Mig weld bead diagnosis chart?

[C4Ranch]

Is there a site that would help me understand more about my welds?

For example, what does it look like if my wire is to fast or to slow, machine to hot or to cold?

 

[sixdogs]

When I was a newbie at this I got great info from the Lincoln Welding site. I had their hard copy material but I was told everything was on line as well. Their material is excellent. My instructor said to buy whatever machine you want but go to Lincoln for the info.

 

[C4Ranch]

Thanks! I'm using a Lincoln... It's been years since I've fired it up and couldn't watch the VHS it came with . Will check out their site.

Was welding som AR500 for some shooting targets and it's much thicker than I'm used to.

 

[Shield Arc]

Miller's website has some good information too.
Miller - Resources - Improving Your Skills

 

[Al 2]

Look here: Welding Tips and Tricks - TIG, MIG, Stick and a pantload of other info . This is a great site .
Al

 

[sixdogs]

Miller's website has some good information too.
Miller - Resources - Improving Your Skills

What a great site and a good reference. Thank you.

 

[Baby Grand]

Miller's website has some good information too.
Miller - Resources - Improving Your Skills

Words to live (and weld) by:

Also remember that you learn through mistakes. There's no shame in grinding out bad welds. In fact, professional welders create perfect welds by recognizing imperfections, grinding them out and rewelding.

 

[Mysfyt]

Those sights will help you get in the 'box', but your still going to put a piece of scrap on the table and experiment with the settings to find the 'sweet spot'. I'll also add this: Check your electrical connection starting at the breaker box all the way up to the connections inside your welder. If your not comfortable working around electricity, hire somebody that is. Welders draw a lot of current and create heat and it is not uncommon for the heat cycles to cause loose connections. If your welds start out good and get more erratic as you go, this is a classic case of what I just described. Also check your ground clamp. It should be clean and not oxidized. Make sure your contact tip isn't worn. Once you get to this point, set up your scrap piece and play with ALL the settings. You will learn a lot on your own.

 

[Arc weld]

What machine are you using and can you post pics?

 

[Mysfyt]

I see you are trying to weld AR plate. A Google search on that subject might help you with your set up.