First Attempt with R-Tech 181

[CharlesF]

Hi all..just joined, thought I'd post my first, pitiful attempts here.

Bit disappointed as I used the Easy Set, but after putting everything away, I realised I'd used the 4mm setting, when the actual stock I used is 2.5mm.

Would the settings make such a big difference, or is it down to technique? I tried going slow, fast, straight, figure of eight, v shape..

Any advice gratefully received.

Cheers

 

[CharlesF]

Sorry, should have said, this is gasless with 0.8mm wire.

 

[qwakers]

Are you using gasless wire, it looks for all the world like a weld with solid wire and the gas turned off

 

[RonMig]

Yes, it matters.

My advice is to read these- https://www.mig-welding.co.uk/mig.htm
- all of them, not just these -
https://www.mig-welding.co.uk/gasless-mig.htm

Then practice. Lots.
Like a lot of skills, welders make it look easy - but it's not.

Are those practice/scrap/offcut bits of metal...?

 

[CharlesF]

I am using this: 0.8mm

Are you using gasless wire, it looks for all the world like a weld with solid wire and the gas turned off

Bingo! Never knew there was a difference, spent hours researching the machine, then bought the wrong wire!

 

[CharlesF]

Sorry, doesn't look I can edit my posts, I am using this, https://www.r-techwelding.co.uk/a18-sg2-mild-steel-mig-welding-wire-5kg-0-8mm, which is obviously incorrect.

 

[ajlelectronics]

I am using this: 0.8mm


Bingo! Never knew there was a difference, spent hours researching the machine, then bought the wrong wire!

Don't buy flux wire, buy gas. You will have far fewer frustrations, especially as a beginner.

 

[CharlesF]

Any recommendations please on 0.8mm gasless wire?

 

[Mark 2]

Any recommendations please on 0.8mm gasless wire?

R tech do a good gasless wire.

 

[zzr1200]

Buy a bottle of gas and be done with it.....sorted...

 

[ajlelectronics]

Buy a bottle of gas and be with it.....sorted...

I fear that the correct advice is not what is being sought here.

 

[CharlesF]

I fear that the correct advice is not what is being sought here.

Please expand, thanks.

 

[ajlelectronics]

Please expand, thanks.

Elucidate you mean?

You were advised further up that you are wasting your time with flux core and to get a gas feed. Shortly afterwards you were still wanting recommendations for flux core wire.

Flux core has its place, but not for a beginner and not on bodywork. You already have a top of the range welder, please don't spoil the ship for a ha'porth of tar.

 

[CharlesF]

Thanks, it's not the cost, just not sure how much welding I will be doing, or if I want the faff of storage etc, if I can get away without, that would be my preference.

I'll give it a go without, if I can't get to anything half decent, I'll look into gas, thanks.

 

[Mark 2]

You appear to be weaving around far too much. Aim for the corner (fillet) and stay there.
The bottom picture is Okish but I can't tell what I'm looking at in the others.

 

[ajlelectronics]

Thanks, it's not the cost, just not sure how much welding I will be doing, or if I want the faff of storage etc, if I can get away without, that would be my preference.

It all fits nicely on a trolley so not much more of a footprint than the welder alone.

 

[JOEPRO]

Gas is essential IMO, so much easier on a decent inverter MIG welder starting out.

I know as I run both wire types and prefer the gas all day long. The flux core has its place, particularly for box section and the likes but it is quite a messy, smokey process and starting out gas wire will make the learning curve alot smoother.

Also make sure your polarity is correct when going between wire types.

 

[CharlesF]

Thank you, just reading up about it, as it does seem to be the overriding preference..10, 20 or 30l for a hobbyist?

 

[addjunkie]

It all depends how much your using it, how long a bottle will last. Id suggest, hobbyweld or SGS 20ltr bottle. No rental, just pay a big bottle deposit.

 

[CharlesF]

Cheers, got some flux core coming from Amazon, only ordered 1kg, see how I get on, then will look at gas if the welds are still terrible.