Am I being stupid?

[Jack Cox]

Hi guys I finally took the plunge and got myself a welder, i got a clarke mig 90En bought mainly for repairing my cars floor and arches i came with some 0.8 flux core and i thought i may aswell use it up and try it out only having a old bit of exhaust to play on at the moment isn't the best although i am on the scrounge for some sheet but my question is as stupid as it sounds are you supposed to be able to see the weld puddle aswell as the arc? when I've been using it the arc is nice and clear but the weld puddle is dark and i can hardly see it at all? is that how its supposed to be ?

I have attached a picture of my efforts i haven't chipped any of the slag off though so they are off coloured it was mainly to get a feel of having a welding gun in my hand

 

[Rig Pig]

What shade lens are you using? You might need to get some slightly less tinted lenses.

 

[Justme]

Gasless wire does shield the view of the weld pool somewhat.

To get comments on the welds you need to remove the slag.

 

[Jack Cox]

What shade lens are you using? You might need to get some slightly less tinted lenses.

I Didnt know there were different tint levels could you recommend me one? as this mask came with the welder and its not the most comfy thing I've worn

Gasless wire does shield the view of the weld pool somewhat.

To get comments on the welds you need to remove the slag.

I will remove it later on when i have another practice and post up the results, I have ordered a disposable bottle of gas and reg to see how it compares

 

[marlinspike]

The disposable bottles are a very expensive way of welding. A better deal is to use a company like Hobbyweld, or if you have a big project, BOC and get their Volkszone deal (big thread on the gas forum on here).

The handheld shields are pretty dark and do make it harder to see the weld pool. You can get a decent helmet for about £35 upwards.

 

[octo0072000]

The disposable bottles only last about 15 mins that's the argon one Co2 bigger bottle last a bit longer you also need the regulator turned up full
very expensive way to learn

 

[andyw]

Hi Jack, Have you took the chrome end off to clean it? try and visit a steel place and ask If you can have a mooch in the scrap bin, I went to a fence / gate making firm near to me and asked there, got lucky with bits to practice on

 

[Jack Cox]

Thanks for the help guys i will look into getting some lighter lenses then i already have a auto darkening one but its as dark as the hand held one

As for todays antics my disposable gas came i am going to be getting a small tank of hobby weld 5 when i have sold a few things to fund the deposit but i had to try it i couldn't not and my first attempts were apauling changed the wire for 0.6 non flux core and it was awful then i realised the gas was leaking like mad out the gun handle! sad times but i took it apart and the gas hose had just pulled out its fitting so pushed it back in and wow its so much better now its not fighting me its doing what i tell it to do, i will be going looking for scraps at the weekend but heres a picture of my latest efforts with gas