- Thread starter smashweld
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got a new packet of GYS rods to practice, and some el cheapo from screwfix.......but also using some Truweld rods that have been in a barn for years....they gave off more light/crackle than the packet of 6013 i got from screwfix yesterday so have been using those to practice
the screwfix rods were just completely different to use...I should prob try them a bit more
the screwfix rods were just completely different to use...I should prob try them a bit more
Tigman
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I remember buying some cheap rods as I had ran out of my usual brand , got to site set my machine to my sweet spot and couldn't weld for toffees , had to change settings and still didn't like them , still got the half packet but won't use them again !
Hood
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I used to get rods from the local supplier, no idea of brand as they were just in a plain white box. Got them for years and they were beautiful to weld with. Suddenly they stopped getting them in, not sure why but think it was they couldn't get them for some reason. Anyway they started selling Sif ones instead and they are very poor in comparison, then I got some Gecka ones and they are very nice. Ran out of them and still have the Sif but as I don't do much steel I haven't bothered to get more and will just use up the Sif.
Hood
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Did they have a small yellow label on the box? No name on the label but just the size, welding positions etc? They were certainly a nice rod to use and were very cheap, about £6 a box if I recall, was a few years back no though.
turning the amps up helped, think I'm just getting more used to going up without letting the bead sag....but still the main thing is I can't see the pool properly 
, as soon as the arc is struck and the rod starts melting everything around the arc is 'glowing', kinda... I see no clear bright semi circle at the trailing edge of the arc...I think I can just see it at times on the flat but not enough when moving etc, definitely not when the rod is in the way going up
I do have some color blindness (think it's red/green according to the online tests, but was told this at school like 30 years ago so not 100%) which maybe is a problem
I can see the spatter forming/burning in at the front of the puddle tho once it gets hot enough, but that doesn't help at the start
, as soon as the arc is struck and the rod starts melting everything around the arc is 'glowing', kinda... I see no clear bright semi circle at the trailing edge of the arc...I think I can just see it at times on the flat but not enough when moving etc, definitely not when the rod is in the way going upI do have some color blindness (think it's red/green according to the online tests, but was told this at school like 30 years ago so not 100%) which maybe is a problem
I can see the spatter forming/burning in at the front of the puddle tho once it gets hot enough, but that doesn't help at the start
angellonewolf
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can you not put more light on the work ? led makes this easy nowadays ?
just a led head torch will put light where its needed
just a led head torch will put light where its needed
Tigman
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dont recall yellow label but it was a a while ago !
zeppelin builder
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a guy i worked for bought a job lot of sif fluxcore dualshield wire never had so many burns in my life it was like a,roman candle,
weld was ok ,but was like an arc air with a the sparks
these guys should stick to bronzes and o/a stuff
Might be worth checking the lens shade in your welding helmet isn't too dark for the current that you are using. There are plenty of charts on the 'net'. If it is an auto darkening helmet then likewise check where it has been set to. I've several with different grades in and if I pick up the wrong one depending on the welding I'm doing, then it is very noticeable.
I’ve tried the different shades on the auto helmet....lighter helps....I’d love to use a lighter shade but starts to strain the eyes.
TIG alu is the only tine I can see the puddle properly and how much it’s penetrating. Prob because of how bright it is...also got a bit of time for eyes to adjust I think, with it being a bit slower.
Spool gun with alu on the mig was ridiculous...might as well have shut my eyes!
TIG alu is the only tine I can see the puddle properly and how much it’s penetrating. Prob because of how bright it is...also got a bit of time for eyes to adjust I think, with it being a bit slower.
Spool gun with alu on the mig was ridiculous...might as well have shut my eyes!
Well i'm glad i'm not the only one!! To the original picture!! I was welding some thick box section together today, the edges are quite round. I thought i would weave across from one side to another and got two perfect welds each side, but nothing in the middle!! I'm a beginner and was using 6013, screwfix, ac, 2.5mm 80A'ish, cables was possibly a bit of a mess, possibly a whole world of other things going on too!! But i bet you couldn't do it again if you tried ^^ In the end i got out the cheapo gasless, then noticed all the BB's and switched back, then it was ok.......
