Rate my welds...in the name of learning

[JontyG]

Hi all,

I am new to welding. I've played around a little with a stick welder, which I was absolutely hopeless with; so I recently purchased a MIG (Cigweld Transmig 200) which I'm led to believe is easier to learn...

I have a number of projects planned around the house, including making up some frames for gates and some outdoor furniture.

The attached pics show some of my first welds (after about an hours practice with the new MIG).

I'm using 0.8mm wire, Argonshield, and these welds are on 3mm SHS

I realise the welds are very average , but in the name of learning I'm hoping to get some useful criticism...

Thanks,
Jonty

 

[shenion]

They look fine. Some show a bit too low of a torch angle (the ripples are teardrop shaped instead of round.)

Looks good and welcome to the forums

 

[JontyG]

They look fine. Some show a bit too low of a torch angle (the ripples are teardrop shaped instead of round.)

Looks good and welcome to the forums

Thanks Scott.

I've been lurking for a little while, and thought it was time to take advantage of the wealth of information and knowledge on the site.

When you say that I have "too low of a torch angle", does that mean that I'm holding the torch too vertical, or angling it too much? I find that I end up changing the angle of the torch as I weld to get better visibility of the weld pool - I don't mean to do it, but it seems to be a bad habit I've developing...

 

[shenion]

Not near enough to vertical. The welds look fine, just looks like you were getting neare where the angle becomes an issue.

I have been doing real bad lately. Been setting up this Miller with 14 different inductance settings. Was concentrating on the weld pool and arc sound and got V-shaped welds with the ripples forming a keyhole pattern. Kept playing with settings until I realized it was my technique.

Been doing it for 2 years, still learning

 

[Zagan]

What settings are you using... for these welds?

I take it you weld with the nozzle facing away from the direction you are welding towards, also using a forwards/backwards movement, you also look to be a little too slow for the settings you are using, plus try to speed up at the end of the weld.

Weld 8 looks the best but might be a little cold.

Weld 7 I would rate 2nd, though you started fast then slowed down a little seems to have good heat throughout the weld.

With out the settings or maybe a sound recording I couldn't tell you much more.

but from looking at the welds it would seem to me that you have started low on power then bumped up the power a little but have kept the wire feed a little too low, for the amount of power you have set.

The lack of splatter plus the lack of heat in the metal shows this, welding on gal will suck out extra heat from the weld.

Also you want to be welding on an angle so you can see the weld puddle and the cooling as you pass by.