Can't get that crackle

[classic]

Let me start by saying hi everyone.

I've got a Sip 170 Mig and I'm using Argon O2 mix. When i weld at the higher amp setting on the unit my welds come out fine, but as soon as i turn the amps down and adjust the wire speed accordingly i can't keep that constant sizzle, and my welds just seem to sit on top. I'm practicing to weld body panels for a restoration.

I've filled a few holes with the copper backer method, but there are sections on the car that i can't get to the back of.

It seems that if i slow my weld down i get blow through.

PS the metal is nice and clean.

 

[weldequip]

Thin wire for thin materials

Let me start by saying hi everyone.

I've got a Sip 170 Mig and I'm using Argon O2 mix. When i weld at the higher amp setting on the unit my welds come out fine, but as soon as i turn the amps down and adjust the wire speed accordingly i can't keep that constant sizzle, and my welds just seem to sit on top. I'm practicing to weld body panels for a restoration.

I've filled a few holes with the copper backer method, but there are sections on the car that i can't get to the back of.

It seems that if i slow my weld down i get blow through.

PS the metal is nice and clean.

Change it to o.6mm wire & it will transform the performance. 0.8mm wire is no good for very thin material, a lot use it but they are wrong (and it is usually because 0.8mm is cheaper than 0.6mm!).
Thin wire for thin material, thicker wire for thick material.
weldequip

 

[classic]

yeah I'm already using .6mm wire

it's all in the technique, i guess i just need more practice

 

[weldequip]

Try adjusting your wire feed speed - too much & it will be 'spitting & f*rting' too little & you will end up welding the wire to the contact tip. Hold the torch approximately 1/4" away from the work piece & try and maintain that distance.
weldequip

 

[classic]

Thanks i'll go try some more.

 

[classic]

I feel like an idiot, but for future searchers i found that when i fitted new wire I'd failed to tighten the wire feed wheels.... Doh

It's all good now.

Thanks

Tony

 

[SCHOONER]

Where And What With The Copper Backing Strip?

Let me start by saying hi everyone.

I've got a Sip 170 Mig and I'm using Argon O2 mix. When i weld at the higher amp setting on the unit my welds come out fine, but as soon as i turn the amps down and adjust the wire speed accordingly i can't keep that constant sizzle, and my welds just seem to sit on top. I'm practicing to weld body panels for a restoration.

I've filled a few holes with the copper backer method, but there are sections on the car that i can't get to the back of.

It seems that if i slow my weld down i get blow through.

PS the metal is nice and clean.

Hi Classic

I've welded elec. and tig but not mig. I sure I'll be O.K. with my brand new MILLERMATIC135

QUESTION(S)

How do I get a copper backing strip?
Do you make one out of tubing or what?
Can you have different shapes & sizes for different welding joints?

Please give a guy some help
Thanks Classic

Schooner

 

[classic]

Schooner,

I went to the local hardware place and got pipe and strip for about $10.00 i either clamp a strip with a vice grip or don't laugh use tape to hold it there whilst i weld.

 

[SCHOONER]

Hey Classic

I got the idea about getting a piece of copper pipe from maybe HomeDepot and cutting it in half the long way then banging it flat. Is that the idea ?

And what you said was " . . . and got pipe and STRIP" What does STRIP MEANS?
Are you saying that you made a strip out of the copper pipe you brought?
For backing against your mig welding.

Please help me to clear-up this great idea of yours.
Be patience with this ol' younger man 65yr.

GOD bless you and your family

Schooner

 

[classic]

No they sold flat strips of copper at the store.

I did end up flattening one end of the pipe though, it allowed me to bend it into different shapes to get it to sit flat, and get into some strange places.

 

[RobIsaacson]

Hi All
I used some 15mm copper pipe, the type normally used for central heating, and squashed it flat in the vice.
Using round tube allows the insertion of a handle. Trust me it can get seriously hot!
Regards
Rob