0.9mm plate can I use 0.8 wire

[chrisf1]

Hi everyone I am all set up and ready to go, my Castomag 180 has a complete new 15kg roll of steel wire in it from purchase a few weeks ago can I use this wire on 0.9 mild steel sheet and should all my settings be at lowest I have shown pics of the welder but the one that puzzles me is the inductance I am only guessing and realise most of my learning will be trial and error but some guidance at start up with this machine would be useful as this is the type and thickness of metal I will be mainly working with, I have looked at the tutorial and saw no reference to the inductance plug sockets for the earth lead that I have on mine hope I don't sound totally thick but this is my first attempt Thanks Chris

 

[peterd51]

HI,

you might be blowing holes with .8 wire, depends how low the set will go.

If you have some training in already you may be able to pulse it on and off with the trigger at 0.5 second intervals. Anything else to reduce the heat that you put into the metal will help, a heat-sink at the back, etc.

I don't specifically know about the inductance other than it could be used on that set to limit the current. High inductance equals less current probably? Try all three options with three beads of weld on the same plate to see which one blows holes.

Regards
Peter

 

[shenion]

The higher the inductance the more fluid the weld pool will be in short-arc mode.

Try it on max as that will give the flattest weld profile. It will actually increase the average current. If blowing holes, try the mid settings. The weld will be taller, but easier to control.

WHat gas are you using?

 

[chrisf1]

Hi and thanks for the replies and being gentle and I will take this on board but as everyone says suck it and see I am using 80/20 argon mix thanks Chris PS the lowest ampage is 30 thanks Chris

 

[chrisf1]

I have just ordered from weldequip 5 x 0.6 tips, 5kg 0.06mm roll of wire and a spool converter 15kg to 5kg for wire, will my existing liner be OK or does that need to be changed it is an MB15 euro torch running 0,08mm wire at the moment thanks Chris

 

[Iain Westland]

should be fine for 0.6, you will have to play with the wire feed speed to get it right. remember to change your feed wheel around to the 0.6 side if possible.

Im just ordering a mb15 from steve (deciding between the 3 and 4 meter lenghts at the mo) as the one that came with my machine has been used harder than a lady of the night working overtime. when it comes I will service this one ready for spare or maybe brazing wire

iain

 

[gavuk]

Out of interest did you try the 0.8 wire?,i've never used 0.6mm,always made do with one size wire and co2 using the start stop technique on thin matl..

 

[Iain Westland]

I went down to 0.6 about 8 months ago. on most car parts its really nice. much better control to my mind

iain

 

[malcolm]

I ran 0.8 for years but I'm a real convert to 0.6mm for thin stuff these days. Initially the 0.6mm stuff takes a bit of getting used to - seems to build up all pointy, but that's only because it reduces the current. You'll get the hang of it and adjust settings to suit. Half the power in the weld (well probably 3/4 the power) is very handy for things like Renaults.

Only bad thing with 0.6mm is it sometimes doesn't work at all with CO2 on low settings (rubbish arc). To test for that up the power a notch and see if it works.

 

[chap]

I went down to 0.6 about 8 months ago. on most car parts its really nice. much better control to my mind

iain

I'd second (ahem.. third, after malc ) this, it was a revalation when i switched!

 

[Iain Westland]

Never tried CO2, always used argoshield light. good point well made Malcom, I remember reading your thread about it now you mention it

iain