Appauling Bead runs

[Wightsparks]

Is it just bog standard mild steel ?

 

[Jim#]

Is it just bog standard mild steel ?

As far as I know it is, They are just left over from some castor wheel plates.

 

[Jim#]

mate is arc staying ok ect if you do beads is it still ok, is this ment to go as a full run

Now and again I lose the are and di strait back in, Would that do it?If I do flat beads I have no problem.
That was not a full length run.

 

[andy28]

why do you feel you lose the arc mate...

 

[8ob]

Jim are you getting yourself into a comfy position with a bit of arm support or are you stooped over the bench?

Bob

 

[Jim#]

why do you feel you lose the arc mate...

Sometimes it just catches me up and burns up out of the arc.

 

[Jim#]

Jim are you getting yourself into a comfy position with a bit of arm support or are you stooped over the bench?

Bob

I do try testing my left arm on the vice and supporting my other.

 

[andy28]

right mate few points are you in a comfy position when you do the run, also can you always see the arc clear, might be worth trying a lap weld run...

 

[Jim#]

right mate few points are you in a comfy position when you do the run, also can you always see the arc clear, might be worth trying a lap weld run...

I try to be as comfy as I can, I can see the arc clear.
I will try some lap runs next and see where that takes me.
Appreciate your comments

 

[andy28]

I try to be as comfy as I can, I can see the arc clear.
I will try some lap runs next and see where that takes me.
Appreciate your comments

mate it ok it all a learning curve reason I said lap weld joint is run to an edge then look at weld bead profile, I've just switched from AC to DC so that different again..

 

[andy28]

mate sorry if it sounds daft but are you cleaning the metal fully before you do these welds..

 

[Jim#]

mate sorry if it sounds daft but are you cleaning the metal fully before you do these welds..

All the surface to be welded are cleaned with a 40 flap disc, Should I do anymore?

 

[andy28]

mate some might say use a grinding disc but when I arc weld on mild steel I've got, I use flap disc after I've removed the mill scale, which found a few good ways to do that, just trying to think what other things can be happening ...

 

[Jim#]

mate some might say use a grinding disc but when I arc weld on mild steel I've got, I use flap disc after I've removed the mill scale, which found a few good ways to do that, just trying to think what other things can be happening ...

Thanks, I will try and get in my workshop later this afternoon.
And pay more attention to cleaning.

 

[andy28]

mate take a look here https://www.millerwelds.com/resources/weld-setting-calculators/stick-welding-calculator ...

 

[Jim#]

mate take a look here https://www.millerwelds.com/resources/weld-setting-calculators/stick-welding-calculator ...

Had a good look through that, All seems common sense stuff not throwing up any surprises.

 

[andy28]

ok mate any more welds done yet...

 

[Jim#]

Some more strait beads, very clean 3mm plate, 2.6 6013,even wiped off with acetone.
No change from yesterday's settings.
Beads ok,penetration ok and no porosity.
Thickness is 1mm under double thickness of material.
I cant see anything too much to worry about for a novice hobby welder on those.

 

[Jim#]

Now for the lap joints, Well cleaned as before this time its 5mm plate.
I think I'm letting the arc get too long in places where it stops and that's when the slag gets in, What do you think?

 

[Jim#]

Now for the lap joints, Well cleaned as before this time its 5mm plate.
I think I'm letting the arc get too long in places where it stops and that's when the slag gets in, What do you think?

I'm thinking the first run was too slow and the second too fast?