Within the last week or so, I finally started to lay decent beads while stick welding. Strictly hobby stuff, no formal training or paying work. I upgraded my equipment, my workspace, my patience, my work habits. I bought myself a decent helmet with a good lens; I can see the puddle clearly now. That was a huge upgrade. I started taking the glove off my stinger hand. That helped me get more of a feel. I started rotating my work pieces so I was welding at least one flat surface, to nullify gravity a bit. I stopped bouncing around between different rods and amperages; I'm mostly doing 45 and 90 degree joining of 2" tube, 1/8" wall. I found 7018, 3/32", set between 75 and 85 amps, gives me consistent results. I upgraded my cutting capability (HF 4x6 bandsaw), which is giving me tighter joints, much easier to weld.
It's very satisfying to finish a weld and have confidence in it's strength, and not have to look at a bunch of voids, spatter, and uneven sections, and then second guess grinding it down and doing it over.
I've read many of the posts here and gained many insights. Thanks to you all, for your contribution to my learning.
It's very satisfying to finish a weld and have confidence in it's strength, and not have to look at a bunch of voids, spatter, and uneven sections, and then second guess grinding it down and doing it over.
I've read many of the posts here and gained many insights. Thanks to you all, for your contribution to my learning.
