How to choose flux core wire?

[MinnesotaDaveChalmers]

Here you go Dave. I found this in a ESAB pdf file. I don't know how to post the whole file, so I just copied and pasted it.

Why did you post a pic describing what happens when a machine is set incorrectly, or the stickout is increased too far?

My question was, why do you say shortening your stickout cools the puddle, when in general:
shortening the stickout increases the amps
lengthening the stickout decreases the amps

Be specific as to what you are saying occurs please.

Keep in mind, I do not question your results - but since what you say appears to contradict known information, I'm just curious why you said it.

 

[Shield Arc]

Dave it says it right there. "Arc length too short. Wire dips into weld pool (stubbing) caused by too low an arc voltage".

If you change the stick out length either way, you change the voltage to a degree. Close up the stick out, the voltage drops to a degree. So you get a cooler puddle.
Lengthen the stick out the voltage increases to a degree. So you get a hotter more flowing puddle.

 

[MinnesotaDaveChalmers]

Dave it says it right there. "Arc length too short. Wire dips into weld pool (stubbing) caused by too low an arc voltage".

If you change the stick out length either way, you change the voltage to a degree. Close up the stick out, the voltage drops to a degree. So you get a cooler puddle.
Lengthen the stick out the voltage increases to a degree. So you get a hotter more flowing puddle.

It was referring to setting the machine voltage too low, or the wire feed speed too high.

However, if you are correct, that on a constant voltage machine, the voltage does not actually stay constant while welding, due to changing your stickout length, then I understand what your are describing.

This would be interesting for a person to film the digital readout while welding and calling out approximate stick out lengths - I do not have a way to do this currently, but I may by next weekend.

I will test this if able - I like to learn new things :drink:

I'm off to the shop to do very uninteresting things.....mechanic work....ughhh....

 

[Shield Arc]

the voltage does not actually stay constant while welding, due to changing your stickout length, then I understand what your are describing.

BINGO!

What have I told you before? Buy them books, send them to school, what do they do? _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _. :laughing:

 

[MinnesotaDaveChalmers]

BINGO!

What have I told you before? Buy them books, send them to school, what do they do? _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _. :laughing:

You realize some books disagree with you right?

 

[Shield Arc]

You realize some books disagree with you right?

How would I know? I can't read! I'm a true blue, blue collar worker. Strong back weak mind!

 

[MinnesotaDaveChalmers]

How would I know? I can't read! I'm a true blue, blue collar worker. Strong back weak mind!

That ain't all he called you

 

[CNC Dan]

I think that some are not understanding the whole picture.

The voltage that the machine puts out to the gun gets used up it TWO places. One, the arc itself, and two, the wire between the contact tip and the arc. As the stickout is increased, more voltage is used along the wire, leaving less for the arc. A long stickout will heat the wire before it gets to the arc. So the metal from the wire will be hot, but the lower remaining voltage at the arc itself results in less heating of the base metal. This can improve the wet out of the puddle, or can result in cold lap.

 

[Shield Arc]

I think that some are not understanding the whole picture.

The voltage that the machine puts out to the gun gets used up it TWO places. One, the arc itself, and two, the wire between the contact tip and the arc. As the stickout is increased, more voltage is used along the wire, leaving less for the arc. A long stickout will heat the wire before it gets to the arc. So the metal from the wire will be hot, but the lower remaining voltage at the arc itself results in less heating of the base metal. This can improve the wet out of the puddle, or can result in cold lap.

See, now there is a smart guy!:cool2:
I know what works, I just can't put it into words most of the time.

 

[farmer2009]

Thanks for the tips shield. I don't have a good way to clean them up. All I have for the grinders are cup brushes. I played with the welder some more last night. I had the gun layed over to the side like a stick. I straightened it to a 90 and it was night and day difference. Welds are looking better and flowing more. I also tried ending my welds with your process and it really makes the ends look a lot better. Thanks.