Hi,
Just a quick post to say to all you newb arc welders, stick at it! (no pun intended)
I've been struggling on for months, cocking up welds all over the show, probably 2 in 5 were any good.
I started a project last week to build my own trailer, and so took alot more time over my welds, and it's paying off.
I almost constantly adjust the power depending on the weld I'm about to do, which is guided by previous cock ups.
All my welds whether BUTT, LAP or even some positional ones are 100x better.
I found taking my time, and ensuring I move the rod far enough from side to side for the arc to move from one peice of steel to the other rather than just blast one peice really helped. Another big help was taking my time over getting all the slag off and wire brushing it all off - the attention to detail seemed to continue when I began welding.
Taking more time over setting up the weld using magnets and proper clamps is definatly an advantage too.
There isn't really much point to this post except to say, if your struggling with getting your arc welds to look any good, stick at it - practice practice practice and it will slowly come together.
I am not for a second saying I'm a good welder, but I'm happy. In someone signature it says: "experience is a great teacher, but the cost is very high" - I completely agree!
Just a quick post to say to all you newb arc welders, stick at it! (no pun intended)
I've been struggling on for months, cocking up welds all over the show, probably 2 in 5 were any good.
I started a project last week to build my own trailer, and so took alot more time over my welds, and it's paying off.
I almost constantly adjust the power depending on the weld I'm about to do, which is guided by previous cock ups.
All my welds whether BUTT, LAP or even some positional ones are 100x better.
I found taking my time, and ensuring I move the rod far enough from side to side for the arc to move from one peice of steel to the other rather than just blast one peice really helped. Another big help was taking my time over getting all the slag off and wire brushing it all off - the attention to detail seemed to continue when I began welding.
Taking more time over setting up the weld using magnets and proper clamps is definatly an advantage too.
There isn't really much point to this post except to say, if your struggling with getting your arc welds to look any good, stick at it - practice practice practice and it will slowly come together.
I am not for a second saying I'm a good welder, but I'm happy. In someone signature it says: "experience is a great teacher, but the cost is very high" - I completely agree!
