Anderzander Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 A beginner MIG quandary ... I'm welding a patch on the chassis and I can't seem to run a decent bead. But when I run one on my test piece it's fine. At first I thought I had the settings wrong - as when I set it up last time the power and particularly the wire speed were much lower than I'd have thought. But if I turn it up I blow through - and it's putting a good bead with penetration on my test pieces. The metal is clean, I've cleaned for the earth. It is in an awkward spot where I can't get comfy and can't get in position to properly see the weld pool ... I accept I'm a carp welder - but am I missing anything obvious ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotts90 Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 Are you welding outside? If the wind is blowing the sheilding gas away then it leads to very poor welds Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anderzander Posted September 17, 2015 Author Share Posted September 17, 2015 I am outside - but so are my test pieces. Though it may be less windy in the mouth of the garage where I'm practicing - I'll turn the gas up a bit. Thank you. I've come in for lunch and to scratch my head over it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotts90 Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 It may also be easier to "join the dots" rather than try for a nice run. Can also save time having to grind back a whole run when it goes Pete tong. Also check the the tip is tight and the nozzle is free of slag, if the weld area is a bit carp it doesn't take much spatter to foul things up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ally V8 Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 Couple of things that may help, firstly you wont get a good weld if you cant see where you are going. In the past I've set up a mirror to look at the weld area. Do a dry run first to get your brain around the reverse image. Also get plenty of light into the area,even whilst welding,I use mag mount LED lamps,often 2 or 3 pointed at the area where I'm working - you cant get it too light,esp if your eyesight is getting worse like mine. You HAVE to be comfy and be able to breathe naturally whilst welding and make sure nothing snags you 1/2 way along a run. Getting a decent setup for each weld is 95% of the problem when doing chassis/body repairs,its not always easy - even when you have been doing it for over 30 years.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anderzander Posted September 17, 2015 Author Share Posted September 17, 2015 Thanks both ??. It was the gas - and the position. I had been given a new flow meter and hadn't got it right - or rather it's revealed how out my gauge is - so I've turned it right up - wedged myself in and got much closer and it's worked. I have though now set fire to my arm and rushed indoors for the burn cream. I think I need a leather onesie .... Hmmm my old motorbike leathers maybe in the attic still :-) Thanks for your help - and in seriousness I do need an apron or something. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anderzander Posted September 17, 2015 Author Share Posted September 17, 2015 I just looked on eBay - flame retardant smock is only £15 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeffR Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 I need one of those tunics - when welding the disco floor I was wedged underneath the axle and a large chunk of molten steel decided to fuse itself to my sternum - took bloody ages to dig it out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anderzander Posted September 17, 2015 Author Share Posted September 17, 2015 My arms are a bit of a mess - so I'm definitely buying one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotts90 Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 It's always a good indication of how high your pain threshold is! That elusive blob always gets down a sleeve or down the back of your overalls and settles in some tender areas...got weld burns and blisters in some weird places through the years. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discomikey Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 Anderzander, Firstly I agree, (besides the gas) being able to see the puddle is important. Being comfortable is even more important. You'd be surprised at the difference. Buy yourself a proper flow meter rather than a regulator (you want the floating ball type) And get some Kevlar welding sleeves, I love them. Not too hot and your arm can breathe but welding and UV burn is no longer an issue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discomikey Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 https://m.justworkgloves.co.uk/#!/Cut-Resistant-Sleeves/Kevlar-Cut-Resistant-Sleeve These are the ones. Be sure to buy one that goes all the way up your arm. I weld in a polo shirt and this on my non-torch arm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeffR Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 It's always a good indication of how high your pain threshold is! That elusive blob always gets down a sleeve or down the back of your overalls and settles in some tender areas...got weld burns and blisters in some weird places through the years. Spatter is the nastiest, that stuff gets everywhere, had some in my ear once - wearing a full helmet too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve b Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 Good link Mikey Steveb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
missingsid Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 Definately think about protection but not just splatter, I welded my cage mounts on to the chassis in nice weather so polo shirt as I was above the welds. I got horrendous, well a lot, of UV burns on my tummy half way through and had to wear a very hot top to avoid the pain from more UV! Also got an odd patterned sun tan! Marc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
qwakers Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 i did similar not long ago. welding a metal box to put my fuel tank in, registered my forearms where warmish but didnt have a second thought. had fairly painful burns all the way from wrists to bottom of t-shirt area for a week. peeled off nicely though! not recommended makes getting dressed of a morning rather uncomfortable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotts90 Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 You always notice the uv burns in the shower when things get a bit "nippy" lol. We all do it, just a quick weld turns into a bigger weld with the MIG wound up to max. Need to get some of those Kevlar sleeves too methinks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anderzander Posted September 17, 2015 Author Share Posted September 17, 2015 I just bought one of these : http://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/262023099676 I'll report back with what it's like. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anderzander Posted September 17, 2015 Author Share Posted September 17, 2015 Mikey I saw your post after I'd bought a jacket .... I'll see how I get on with it before I go for the sleeves. I've actually got a burn on my chest - so maybe a jacket offers a bit more protection for me. My fix for the gas today was using a floating ball valve my neighbour gave me - it was that that showed up how far out the regulator was ... Stephen Anderzander, Firstly I agree, (besides the gas) being able to see the puddle is important. Being comfortable is even more important. You'd be surprised at the difference. Buy yourself a proper flow meter rather than a regulator (you want the floating ball type) And get some Kevlar welding sleeves, I love them. Not too hot and your arm can breathe but welding and UV burn is no longer an issue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotts90 Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 We used to have proban treated workwear but it's a coating which reduces after each wash. We now have nomex or similar to save us being burnt to a crisp...doesn't stop molten blobs though! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mickeyw Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 Wow, a conversation about welding injuries that doesn't involve our treasurer. Maybe he's in hospital Glad you are getting to grips with this Stephen. MIGs are very useful tools. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hybrid_From_Hell Posted September 18, 2015 Share Posted September 18, 2015 Oi ^^^^ Right your banned MickeyW I defo do resemble refute that comment If you have decent welds on test pieces and not on chassis then somethings different ? Thickness ?Cleanyness ?angle / Positioning ? Post up pics of both N Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anderzander Posted September 18, 2015 Author Share Posted September 18, 2015 Scott picked out the culprit - there was a gas problem. It's all done, ground back and painted now. Thank you though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anderzander Posted September 18, 2015 Author Share Posted September 18, 2015 Wow, a conversation about welding injuries that doesn't involve our treasurer. Maybe he's in hospital I think JeffR and HfH should be the forum's Health and Safety reps.... Glad you are getting to grips with this Stephen. MIGs are very useful tools. Thanks Mickey ! I've an old series to get lots of practice on Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SPendrey Posted September 18, 2015 Share Posted September 18, 2015 I just bought one of these : http://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/262023099676 I'll report back with what it's like. I don't think it'll work for you and your car, it says its a navy one, so probably meant for ships Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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