Welding Tips and Tricks

Helllo:

Relatively new to MIG welding and new to this forum. Would someone please take a look at the attached photo and let me know what I'm doing wrong to create the stringy ridges that are on top of the bead? I have performed far better welds with this machine (Hobart Handler 210 @230v) but this has been happening somewhat inconsistently lately. In this case, the base metal was 3/8" and I was also having trouble getting proper penetration. The machine was set to the recommended settings.

I've noticed that it seems to happen only after I've been welding for a few minutes.

Thank you for any help,

Chris

Immediately I see the heat is too low in that weld. Your contact work distance can also be a factor in determining the outcome of your weld.

Thank you.

Hi there, make sure you are using a gas specified for mig, and that it's a good batch. Gas contamination happens more than you ever think.

Best, Mick