First attempt

[monkeyonboard]

I finally found some time to set up the mig and have a few test runs, let me know what you think.

the first weld was on the far left.

 

[Bsmith]

The fifth weld is getting there. I think you just need to steady your torch a bit more and travel at a constant speed. If your right handed, use left hand under the torch and left elbow on something solid to steady, keep constant travel speed and weld width. Move the torch in the direction of the weld and gas flow. Its not difficult, just down to practice.

 

[monkeyonboard]

thanks, bit shaky with the hands

Does the penetration look ok on the last one?

 

[michael1703]

either up the power or slow the travel speed

 

[Bsmith]

With thinnish plate most people like to see the weld penetrate through and show on the underside but your test piece looks to be done on maybe 3mm plate? Weld 5 and most of weld 4 show the underside surface just breaking and will feel rough, thats fine by my way of thinking.

 

[monkeyonboard]

either up the power or slow the travel speed

I think I was moving along too quickly to begin with.

With thinnish plate most people like to see the weld penetrate through and show on the underside but your test piece looks to be done on maybe 3mm plate? Weld 5 and most of weld 4 show the underside surface just breaking and will feel rough, thats fine by my way of thinking.

Cool beans, get some more practice in and then I can start joining stuff together

 

[Bsmith]

Thats the way to go

 

[BillJ]

Try adding a little side-to-side movement ("weave"). It'll automatically slow the travel down a bit and you'll need it anyway once you start sticking bits together. I found it also helped produce a more consistent-looking bead.

 

[monkeyonboard]

Thanks for the tip, I will need to practice that side to side movement before I start work on my car otherwise I think I will blow the repair panels to bits