Welding Tips and Tricks

Hi everyone. Newbie here looking for a critique and advice on these FCAW passes I made the other day. Thank you!!!



Nito

Looks consistent, and decent uniformity.
What advice do you need?
~John

Thx john for your reply. Although the chart on the lid calls for a setting of B 1.5 for .060 thickness, the puddle looks to be piled up. As if my drag angle is to much. It was about 25°. 15° is probably better? The strength is good. I welded some tubing together beat the crap out of it with no failure at all. 16 and 14 guage tubing is what I will weld primarily. The other passes were to test other settings. I liked the look of the B 2 pass the best. Looking for a professional opinion so I can get better. I want my welds nice looking and strong. What kind if difference will switching to a gas set up make?

Nito

basically, when welding with flux-core, consistent pulling is where its at.
What kind of stuff are you welding? making small stuff out of thin metal?
Flux-core is ok stuff, it will be messier than gas, but gas will look prettier.
That's mainly the news I have to break to you.
Any more questions?
~John

Thx John. I will be welding 14 & 16 guage cold rolled steel tubing. It sounds like I will have to go true mig with gas for the "stack of dimes" look I would like to be able to lay down.

Nito

If your just welding square tubing like your saying, I would stick to the flux-core.(My Opinion)
You can mace some decent welds, Just drag it smooth and steady and keep the slag and puddle the same size and width.
A grinder with a wire wheel, and some paint.
Gas, does make cleaner, prettier welds.
I would do what works for you.
~John

The nice part about gas shielded wire is there is little to no clean up after welding. As for stacking dimes, you can do it with inershield. I've made stacks of quarters with 5/64 nr212. Don't be afraid to play in the puddle, I mean really we all did it as kids.

With FCAW you "always" have splatter to clean off (use a scraper of some sort), but the weld itself should look pretty good.

I would like to see your work after you have done some more practice.

With a controlled weave pattern you should get more even looking welds: and if you want real stack of dimes, go TIG.

Weld has hot as you can (follow the Lincoln chart), weave smoothly, watch the weld puddle and place it where you want it. With a bit of work it will look better than your photos here. Show us again in a few weeks (weld an hour a day, every day, minimum). Good luck.