First welds with 3.2mm 6013 rods

[ChrisJ]

Hi,
I ordered some 3.2mm 6013 rods as I was told there a bit more forgiving, and with my wobbly hands too, here are the first results, the welder was set approx 120amps according to the slider on the top, the amps are adjusted by turning a big wheel on the front. all advice welcome
thanks
Chris

 

[Jim_gsxr1000]

Looks fairly good to me what type are they I only use ESAB rods these days quality is very consistent

 

[ChrisJ]

there some un-named ones from flea-bay £14-50 delivered next day

 

[Jim_gsxr1000]

That seems dear I gat a box of ESAB 6013 3.2mm for £12 from my local welding supliers

 

[ChrisJ]

sadly we dont have one here in Tamworth that I can find, unless anyone knows better?

 

[Jim_gsxr1000]

just need to look about man, theres 2 within 5 mins of my work, I dident relise they were there

 

[ChrisJ]

Yep eyes are always open :-)

 

[Welderpaul]

Welds look good. Try making up a 'pad'. Run longer beads side by side, then turn 90 degrees and do the same. Gives you good practice running in straight lines. Pause when you get to the end of a run to fill the crater.
Cheapy rods are very variable in quality and can cause headaches, especially when you are learning.

 

[ChrisJ]

Cheers paul will try that tomorrow, I found lincoln rods really good but cannot find them in full boxes locally or online....

 

[ChrisJ]

Had a go at the criss cross pattern this morning

 

[Welderpaul]

Nearly. Get the edges of the beads to touch each other along their full length. Look pretty straight mind.

 

[ChrisJ]

Ahh ok gotcha was trying to make lovely squares there ted

 

[Wendelspanswick]

We used to weld up pads, then cut them in half to check for voids and inclusions when we were training. Gives you good current control also as you need to adjust it as the workpiece gets hotter.

 

[Ed.]

Looking good there. Try to do some 90 degree fillets now to see if you get an even bead on both parts and no voids or under cutting.

Cheers

Ed.

 

[ChrisJ]

thanks guys I will try that next, Wendel: I found out just how hot the workpiece gets despite proper welding gloves I managed to burn my finger, the pad itself left a burnt square on the top of my old B&D workmate, I think I need to make a steel welding table, but at the moment I'm stuck in a 8x6 shed, welcome any suggestions on this.
Ed: I will try that next thanks, just a bit short on thick pieces of metal...