Critical opinion of my welds

[Matt Kenyon]

Hi all. started a new job MIG welding where they're very particular about the appearance of the weld. I know my welding is ok but it could be better so I'm after advice on how it could improve. Most of my welding is done using the back and forth method with preference to pushing, but I do pull sometimes depending on comfort etc.

Thanks in advance. Matt

 

[armalites]

Blimey if they need you to improve they way your welds look then they must be really picky. Those welds look very even/uniform

 

[Kent]

Back and forth method?it's mig not cel rods

Confused do you actually mean you stepbackwards and forwards instead of staying on the leading edge? that's bad!

I do get why a firm wants all welds to looking same by all staff. If something looks different they question it at the client end. It's not a great idea to send stuff out that looks different from the last

 

[cumbriasteve]

Have you asked them what is wrong with your welds?

Perhaps post a picture of what they expect and what you do, not sure whose those are in the pictures, yours or what they want you to turn them out like.

 

[fixerupper]

The welds look very neat .but are you weaving from side to side? I always thought with mig its better to lose the wavy look.....

 

[Matt Kenyon]

Have you asked them what is wrong with your welds?

Perhaps post a picture of what they expect and what you do, not sure whose those are in the pictures, yours or what they want you to turn them out like.

Those are mine

The welds look very neat .but are you weaving from side to side? I always thought with mig its better to lose the wavy look.....

Sadly I'm not that skilled. Back and forth is the only way I can get a half decent appearance

 

[backpurge]

I can understand them not being keen on the backwards/forwards sawing action, serves very little purpose, a lot of people think the appearance is rubbish and it can quite often lead to faults with fusion and penetration

Never pull bare wire MAG on anything above sheet metal thickness

 

[cumbriasteve]

I have to be honest and claim I am not a fan of those welds and can understand where they are coming from if the rest of the welders are laying a standard finish.

 

[Kent]

The only reason you can only do it one way is you ain't ever done it the right way

 

[backpurge]

Those are mine


Sadly I'm not that skilled. Back and forth is the only way I can get a half decent appearance

Try putting straight runs down with any weaving or sawing motion, would have thought it is easier, main thing is, concentrate on keeping your angles and travel speed consistent and smooth

 

[AdrianH]

Matt, can I ask a few technical questions, what, process, I assume straight wire MIG and not flux core or mixture.
What thickness of steel
What current and volt setting and approx how many inches/min are you travelling at. Lastly what is the welder capable of?

I am only a hobby welder but I do like to try and understand settings as I never get enough practice to get a feel!

Do they have procedures laid down for leg length current setting etc. I assume not.

Last but not least what is it?

Adrian

 

[backpurge]

Matt, can I ask a few technical questions, what, process, I assume straight wire MIG and not flux core or mixture.
What thickness of steel
What current and volt setting and approx how many inches/min are you travelling at. Lastly what is the welder capable of?

I am only a hobby welder but I do like to try and understand settings as I never get enough practice to get a feel!

Do they have procedures laid down for leg length current setting etc. I assume not.

Last but not least what is it?

Adrian

Adrian, out of interest what do you mean by "mixture"

 

[Kent]

I think he means duel shield stuff?

 

[AdrianH]

I think he means duel shield stuff?

Yep but could not think of the correct term, there seems to be several phrases used and I am having brain fade!

Adrian

 

[Kent]

You might be filling it with too much Adrian lol
I couldn't answer all your questions on what I work on.

What I see what I hear sort of guy

 

[AdrianH]

You trying to say you could not tell me if standard solid wire MIG or flux core, what thickness steel you would be working on and I bet you would have an idea of welder settings.

The reason for asking is trying to workout (from a book) what that would suggest as start off figures, and how they may compare with what is happening.

If there are procedures then it would all be down, if not then I would like to get an idea for peoples settings for my mental note book.

I have not picked up my welder for a few weeks now and yes I would need to play to get the best, but learning what others use my just speed up that tweaking session first.

Adrian

 

[Kent]

Yeah it was that speed of travel and actual volts
Like I often say what you see what you hear
This demonstrates we are all different

 

[Sparkey]

[QUOTE="Matt Kenyon
Sadly I'm not that skilled. Back and forth is the only way I can get a half decent appearance[/QUOTE]
No don't be so negative about yourself...i'm pretty sure that if you tried laying a straight bead you would do fine! Just keep at it don't give up!
So no more back 'n forth wiggly stuff (unless you're an alcoholic or have parkinsons disease...)
Sparks