Welder Help Please

[derbyguy88x]

New to the forum, found it trying to google info about my issue.

I have a Millermatic 211. Still new as I have only used it 4 times. I build demolition derby cars so that is what I weld up for the most part. I am new to welding and not too bad but improving slowly. Been welding for about 2 years. Doing alot more welding now so I bought a nice welder.

Try to explain my issue best I can.


I am using flux core wire as well. I plug into a power box outside on our light post. Old fuse style box. ( I live on an old farm house) I starts out welding fine, but it seems like it struggles for power. After some time of welding it doesnt weld as good as it was before. I am thinking the wires in the box get hot. I am no electrician, but I think I need a better power source, that pushes more amps.

Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[shenion]

Are you using a 220V outlet?

If using an extension cord, it must be rated for at least 20A.

What size metal are you trying to weld?

 

[derbyguy88x]

Are you using a 220V outlet?

If using an extension cord, it must be rated for at least 20A.

What size metal are you trying to weld?

only useing 110 and no extension cord.

metal thickness is sheet metal to about an 1/8th thick.

 

[shenion]

Maybe you can describe more what it does. Wire speed drops, voltage drops (and wire speed seems too fast)?

At 120V, they really need a good power source. I wired a dedicated outlet for my Clarke and it worked much smoother.

 

[derbyguy88x]

Maybe you can describe more what it does. Wire speed drops, voltage drops (and wire speed seems too fast)?

At 120V, they really need a good power source. I wired a dedicated outlet for my Clarke and it worked much smoother.

its like it spits and spatters. i have to move the puddle around more and do plenty more messing with it than i should to get it decent. it just doesnt weld as good. i turn my wire speed up to around 80 or so and it seems like it should be faster than what it is coming out. i adjust it throughout welding. may be a noob question, but am i suppose to be running a high wire speed to get good welds? i am running my heat/voltage at around 2. sometimes a tad under if it starts to push threw.

the post i am plugging into runs the house i think. the power box I mean. shut the box off and the power to the house its shut off as well. not sure if this info matters.

when i first turn the machine on and start to weld, i can weld nice. it is consistent. the noise is consistent as well. after a while it is not consistent.

not sure the best way to describe. I'll use periods to try and explain how consistent it is.

its kinda like this after a bit of welding.

........ .... ........ ...... ........... ............. ........ ........

and starting welding is this.

...............................................

no gaps, nice feed and sounds nice.



now I know I go overboard on trying to protect my welder. I'll weld for 5-15 min and take a break about the same time so not to over heat it at all.

 

[shenion]

Check the wire reel turns fine. i have seen them get sticky due to the labels.

Could be power issue. If you plan on welding anything 1/8" and up, I'd look at getting a 220V socket installed.

Cheap wire can cause issues too. I'd stick with Hobart or Lincoln.

Edit: you might try a new tip. If you are using 0.030 flux wire, try a 0.035" tip.

 

[derbyguy88x]

im usint .035 with a .035 tip. could that cause binding and slow wire feed down?

 

[shenion]

If it is good wire, it should not be a problem.

 

[derbyguy88x]

ill try some hobart or lincoin wire next time. im useing something named farley wire.

i have speed on 70 or so and its slow. like its sticky

 

[Soup Bones]

Check to see if your break is too tight, it can make it seem sticky and not roll out properly.