Oli Webster
New Member
- Messages
- 23
- Location
- Aberdeenshire
Hey folks... I'm proficient (at least I think I am) with the TIG welder but am about to start a project that is ideally suited to getting to grips with my ancient MIG welder that I've never really sussed out.
I'm just trying to get the settings dialed in and am struggling to get a nice finish. Basically, the penetration is poor (satisfactory at best) and there is a lot of filler wire being deposited. If I was welding with the TIG it would be easy to correct! I'm trying to weld a frame using 20 x 20 x 2.5 box section. My initial steps were to run some beads on the outside of the tubing, upping the power each time until i blew a hole (6/6 on my rather crude selection). I then went down to 5 and set the wire speed to get a nice frying bacon sound.
I did a couple of joins and cut them open (see pics) to check for penetration. Even before doing that I'm not totally happy about the amount of filler protruding on the surface - but at least I can grind that down.
The element I have no clue about is travel speeds. I'm certainly welding it much quicker than I would with the TIG. Should I slow down with the same settings - do things eventually get hot enough to accept all the filler wire? Should I increase the current + wire feed and move quicker to prevent blowing holes?
I should also mention that I'm using 100% Argon for these few trial bits. I need to get a replacement cylinder and am trying to work out whether I'll be able to use the MIG or if I cut my losses and just TIG it! I know that some CO2 would help with penetration. Also using 0.8mm wire.
Any help much appreciated!
I'm just trying to get the settings dialed in and am struggling to get a nice finish. Basically, the penetration is poor (satisfactory at best) and there is a lot of filler wire being deposited. If I was welding with the TIG it would be easy to correct! I'm trying to weld a frame using 20 x 20 x 2.5 box section. My initial steps were to run some beads on the outside of the tubing, upping the power each time until i blew a hole (6/6 on my rather crude selection). I then went down to 5 and set the wire speed to get a nice frying bacon sound.
I did a couple of joins and cut them open (see pics) to check for penetration. Even before doing that I'm not totally happy about the amount of filler protruding on the surface - but at least I can grind that down.
The element I have no clue about is travel speeds. I'm certainly welding it much quicker than I would with the TIG. Should I slow down with the same settings - do things eventually get hot enough to accept all the filler wire? Should I increase the current + wire feed and move quicker to prevent blowing holes?
I should also mention that I'm using 100% Argon for these few trial bits. I need to get a replacement cylinder and am trying to work out whether I'll be able to use the MIG or if I cut my losses and just TIG it! I know that some CO2 would help with penetration. Also using 0.8mm wire.
Any help much appreciated!
