New Canadian Member

[Murray]

Hello all. Found this site when surfing for Mig welding advice. I have been Mig welding for yrs but always with .045 wire and doing heavy welds. I recently started a new job and am having more trouble switching over to use .030 to make nice welds than I expected. Setting up the machine and getting the welder to work smooth has been a problem. There seems to be no help at this place of employment so I am looking for any helpful tips.
Thank You
Murray

 

[shenion]

Welcome to the forums

What size welds are you doing?
What welder are you using?
Gas or gasless?

 

[malcolm]

In addition to Shenion's questions (apart from the first - typo there maybe) I'd ask the thickness of material too. If it's thick you might be in the twilight zone between dip and spray transfer. Is the welder in good condition? Recent liner, correct slot in the feed rollers, and correct and recent tip?

 

[Murray]

I am trying to do small 1/4" welds with a lincoln gas welder. One of the main problems is welder maintenance. I suspect the liner is dirty and possibly worn out and new tips are not available. I have had to file and clean old tips to do the best I can. Although the machines are fairly new no one seems to know how to maintain them. Even when welding 10 ga material it is difficult to maintain an even power supply to deliver an even weld. My first thought was liner and tip problems but wonder if I am missing something. Thank You for your prompt replys.
Murray

 

[shenion]

Lincoln's use Tweco tips, same as Clarkes. Tweco part #11-xx (xx=30 for .030 etc)They are available anywhere. I get mine a home improvement stores (Home Depot) 10 for $8. Tons of them on ebay. I picked up bags of 25.

Make sure the rollers are clean and blow out the liner. Adjust wire roll tension to just a slight drag.

There has to be suppliers there. My favorate here only ships to the US.