My Welding, opinions needed (2nd attempt)

MK1minx · Last edited by MK1minx on Fri Jan 20, 2012 1:13 pm; edited 1 time in total

Today I decided to try welding in the engine bay to give it a bit more strength. I've only ever done a couple of small patches on previous cars in the past and they weren't the prettiest results!

I've welded drivers strut top and the top of drivers chassis rail so far but wanted peoples opinions/advice.

strut top front

strut top back

chassis rail

I've wacked it with a hammer, stabbed at it all with a big screw driver and non of it fell off or cracked.
So what do you think? Feel free to take the p!ss if I'm way off the mark with my welding big grin

mcelroymad · Astra Enthusiast Joined: 22 Oct 2010 Posts: 276

maybe not enough penatration turn your welder up a wee bit

Lambo · Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2012 8:20 pm Post subject:

Looks a lot better than what I could do . Very Happy

Good effort. thumleft

SpaceKadett · Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2012 8:40 pm Post subject:

I wouldn't be the best welder in the world myself, but I have done a lot with my gasless mig. I'd say those welds need to melt into the metal a bit more, with a bit more power. A lot of them look like they've attached well to one side of a join and not the other. You need to move the point of the wire accross both piece as you move along the seam, in a sort of zig zag motion. Definitely better than the results of my first couple of days at it. Keep it up Cool

MK1minx · Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2012 8:59 pm Post subject:

I think I was working with the welder on max well I definately was on the chassis rail but on the strut top I had it in position 1 and max.

I had it on 2 and max. Do I need to keep the nozzle in the same place for a bit longer whilst doing the welds to help it penetrate? All these tips are much appreciated smile

MK1minx · Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2012 9:07 pm Post subject:

What are the tell tale signs that it has penetrated correctly? Does anyone have a pic smile

matt · Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2012 9:18 pm Post subject:

This site is real useful

http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/

DeadEye · Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2012 9:29 pm Post subject:

MK1minx · Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2012 9:35 pm Post subject:

Thanks Matt for the link. I've been trying to remember that one but couldn't!

Cheers Deadeye I'm using 0.8 wire. I'd be interested to know if I just need to increase the wire speed, can anyone confirm this?

MK1minx · Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2012 10:12 pm Post subject:

I've started to read that mig site and Deadeye you are right....
Wire speed tips and tricks
Generally for thinner metal the wire speed is set at the lowest speed that welding can take place smoothly. This is because the current actually reduces as the wire speed is reduced so thin metal can be welded more slowly and controllably.

scotti · Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2012 10:50 pm Post subject:

the way i see it .... can alway grind it off and do it again , practice makes perfect mate , your get better and better at it last welds look good keep up the good work big grin

warphi1970 · Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2012 11:38 pm Post subject:

yep from what i see of your weld you need to clean up more before hand will stop the spatter and improve your weld .

but yes you need to slow the wire feed down you want your weld to look flatter not stuck up, looks better gets beter penetration and less to grind off after.

also the grinding on your strut top area looks like you have almost removed the weld, you can see the penetration as the metal is changed colour but to see if its really good it should be like that on the other side of the weld

but in all your stiching on chassis leg looks good and strong as long as its penetrated.

now dont forget where you have welded on box section there is now no paint rust proofing inside the box anymore you burned it off, need to cavity wax it now.

Jon_Kadett · Astra Legend Joined: 29 May 2005 Posts: 4087

thats penetraited into both bits of metal. (my kadett c coupe)

kadett d strut tops stiched

rack mounts stiched

I would say your welders not got enought power. The above welding was done by me with a SIP 150 with argoshield gas. I hate my welder I really should get round to changing it.

warphi1970 · Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2012 11:45 pm Post subject:

the 90 has enough power just gotta turn down the wire feed and give it a break now and then.

but Johns right i have a nice industrial welder and my welding improved overnight due to it being alot more flexible on the settings and having loads of power

Jon_Kadett · Astra Legend Joined: 29 May 2005 Posts: 4087