Little advice for newbie

[Bill Edwards]

Even on 3mm?
Bit over gunned if you ask me.

He's not really alone, for quite some time I was using nothing other than 3.2mm, on 3mm thick metal and sometimes even less.
It's not something I would recommend though, 2.5 is the correct rod there. But when all you have is 3.2, that's what you use!

 

[God mode restorations]

Out of interest. ..what does over gunned mean..

 

[Tinbasherdan]

Basically too much rod, and then too much power

 

[God mode restorations]

Got ya.....cheers..

 

[Richard.]

Example of over gunned would be using a rocket launcher to shoot a rabbit. It will certainly get the job done but perhaps a bit over kill. Like bill rightly said though. We use what's at hand.

 

[God mode restorations]

Got it....I myself are still learning and I do everyday....it's these comments and opinions that make this forum what is it....it's helped me a lot. ...

 

[God mode restorations]

Out of interest chaps..a couple of welds on 2.5 rod running about 75 amps...should I turn it down a little....

 

[Tinbasherdan]

Doesn't look too bad there, I'd say you are within the right range Amps wise

 

[Richard.]

They look good mate. No point in changing it if it's working.

 

[God mode restorations]

Awesome..thanks....happy days..

 

[txargyll]

Having a nightmare with the 2.5, burned over 100. Anywhere from 60amps to 100. Either burns through or naff all Penetration. Seems best between 75 to 80-85 amps but poor Penetration, break tests not consistent so ordered 2 kilo of 3.2 6013 and will try again. Will report back how i get on.

 

[Richard.]

Having a nightmare with the 2.5, burned over 100. Anywhere from 60amps to 100. Either burns through or naff all Penetration. Seems best between 75 to 80-85 amps but poor Penetration, break tests not consistent so ordered 2 kilo of 3.2 6013 and will try again. Will report back how i get on.

On 3mm I'd of thought 2.5s would be ideal. At 75 amps you should not be having penetration issues unless your either travelling too quickly or it's not actually putting 75 amps into the job. 3.2 will weld it and as others have said its all they use but for me it's a bit over kill. Mma welding is not my no 1 skill but I can hold my own with a stinger. Remember you need to do 3 operations with that one hand.
You must keep pushing the rod as it burns into the joint but keep traveling along the joint while maintaining a 30ish degree angle of attack and short arc length. All of these things need to be done right as any one of them no right can effect the weld strength.

 

[HughF]

Having a nightmare with the 2.5, burned over 100. Anywhere from 60amps to 100. Either burns through or naff all Penetration. Seems best between 75 to 80-85 amps but poor Penetration, break tests not consistent so ordered 2 kilo of 3.2 6013 and will try again. Will report back how i get on.

Pictures? Start a new thread...

 

[Richard.]

Pictures? Start a new thread...

Why start a new thread? He's the original op.

 

[HughF]

So he is... ignore me...

 

[Kent]

If your putting that sort of power into a 2,5 6013 it shouldn't be lacking penetration. I suspect the issue is your welding or a machine fault. Stag has. No tensile I Was Out y Coed To Be Able

 

[Bill Edwards]

I'd have to agree, there is something wrong if you can't get penetration with a 2.5. Are they decent branded rods? If I'm honest, I'm suspecting it's probably the chap holding the rod that's making a mistake somewhere.

 

[God mode restorations]

Stick welding can definitely test your patience to the limit...you have good and bad days...I can lay down some nice uniformed t fillets..but do you think I can get that look and uniform going v up or down...really ****** me off....

 

[Bill Edwards]

Stick welding can definitely test your patience to the limit...you have good and bad days...I can lay down some nice uniformed t fillets..but do you think I can get that look and uniform going v up or down...really ****** me off....

I know that all too well.
Sometimes I've been welding 2" rusty pipe with poor 6013 rods and made a fantastic job, and been left thinking I should be a pipe welder on x hundred per hour.
And other times, I'm trying something basic with a good inverter welder, dry 7018 etc and making such a horrible job that shouldn't be likened to pigeon **** because it would be insulting to pigeons...


The difference in constancy can really try you!

 

[God mode restorations]

Bang on the mark there bill....sometimes my v down and v up are such a mess I am ashamed to be holding the torch....