Beginner running beads

[Dan Cason]

Thanks for the replies and help guys. I'm currently running 107 amps which is the machines goto standard setup for 3.2mm rods. So ok i'll try and put some time in tomorrow and hopefully some consistency will appear.

Arclikeharrypotter, I'll do a few at 107 amps to try to replicate ones from tonight to get the feel again. i'll then try going up to 115-120 and do a few like this then see what the results look like.

So Paul are you suggesting that at the start of welds you would lift a bit to increase arc length and thus heat, to get the weld laying correctly quicker and drop down over the first 2cm or so back to the touching so I don't get the high starts you saw in my latest pics? I guess this would be necessary when doing actual work especially short sections as some may only be 2-4cm long in total. From my original pics when my arc length was too long I did not have these high start points like now so hopefully I can replicate this.

Literally would have been stuck without your inputs on this everyone thanks a lot. Dan.

 

[Paul.]

So Paul are you suggesting that at the start of welds you would lift a bit to increase arc length and thus heat, to get the weld laying correctly quicker and drop down over the first 2cm or so back to the touching so I don't get the high starts you saw in my latest pics?

Yes that's how its done, not too wide though or you will lose control of the slag, its a bit of a balancing act but not too difficult.

You should really start running some proper joints before you do much more, there is only so much you can learn from running beads,
I would set up some tee fillets, and lap joints, amps will need to go up a bit for fillets as there is more mass of metal to heat up.

 

[Dan Cason]

Thanks Paul yes I will do. I just like having the understanding of basics which I am definitely getting from the beads. But will def get some joints going if the next set of beads go well.

 

[Dan Cason]

Hi guys,

So I feel like I now understand the movement, ran a bunch more beads last night and can recreate what I pictured above and then moved power up to 114amps I did a few that looked similar but had slightly smoother appearance and slightly lower profile.

I feel like to get consistency of the weld it is all about position because it's got to be about a steady hand. As a beginner I have tried welding whilst resting an elbow on the bench as this keeps my stick from waving about so much. But half way through a weld my left arm comes to the end of it's movement. Removing it invariably makes the end of my stick wobble as i'm kind of tensed up and I loose the consistency of the bead for a section.

From guys who do this all the time do you freestyle it (one or two handed) or rest an elbow for steadiness for general bench welding? Not talking awkward angle welding.

Will it just come to me one day how to position as I do more welding. Def learn't not to rest near the workpiece as my arm gets hotter and hotter!

 

[Gareth J]

Just a note for a pic on the previous page; the last weld run that you liked (80amps ac) may have run nicer and ended up looking smoother because the workpiece had started to get pretty hot. Less amps needed to get things flowing well. I don't know if you cooled it between runs though.

 

[gaz1]

this video might help better

i have to use both hands to start off when smaller its one handed

 

[Dan Cason]

Great video, I think it is such an advantage these days having these accessible to watch all different welders and their info. Did not quite answer the how to hold, but when you say you start with 2 and then go to 1 when the rod is shorter, do you generally find it easier not to rest an elbow on something to steady yourself when welding. I just find it seems to restrict burning the whole rod or I get a bodge bit in the middle when I move my weight. Think i'm going to try to get used to not supporting myself and see how that goes.

Sadly been mega busy at work today and will be tomorrow as off on my boat this weekend so Welding practice might have to wait till i'm back next week now.

 

[Arclikeharrypotter]

Think you'll naturally find a comfortable way to hold your stinger as you get more and more beads down!

If you are looking for informative videos then head over to weldingtricksandtips on YouTube, Jody knows what he is doing,

Going back to Amperage here is a picture of some 6013 , from right to left 90A 100A 115A and 125A, they were welder dc en, hence the slightly higher profile of the bead, I thought I'd changed back to ep but obviously not, but you can see the difference regardless,

 

[Dan Cason]

Just a note for a pic on the previous page; the last weld run that you liked (80amps ac) may have run nicer and ended up looking smoother because the workpiece had started to get pretty hot. Less amps needed to get things flowing well. I don't know if you cooled it between runs though.

Yes good point they were all run one after the other!

 

[Dan Cason]

Think you'll naturally find a comfortable way to hold your stinger as you get more and more beads down!

If you are looking for informative videos then head over to weldingtricksandtips on YouTube, Jody knows what he is doing,

Going back to Amperage here is a picture of some 6013 , from right to left 90A 100A 115A and 125A, they were welder dc en, hence the slightly higher profile of the bead, I thought I'd changed back to ep but obviously not, but you can see the difference regardless,

Ok will take a look thanks.

 

[gaz1]

i hold the handle by one hand the other guides the rod at the work due to nerves ive found its the best way as rod was moving an 1" at tip of rod or even more as i work down the rod the nerves arnt as bad so i can then do it one handed

i have good and bad days with arc welding same with mig welding

 

[Dan Cason]

i hold the handle by one hand the other guides the rod at the work due to nerves ive found its the best way as rod was moving an 1" at tip of rod or even more as i work down the rod the nerves at as bad so i can then do it one handed

i have good and bad days with arc welding same with mig welding

Thanks gaz1 that is really useful. I'll just keep experimenting then with ways to hold it and forget supporting unless an awkward position. Sure it will come but as i've not been 'taught' and have no time to attend set date courses this has given me enough to get going with.

Dan.