Starting to get the hang of things but

[engybenjy]

I reckon I could do with some semi-pro/pro input
These welds were done outside with 0.8mm cheapy gasless wire and a SIP cosmo 180 ( yeah, I know )
ANY input, good or bad, is welcome!


The work in question is a crappy rusty bit of Ford exhaust. It was a CAT that collapsed. It has been done like this as the owner cannot afford to replace it yet, christmas an all, so it was cut open, the guts removed and the plate welded back on. I tacked the corners first then went round and tapped the edges closed then ran the blobs on . To my eternal surprise it doesnt blow anywhere
Cheers, ben

 

[Welderpaul]

Too much weld and not hot enough.
Turn the heat up, and wire speed down.
Wanted to be cleaned up a bit better - you've got porosity in some of the welds
Weld on the right on the top pic looks about right

 

[fingers99]

It is getting there, but does need a better clean-up first (a flap disk works wonders) and that'll probably have a huge effect on quality. With Paul otherwise, but maybe best to play with your settings after a clean up.

You'd probably find life so much easier with gas...............

 

[engybenjy]

Thanks for the replies! I did clean up with a wire brush wheel on the grinder first ( I was waiting for my smith&ARROW delivery and I refuse to pay a fiver a disk!!!!!! )
I tried with more power but just blew holes so turned the power down along with the wire feed to increase the amps ( that is correct isnt it?? )
Having spoken to my friend, it seems the exhaust is a little noisey now so that box will be cut out and a pipe section welded in instead.
I'll let you know ive taken your advice onboard when I post the pics
Cheers, Ben

 

[Hitch]

Yeah, the best way is to put a pipe straight through.

The welding, you could prop the exhaust up at an bit of an angle and weld it downhand, thats fine for thin stuff, less chance of blowing a hole than doing it on the flat. Its difficult to clean it up much more by using a grinder/sander there wont be much metal left.
I say it time and time again- You wont learn to weld properly on rusty rubbish. And gasless makes it even harder.

 

[engybenjy]

I say it time and time again- You wont learn to weld properly on rusty rubbish. And gasless makes it even harder.

I definately hear what your saying, but beggars cant be choosers
But seriously, I know what your saying. Because I'm working outside, in a bit of a wind trap, gasless is the only way to go really. Ive already rigged up windbreaks and gas is not a go-er
Hopefully we'll be gaining a 3mX6m gazebo/awning/tent affair in the new year as I'll be welding a new rear panel on a car ( trust me, it'll rock when its done ) and that will be semi-permanant with sides an ends i.e. warm, dry and out of the wind!! woohoo!!
To be honest I'm not looking to be too pretty at the moment, as long as it holds well then I'm happy. Sticky-up bits and lumps can always be ground down! Thats what I did when I did the manifolds and they turned out OK.
Thanks for the input guys, its all appreciated!!!
Cheers, Ben