Slag in weld

[440dodgechargerrt]

I can weld a butt joint fine but when i try two pices of steel together at 90 degrees i get weld on both pices of metal and slag in the middle. I just don't know what im doing wrong. thanks.

Welding rods: 2.6mm
Welder Current: 110amp
Metal thickness: 3mm

 

[bawjaws]

im no expert but it sounds to me like you are not using the right arc length, i use about 3mm constantly but like i said i could be wrong

 

[irondarren]

110 amps on a 2.5mm rod is a little high, it should be around 60-90 amps for a 2.5 rod, you might find better results using 3.2mm welding rods, either way turn the amperage down to about 85amps and travel a little slower.
upload a picture might help in seeing where you are going wrong

 

[scarecrow]

You are not bridging the gap between the two plates a slightly larger rod will help with 2.5 you need to keep the rod down into the corner with a small weave and let the pool build

 

[Drains]

As above - 80-90A for a fillet (for your av 6013, 2.5mm), and you need to travel right, and get the arc length right. You should see a sort of meniscus forming, like a quarter of a circle, just behind the arc. When that happens, the molten steel is joining both pieces. If that doesn't happen straight away, pull the rod away a touch (lengthen the arc), move very slowly until that shape forms. Once it does, you can shorten the arc again and travel at the right speed to keep it going. It's all in the weld pool, that's what you have to watch.

If it all looks like a bright mushy mess, then the slag has taken over. You can also try using the rod to flick excess slag away, then return it to the weld pool. That can sometimes help getting that quarter round going. The slag is much brighter than the steel btw.

Edit - if you're using cheap rods, it's a nightmare. Always worth buying, at worst, white box rods from a reputable manufacturer. Never use Machine Mart or other Chinese rods. Waste of money and effort.

 

[440dodgechargerrt]

Thanks for the help.
simondrains - I am using machein mart rods what would be a good company to buy from?

I baked my rods to dry them out and as sugested lowered the amps slightly and it seemed to help alot.
Thanks for the help.

 

[Drains]

Hey 440. I knew it - machine mart rods... tuh!

Other options - BOC Everyday 6013's - cheap and cheerful. Also, white box 6013's by ESAB, Murex.... probably Oerlikon, Hilka, Lincoln ...

There are loads of respectable makes, loads of grades. All will be useable, but if they come in a white box with no makers name, (or Clarke) stay away!

The easiest thing is to find your local welding supplier and ask them for a box of something not utter crap. As you don't say where you are, it's not easy to suggest a supplier, although you won't go far wrong at your local BOC outlet.