I’m struggling a little, can you help?

[Richard187]

Cheers @eddie49, makes perfect sense - aside from me practicing the correct technique more, this seems to be the overall consensus.

My bad for jumping into this less adjustable machine really, I guess with thicker gauge steel the mapping effects things less but with thinner sheet those smaller adjustments matter more.

Thanks also for confirming the 5% gas mix!

Appreciate the help!

 

[Richard187]

Hey all!

Have been out in the garage practicing. I feel like I’m understanding where I was going wrong.

The distance from the wire to the steel was too short. Now with around 1cm between the wire and the steel, I’m able to nudge the dial up a bit which means a hotter - and I guess as a result - flatter weld. Also a more stable arc it seems. (Seen in the part marked with the marker which was probably my best bit)

It also means I’m getting much better penetration.

It’s still a bit spattery in places which I read can be the result of wire speed (which I can’t adjust separately), or the gas mix.

Would love to hear what you think!

Cheers all

 

[Erie Fred]

Hey all!

Have been out in the garage practicing. I feel like I’m understanding where I was going wrong.

The distance from the wire END OF THE CONTACT TIP to the steel was too short.

Fixed it for you.
FWIW, this dimension is called "Electrical Stickout". Using this term might help in your research.

 

[Richard187]

Fixed it for you.
FWIW, this dimension is called "Electrical Stickout". Using this term might help in your research.

Ah brill, thank you

 

[tom2207]

forget what it looks like and making rows of pretty dots etc ,,, go play and burn through a bit ,, play with the wire thickness selector ,, but most of all get to know the sound and feel of burning through , learn how far you can push things before the puddle lands on the floor ,,, no sailor got better at sailing on a calm sea without a breeze.