Please scrutinize my welds.

[pickeringchris]

So I haven't done welding of any sort for 25 years and had never done arc welding of any kind. A month ago I picked up a Lincoln 180 and a tank of c25. I watched a million videos online and dove in. So far I have used up about 4 lbs of .030 MIG wire. That is my entire mig experience.
I follow the feed/voltage chart on the inside panel pretty closely and much to my surprise I was making ok welds within 10 minutes. When I say "ok welds", they look ok to me. . Can't be this easy????? Honestly, I don't have a clue if my welds are good or not. No idea if they are structurally sound. How do I tell?
Here is a couple pics of some practicing I did on a 3/16" thick pry bar. Can you guys tell me what you think?
Also a d ring I attached to my bucket.

Cheers.

Chris

 

[pickeringchris]

Drawbar. 3 passes per side.

 

[Shield Arc]

I'd throw that chart away! The welds in the second picture are a little cold, (or your travel speed is way to slow). Back off on the wire speed / amps, or turn up the volts.

Here's a thread I did on testing Mig welds. Did other tests you might be interested in too.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/welding/212146-mig-break-test.html

 

[Shield Arc]

Here's a vertical up Mig weld I made with Lincoln's L-56 wire. See how hot it's burned in? For structural Mig welds you want to run as hot as you can handle it!

 

[pickeringchris]

I'd throw that chart away! The welds in the second picture are a little cold, (or your travel speed is way to slow). Back off on the wire speed / amps, or turn up the volts.

Here's a thread I did on testing Mig welds. Did other tests you might be interested in too.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/welding/212146-mig-break-test.html

Thanks so much. So when you say "cold" you mean poor penetration correct? So wouldn't I have to slow down my travel speed or turn up volts or both???

 

[pickeringchris]

Also, I have a # 11 filter. I feel like its a little too dark. What can I safely use??? 9?

 

[deereman75]

Also, I have a # 11 filter. I feel like its a little too dark. What can I safely use??? 9?

I am just using what ever came with my helmets right now. One of them is a #9, and I think the one I am using now is a #10. You might want to get an auto dark, I hear they make mig easier. I am getting one, it is in the mail now.

 

[Shield Arc]

Thanks so much. So when you say "cold" you mean poor penetration correct? So wouldn't I have to slow down my travel speed or turn up volts or both???

Cold as in too high of a profile / lumpy.
I use a #10 lens for most all my welding now a days.
But here's some charts for you.

 

[pickeringchris]

I am just using what ever came with my helmets right now. One of them is a #9, and I think the one I am using now is a #10. You might want to get an auto dark, I hear they make mig easier. I am getting one, it is in the mail now.

I have a Lincoln auto darkening. It awesome but it's a cheap non adjustable version that came with the welder. Its fixed @ 11.

 

[deereman75]

I have a Lincoln auto darkening. It awesome but it's a cheap non adjustable version that came with the welder. Its fixed @ 11.

Ahh I got a lincoln on its way to me right now. Mine is adjustable from 9-13, and has a grind mode though. You can get the one I have for $150 at home depot (online only), it has the same filter as the viking 1840, but has a bit heavier shell, and differnt graphics.