my first welds

[Maker]

Hi, here are some pictures of some of my welds (only the best ones). Could you tell me what you think and any tips for improvement.
they where all made of 8mm flat bar and the fillet was 140 amps and 2 passes; laywire then "wiggling the cup". There is a crack at one end ( The picture doesn't show it too well) and it is quite undercut at that end also. Thanks.

 

[Lawnmowerboy]

You really don't need to walk or wiggle the cup for that. You will lack a lot of fusion at the route as you have found out in the form of the cracks! The others look ok. Try cleaning all the edges with a newish flap disc. Try and keep the wirefeeding consistant.

 

[Maker]

OK, thanks. I was only playing around with wiggling to see how it would come out. What amperage would you recommend.

 

[Jan]

I would have preferred to see your root pass before you overlaid it with more metal. That would tell a lot more about your progress than the finished job.

 

[Lawnmowerboy]

About 140 or 150 on a foot pedal a bit leaner if on a switch

 

[Maker]

I would have preferred to see your root pass before you overlaid it with more metal. That would tell a lot more about your progress than the finished job.

Sorry, its not a great photo.

 

[Jan]

To my inexperienced eye I would say that, other than in a couple of places, those root passes are at least as good as the top filler if not better.

 

[Maker]

To my inexperienced eye I would say that, other than in a couple of places, those root passes are at least as good as the top filler if not better.

Thanks. I've ordered some bigger cups (My 2nd hand welder only had one #4 cup), when they come, I'll practice some more.

 

[Wendelspanswick]

Are you welding in your living room!

 

[Maker]

Are you welding in your living room!

Haha, no - I was in the shed but I left my phone indoors .

 

[Jan]

Until my new garage is erected I'm welding in my kitchen!