All metal carry-all. Welding questions....

[mkane09]

I'm making a 48" by 48" by 16" carry-all on top of a TSC carry-all frame. The frame rails are 3" angle, 3/16" thick. The TSC frame is 1/4". My first welds are a 4' 3x3 to the TSC frame. I'm using a Lincoln 3200HD with flux core wire. I don't think I'm getting enough penetration of the TSC frame. I've practiced welding 3/16" plate, so I'm pretty sure I'll be able to make the box and the floor (2" angle, 3/16" thick, spaced). I'll try to attach some pictures of my first welds on the TSC frame. Please give me some constructive criticism. Is it my technique, or is this just too thick for my Lincoln? I'm on "D" range (hottest), with wire speed of 5 (0-10 scale).

 

[Shield Arc]

Yeah you're too cold! What size wire are you running?
You want Innershield to look like this.

 

[mkane09]

0.35, I think (maybe 0.30). I was able to get some better welds on the 3/16" by 3/16" thick pieces. I slowed the wire feed down and both shortened the arc and slowed down even more. I'll try to post pictures of those welds in the near future. I'm thinking I may need someone with a stick machine to re-weld the parts that connect to the thicker TSC frame. What do you think? Like trucks, there's no such thing as too much horsepower when welding.

I have an acetylene torch. Would it help to pre-heat the thicker parts prior to welding?

 

[Shield Arc]

Yes it would help to pre heat!

You could try a little longer stick out, which will give you a little more voltage, (hotter / wetter puddle). But be very careful when doing this! It can give you a brittle weld!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[radioman]

I think you need to clean the welding area with grinder. IF you V the butt connection, you can have a hotter weld in. this way the second pass is already preheated. With flux core like mine I get a better penetration by making metal shiny with grinder. IF metal is thick, V it. This way you can get more melting in.

IF anybody disagree, thats fine- I am still learning myself, but this is what I know works for me.

 

[Transit]

With 3/16 you are looking at 185 amps for a single pass weld. I would tack weld every 6 inches and take a disk grinder on edge to cut a U grove along the seam. Two passes should do it. I would recommend a wire feed speed of 125 inches/min. with 0.035 wire.

 

[SandburRanch]

You are having the most common problems beginning welders have - arc length and puddle control. Until you gain some experience and practice find something to rest/steady your forarms on for better control and weld about an inch bead at a time. This will also give you more starting and stopping practice.

Think of it this way. Take a pencil and sign your name by holding it near the eraser. Now hold it normally and sign your name to see the difference in the control you have. With plenty pf practice you won't need the prop like a beginner. Stick with it, you'll get there.

 

[gwdixon]

If you are going to do much farm welding you are going to need a stick welder sooner or later. Might as well be sooner.

A Lincoln tombstone AC, or AC/DC (preferred), should show up on your local Craigslist for a decent price.

Shield Arc and I have the Everlast ProArc 200 (DC) that welds very effectively for farm chores. Dirty, rusty, or painted metal is not a problem (but clean is always best if possible). It would make child's play out of the project you are working on.

 

[mkane09]

Yeah, I know that a stick machine is in my future, but I don't have 220 available yet. I'm going to cut some Vs in the thicker metal and re-weld it. The welds on the 3/16" overlaps look much better. Pictures to follow....sometime soon.

Thanks for all the advice!

mkane09

 

[Stampeder]

Radioman X2.
Good welders and welds come from grinding first then welding. Poor welders and welds grind after welding.
Most farm welds break because they are not prepared correctly. V groove your material at 30 degree angle. Root pass, then complete.
Stick is definitely a good thing to have. But MIG is most effective if proper preparation.
No matter what practice, practice, practice and you'll get the hang of it.

My welding is all farm repair and fab'ing of stuff around the ranch. I use my tombstone for heavy stuff and my gas mig for most fab and smaller repair.

Keep it up and it will come. You're doing fine and don't be afraid to ask questions. We all were beginners.:thumbsup:

Cheers.