Lessons needed in Ipswich or Cambridge

[James721]

I have recently started a big car project. I have tried to learn MIG welding online but my welds are still terrible.

Does anyone know where I can get some lessons in Ipswich weekends or Cambridge week days.

 

[gaz1]

mig welding online dosnt give much practice

its practice and getting better advice on how your doing it

many use the other hand as a guide lift up when using the gun and also allows you to get at a certain height when welding

try this

https://www.mig-welding.co.uk/mig.htm

see how you go post up on this post and show your welds off with a photo

note we tell the truth here dont take offence to it as it will improve your welds weve all been there

 

[a111r]

Are you using a used machine off ebay etc?
Pics of the welder, please?

 

[James721]

Like this but mine is a 120 Amp. I can only work over the weekends so I don't have it with me in the week.

 

[a111r]

Ah yes, a 1991 model, I know them well.
Not the easiest of sets to learn on, 35 Amp min and a poor torch.

First thing; is the wire feed smooth or does it 'rattle' under load?

 

[James721]

My welding attempt arc keeps breaking

 

[Yamhon]

Are you using flux core or solid wire? Seems to be a lot of spatter, make sure you're maintaining the correct angles for your MIG gun.

Are you aiming for stringing a series of tacks together or were you trying to weld a continuous bead?

 

[The_Yellow_Ardvark]

Ah yes, a 1991 model, I know them well.
Not the easiest of sets to learn on, 35 Amp min and a poor torch.

First thing; is the wire feed smooth or does it 'rattle' under load?

My welding attempt arc keeps breaking

I am sure some one with a lot more experience will be along soon.

The welds look like a lot of stop start.
That could be you. Or the machine.

Strip and clean the torch, easy to do. A few screws and it is clear what is inside.
Are your tip and shroud in good condition? Any doubt replace.

Clean your feed rollers and the drum spindle, both may cause the wire to "splutter".
Then set up and feed a amount of wire through the machine. It should run smoothly with out hesitation.

Then clean up the metal and try again. Then try again as you adjust the settings of the machine.

Are you on Gas, is the gas flowing?
Are you on gas less wire? If so did you swop the polarity over?

Many questions, a bit of advice.

As said some one with a lot more real life experience will be alone soon.

I hope this is a start.

Best of luck.
To quote Mr W Churchill to a Doctor.
KBO!!

 

[a111r]

First thing; is the wire feed smooth or does it 'rattle' under load?

 

[James721]

Turns out the CO2 pipe was detached in the head. Looks better now

 

[gaz1]

4th row down looks better

i also get the instinct your rushing jumpy with the welder

slow down a little use your other hand as support so rest your gun over the other hand and try another few lines looks blooby like above slow down

looks bulbus then speed up

you can also see where you slowed down a bit by your heat mark on the metal

 

[Matchless]

make sure you don't have too much gas pressure, it won't spoil the weld as far as I know but will cost you a fortune in gas!

 

[Wozzaaah]

Your first pics are a classic sign of no gas coverage, the porosity is a dead giveaway.
Better attempts on your second pic but as Gaz says, your travel speed is very erratic which is why your beads are varying in thickness.