Metal core wire is spray transfer. Not the best for light material. Flat and horizontal only for metal core wire.

Vertical up mig sucks. I prefer to run vertical mig down and space (gap) my pieces to allow more or penetration if it needs it.
Flux cor for vertical up for me.

I’ve never set my heat based on numbers. I set my heat on what I see. How the puddle is laying down. Other factors include weld position, type of weld joint, welding machine itself, incoming power to the welding machine etc. Depending on all those factors, I’ve used between 100-140 amps for a 1/8” 7...

I’ve always tried to avoid excessive weaving on structural (or any) root passes. The only position I do any weaving (for the most part) is vertical up. On a heavy fill and cap vertical up weld, I will weave. Any other positions, I prefer stringers.

Slow down your travel speed a
bit.

6010/7010/8010 are the root pass electrodes that pipe welders use. They fill and cap with 7018/8018 etc after that. I like using 6010 for doing repair/modification work on rusty/dirty trailers. Structural welding can only be done by certified welders. There is big liability in structural welding. On...

Your not watching your puddle and manipulating your electrode to move the puddle where it needs to go. Don’t watch the arc, watch the puddle behind it.
Your also moving too fast and not allowing your puddle to build/flow onto each of the pieces of metal.

I’ve done a fair bit of stainless stick. The slag usually pops off on its own when the weld cools. Once cooled, the slag comes off easily.

i don’t think many companies make high frequency start plasma cutters anymore. In the 100 amp and under class anyway. i say its the oposite. all the cheaper ones are all HF start. Perhaps I should have said "good quality plasma cutters" Those cheap cutters are absolute junk. Mediocre cut ...

What are you using for a welding machine?
If these rods are so hard to come by, it’s time to go with a different electrode that’s more readily accessible. An electrode that works with your welding machine.

If your using a tong type electrode holder, hang it on the hook/handle on something nearby. If your really worried about it, remove the electrode from the holder.

My cutmaster 52 uses a blow back start type system. It has a start cartridge in the torch. The unit fires a pilot arc when you squeeze the torch trigger. As you move the pilot arc to your work piece and the system senses the electrical circuit, the pilot arc ignites or fires the main cutting arc. Th...

Do any of you guys own a plasma cutter that cost you less than a $1000? If so what kind was it and how thick of metal can you cut with it? You will be highly disappointed with a machine that meets these requirements. You don't get much for that. Save more money and buy a reputable machine from a go...

A 120 amp 208v circuit should be plenty of power to max out that machine. The machine tag or label will tell you that info. I’ve ran a 300 sync transformer machine in the past. Mostly for stick welding. They are nice welding machines. The built in plasma cutter raises questions (and concerns) for me...

I scratch start tig with my 250 ideal arc and can also do it with my 250 bobcat. No remote on either of those machines. When dc tig welding the remote really isn’t an absolute requirement. It’s nice but not a requirement. I have a ck flex lock torch with a valve. I get my lws to make me the power bl...

I prefer to stick with AWS identified electrodes. You know they will always be around.

How do your cuts get so rounded when using a cut off wheel on a grinder ?

The 250 gtx will dc tig weld fine without that tig module. Scratch start dc tig. Sometimes, simplicity is a good thing and that’s what scratch start dc tig is. Most stainless pipe is welded this way in the field.
Your machine is already remote control capable without the tig module.

Krazywelder, Did you forge those scrolls yourself or did you buy them from somewhere like King Architectural Metals? Simclardy, Isn't weight only a concern when being built? Doesn't look like that fence is going anywhere, anytime soon...King sells finales to put on top of tube. The weight is an iss...

I usually chose 3/32 for anything test day or critical. Easier to control means less chance of something bad happening. If something bad does happen then there less to grind out. On structural tests, you can’t use grinders. You can have a wire wheel on a grinder for cleaning purposes but no grindin...

Well, every machine can be different. Every buildings incoming power can be different. Single phase or 3 phase power etc.... You need to find out what amps works for you. I know what works for me. Myself, I’d set my machine somewhere around 105-110 amp range for a root pass on 3/8” plate with a 1/8...

Well, every machine can be different. Every buildings incoming power can be different. Single phase or 3 phase power etc.... You need to find out what amps works for you. I know what works for me. Myself, I’d set my machine somewhere around 105-110 amp range for a root pass on 3/8” plate with a 1/8”...

125 amp is too hot for a vertical up root pass on a 3/8” plate with a 1/8” rod. You know your too hot when you loose it around 3/4 of the way up the plate.
125 amps is ok for flat or overhead but not for vertical up.

What test are you doing? Pretty sure AWS D1.1 test only allows a 1/8" rod? The CWB test only allows a 1/8" rod. I wouldn't want to go any smaller, especially on the root. A 3/32 rod on the root would force you to have more stops/starts that are unnecessary and can lead to potential problem...

Wood or steel? How are they set into the ground?