First Timer

[Joe R]

My first attempt with MIG welding was surprisingly successful (in my opinion) with good smooth welds on 3mm brackets I made. Power setting max with brisk wire feed.
However, when I tried to fix my galvanised trailer (expanded mesh to thin square tube) I battled. A lot of spatter with power setting much lower and feed much slower. Although I didn't blow holes in the metal, the welds did not penetrate sufficiently. Also, the expanded mesh in some instances was melted away without getting a bond to the tubing. I was welding outside. Should I have turned the gas flow up? (Using Argoshield)

 

[English Steve]

A lot of your problems are probably due to the galvanising on the trailer. It causes excess spatter etc, but more importantly it can (will) damage your health. There is a recent thread on this subject which is worth reading.
If you are working outside you may find that the shielding gas gets blown away by even a slight breeze, resulting in porous welds. Either increase the gas flow or try gasless wire if your welder can accommodate it.
A lot of others on here have more knowledge than me, and I am sure you will receive a lot more good advice shortly

Good luck

Steve

 

[malcolm]

I'd agree with that. Worth adding that turning the gas up is unlikely to help as much as a wind break. A big sheet of wood would be fine for that. Shielding gas is very sensitive to breeze.

Mesh will be difficult to weld without burning it away. I'd make a puddle on the tube and extend it to meet and melt into the mesh - that way the heat will be going into the tube more than the mesh.

 

[Dixie Normas]

Joe R

is there any possibility you can post an image of what your trying to do? i\ve never seen it and would like to see the problem vs possible solutions

Thank you

 

[shenion]

I welded the expanded steel on my trailer.

You do not need a lot of penetration. I found it best to start on the solid steel, pause, then move quickly onto the mesh.

 

[Joe R]

Thanks Guys. Will try and post an image or two although the galvanised trailer repair effort is rather embarrassing. The expanded mesh is attached though but with further golf cart trailer builds a possibility, I need to get the problem sorted out first.