer eye protection that I use to filter out any UV that sneaks in, in case I knock my visor, or heaven forbid, it falls off! I'm very much a belts and braces person when it comes to PPE, irrespective of whether others may find it a bit OTT. Anyway, the Laser brand welding goggles are shade 5, so I'm already at that level before I even put the auto darkening mask on. I've set the mask to 6 or 7 which, in conjunction with the welding goggles, gives me good double protection without compromising the view. I can now see the weld pool, direction, and arc where I couldn't before, and haven't had any issues after welding. If I need to run higher amps, I'll increase the helmet setting.
