My first weld

[buddyboy]

After getting my new Portamig 215 yesterday, and spending this morning setting it up. (I have never held a welding torch in my life before). Please could I have a few comments about the picture of one of the welds? I have been reading info on the forum for quite a while and still do not understand the about of penetration that I should expect.
The picture of the weld shows one pass on 2.8mm plate. The settings on the machine were as follows
Wire size .6 mm. Wire speeds 4, Course voltage 2. Fine voltage 2. Any comments. Help would be much appreciated

Regards

Colin

 

[malcolm]

You are a bit low on power there. There are some thoughts on penetration here: http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/butt-weld.htm

Main thing with a butt joint is make sure the edges of the metal underneath don't show, but try not to go much further than that. Apart from that the weld looks continuous so you are likely on the right track.

 

[weldingscotty803]

try 0.8 wire for thicker stuff. 0.6 is ideal for body work sheet etc.
turn up the amps a bit and leave the wire settin as it is.
try c/v 3 f/v 2 with 0.8 wire

 

[Justme]

turn up the amps a bit and leave the wire settin as it is.

The wire speed IS the amps setting?


Justme

 

[malcolm]

The wire speed IS the amps setting?

Don't take that one too literally. Adjusting the power knob on the welder alters the voltage true enough, but when you turn up the voltage you also get more amps.

For me I think of knob that changes the voltage as the course adjustment. Fine adjustment can be achieved by adjusting the wire speed within the range the voltage setting will support.

You can get around the argument by calling the voltage switch a power switch. It needs turning up one.