Practice Welds

[BigBunny]

Hi Folks,

Thought I would post my latest practice welds. Only been doing this a month or so.

These are on 1.5 inch 16swg Box Tubing. My Clarke 135TE is set to 1, MAX with a wire speed of 7. Gas (Argon / C02 / 02 mix) is set to 8 LPM.

I seem to get similar results on gas at 4 – 8 LPM. At 8 LPM is pumps out of the gun, not only does it sound loud, I can blow hack saw dust on my work bench about with it.

Is this too high ?

Could I get away with 5 – 6 LPM ?

I am getting a brown deposit on my welds but I think this is normal with a gas mix. It only requires a very little wire brush to remove it.

Is this to be expected ?

I find it easier to run beads right to left. With the torch tipped towards the left. I can then see the weld puddle clearly as I progress. (Top weld bead (Yellow arrows)).

Is this PULL or PUSH ?

Which is better ?

The middle bead is right to left, again the torch tipped towards the left (so over the new bead).

The third (bottom) bead is again right to left, nozzle tipped left (towards the direction of travel, like the first).

The second photo is the inside to show the penetration.

Is this too much or not enough ?

Thanks all
Simon

 

[octo0072000]

get yourself a pea shooter to check gas flow sound like your regulator is not that accurate a lot aren't that accurate

http://www.weldequip.com/gas-flow-tester.htm

 

[jackjosh]

I am a timed served welder and had never heard of "push" before joining this site, it is as nearly as alien as "vertical down". Yes you can do them but both are poor relations to doing it right.

 

[BigBunny]

I should have added the photo of the regulator setup (all from the folks at WeldEquip).

I have just been re-reading the manual for the welder at it states that a gas flow of 3-4 LPM should be adequate for a good weld with no porosity ! But …….. and this is where I get confused, I am reading all over the Internet that 10-12 LPM (or 22-27 CFH) is optimum. Obviously in workshop conditions (ie. not outside in the wind).

Long and short of it, is I don't want to waste gas. I am in my garage, so drafts are at a minimum, but ventilation good (garage doors open).

Its my Pea Shooter gauge that I read off.

Thanks

 

[Bill Edwards]

8 to 10 lpm is fine. You may be OK with a little less, but this is a good figure to work to.
You need to be pushing the torch - see the diagram on the bottom of this page to show which direction that is:
http://www.wcwelding.com/short-circuit-metal-transfer.html

You only ever pull when on very heavy plate (many times thicker than anything the average MIG machine is suitable for).