Need a little help...

[Blackl03]

Need a little help...PICS

hello all!

I have a Campbell Hausfield 85amp Flux Core Autofeed welder...it has infinite wire speeds, and dual heat settings (high and low), and can handle .030 to .035 wire...

I am going to be welding some exhuast pipe...16 gauge aluminized steel.

What heat should I set it on and also what wire speed should i start with...so I can practice welding some scraps together and fine tune it in before I start on the real thing...

I also have .030 wire in it...

thanks in advance!

 

[malcolm]

You'll probably need to grind the aluminium coating off the steel where you want to weld. 0.30 wire is the best stuff. For amps and wire speed try the http://www.millerwelds.com/education/calculators/mig_solid_amperage_calculator.phMiller calculator and select MIG - seems to suggest 110 amps and 220 inches per minute wire speed (press the trigger for a time then measure the length).

110 is a bit more than your max setting. Try a slightly lower wire speed than Miller suggest (maybe 160 to 180 inches per minute) and weld a bit slower. Ought to be possible to get good penetration on 16 gauge (1.5mm). If you don't get the penetration then try a gap between the two sheets.

 

[Blackl03]

Thanks!

I should use the back and forth motion correct? weld pool on one and then pull it to the other peice, then make a weld pool and pull it back over and so forth? thanks agian!

 

[malcolm]

That's the technique I use. Doesn't mean it's right, but it does work. I like a curvy torch motion as http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/learning-mig.htm - never got the hang of a pure zig-zag, though I gather that's more suited for thicker metal.

 

[Blackl03]

Thanks I practiced today...check out my other post for pics!