Weld critique requested

[Cord]

What are you thoughts on the welds? Piece of 3/8” plate. Started off with a couple of tacks and tried some drag stitches. At first the settings were too cold, but the welds started looking better with a weave. Then started to turn up the power so the bead started to lay down. Finished by turning the power way down and put two weaves next to the tacks.

 

[Citydude]

I'm far from an expert but your on the right track. The welds on the far right look to be to wide suggesting your moving to slow.

 

[WranglerX]

Most impressed with the one that is highlighted, but I'm just a amateur at this....

 

[Citydude]

Most impressed with the one that is highlighted, but I'm just a amateur at this....

View attachment 736901

Come on DL, your more than an amateur. Give yourself some credit.

 

[Cord]

Thanks. What I didn’t tell you is that my wife put those down. The tacks were the first welds she’s ever laid down. Started with some tacks, then a couple stringers, got her to start weaving and then started turning up the power. Her speed is ok, but I had the power turned down too low for the plate thickness. I was trying to teach her how it felt when going too slow, too fast, etc. I was really impressed for a first timer!

 

[Citydude]

Thanks. What I didn’t tell you is that my wife put those down. The tacks were the first welds she’s ever laid down. Started with some tacks, then a couple stringers, got her to start weaving and then started turning up the power. Her speed is ok, but I had the power turned down too low for the plate thickness. I was trying to teach her how it felt when going too slow, too fast, etc. I was really impressed for a first timer!

Well, Kudos to your wife! You now have a welder to repair your stuff when you tear it up.

 

[Fuddy1952]

Thanks. What I didn’t tell you is that my wife put those down. The tacks were the first welds she’s ever laid down. Started with some tacks, then a couple stringers, got her to start weaving and then started turning up the power. Her speed is ok, but I had the power turned down too low for the plate thickness. I was trying to teach her how it felt when going too slow, too fast, etc. I was really impressed for a first timer!

 

[Egon]

Make a cut through the welds. See what penetration is like.

 

[WranglerX]

Come on DL, your more than an amateur. Give yourself some credit.

Well some days I may be a welder, but some days I'm a "grinder"... Once I get past grinder stages, I'll give up my amateur status....

 

[WranglerX]

Thanks. What I didn’t tell you is that my wife put those down. The tacks were the first welds she’s ever laid down. Started with some tacks, then a couple stringers, got her to start weaving and then started turning up the power. Her speed is ok, but I had the power turned down too low for the plate thickness. I was trying to teach her how it felt when going too slow, too fast, etc. I was really impressed for a first timer!

Maybe you should have her do your welding projects from now on.....

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

Turn up the voltage a volt, assuming you have that much control on your machine. Some MIG machines are very basic and just have rough settings. Don't weave. Yes they look better now, but you are covering your mistakes of welding too cold and trying to put more heat into the metal by slowing your forward progress.

 

[yomax4]

Might want to learn on something around 1/8" thick. You'll learn a lot about too much or too little voltage much sooner.. The thicker stuff can come later as you learn to identify a great weld from pigeon poop. Good luck !

 

[Doof]

Well some days I may be a welder, but some days I'm a "grinder"... Once I get past grinder stages, I'll give up my amateur status....

We all have to pick up a grinder at some time, even the best.