How can I learn to use my wire feed welder good?

Question

My beeds look like crap. Does anyone have any suggestions? Would it help if I had a good helmet, like an auto darkening? Mine is the cheapy that came with it where you have to use a hand to hold it.

I was hoping to get some good tips on how to create good beads, and how I can know if they will hold good or not?

Answer 1

usually you can put the welder on 75 amps and 175 wire speed and you can weld pretty damn good and the penetration is good 1/4 inch to 3/8 iinch also does your welder require argon if it does and you don't have it you welds will look like ****!! One more thing are you using short arc.. or flux core that will make a difference!! Learn to weld flat before you start vertical or overhead get a hood with #9 shade or 10 that should let you see good if to bright wear sunglasses don't use a 12 thats for arc gauging!!hope this helps and keep practicing a good trick till you get better is to draw a straight line with a soap stone!!

Answer 2

Get a helmet where you can use both your hands to control your arc and distance from your work. Most important is to not be in a hurry, take as much time as you can before moving just so long as your puddle does not fall out. (you want as much penetration as you can) Practice adjusting the wire speed as well, to much ior to little makes it hard to control your arc. A simple back and forth sweeping motion or circular will help spread out your bead. Practice on pieces that don't matter before you move on to something you want to keep. Try and practice on the same thickness of steel as your keeper that way you can gauge the speed and heat you need 1st. Once your done, try and break your welds you will know in a hurry if you got it right, good luck