first time on stick

[jef88]

done a bit of mig before, but decided to have a go with arc welding. my first time so please be gentle. I was actually quite happy with what I did.

Started off quite blatently over-amping it (150amps or so on 1/4" steel with 5/32" 6013 rods), and worked down towards 120ish.

all suggestions welcome & would like to know what sort of amperage I should be aiming to get down to, as it seemed to start sticking alot more lower down, but I found if I scratched it up and down a bit and got a bit of heat going it'd arc up nicely.

 

[simon718]

not bad for your first attempt mate, not bad at all, keep at it. Quite satisfying aint it!

 

[jef88]

definately, also wondering how I should finish off the weld, as i get to the bottom give it a second longer in that spot then shift up a bit & lift off. (should really get a book or pay a teacher I know)

 

[madkayaker]

i tend to weld back half inch or so.

 

[simon718]

sounds about right mate, something similar to what i do, you will soon find out whats right for you

 

[jef88]

heh, got an inch of sunburn this morning (was using some old plant gloves that are used to handle hot asphalt instead of me gauntlets, sound enough, just an inch too short apparently :P)

also, is it normal that I'm sneezing slag? or should I use a bit of a mask under my shade to keep all that out?

cheers

 

[madkayaker]

black snot is normal use a mask! any exposed skin will get sun burn

 

[jef88]

sound. and what do you guys use to grind the spatter away? Or does the spatter get really minimal after alot of practice?

 

[madkayaker]

splatter disappears when you get the hang of it a bit. Its caused by over current so as you practice reduce the current. If your using a cheep Buzz box try warming the rod up a bit first with a blow torch helps the arc.