What's wrong with my welding??

[Unlikely Hero]

http://www.teamzx2.com/photos/125_730_07232005160633.jpg?dynamic=160638

As you can see my welding is crap. I've gotten alittle bit better but they're still fairly thin welds, not the nice thick ones I see other places. What's wrong? I'm trying to teach myself and really I don't know how to start.
Thanks
=Jason-

[TheBlizzard]

Holy shit! Looks to me like you didn't have the gas on or didn't have enough. What was your welder set at and what kind is it.

[Unlikely Hero]

Well I'm using flux wire so I was under the impression you don't need gas then? Its a mig/tig welder I think 135 amp, theres only 4 settings and its on low low.
=Jason-

[JET]

Damn dude! You are definately not even close on your settings. Flux core wire sucks for one thing. Another thing, start on scrap metal, not a project! Put your heat on #2 and the wire feed about 1/3 of the way up. That should get you in the ballpark. What size of wire are you running?

Getting a decent welder really pays too. The one I have is great for a hobby person, but it will be upgraded soon. It is a Hobart Handler 140. You aren't going to get a decent welder for under $400 new. Add a gas tank on there, some decent wire and you are over $500, probably close to $600.

[Unlikely Hero]

I'll check what welder it is tommarrow. If I put the feed that high I get too much wire and she jumps even more. I think off hand I'm using .32 flux but I'm not sure, I'll check everything tommarrow.
=Jason-

[IndiEP]

LOL. Yeah flux core sucks. Your welder should have recomended settings for metal/filler thickness to start you off.
Post some pics of this 135 mig/tig unit.
I also like your whitey bends, I cut up a buch today.

[A//// Guy]

Is it just me or couldnt you finr a nice 90 degree peice of pipe and make one cut and weld it right to the flange?

I have the hobart 140 like Jet and I havent mastered it yet but I built my catback this past spring- first welding project I completed. Welds arent the greatest but they dont look like yours hehe.

I think gas welding really cleans up the welds, flux core is going to look like that but it could look better.

Read all of this and it will help you out on the settings and what happens with too much or too little heat, speed, etc.

http://www.esabna.com/EUWeb/MIG_handbook/592mig1_1.htm

[fusion]

Hey JET, shoot me an email if you want to sell the Hobart when you upgrade.

chops1320@hotmail.com

Joe

[Halon]

Is it just me or couldnt you finr a nice 90 degree peice of pipe and make one cut and weld it right to the flange?

I have the hobart 140 like Jet and I havent mastered it yet but I built my catback this past spring- first welding project I completed. Welds arent the greatest but they dont look like yours hehe.

I think gas welding really cleans up the welds, flux core is going to look like that but it could look better.

Read all of this and it will help you out on the settings and what happens with too much or too little heat, speed, etc.

http://www.esabna.com/EUWeb/MIG_handbook/592mig1_1.htm


Hey don't knock the whitey bends!!!! But ya looks like you need some gas. Get rid of that flux core wire and get some gas. That'll get rid of your splatter atleast

[TheBlizzard]

Yeah I have forgot to turn on the gas here at work before. And as soon as I start the first weld I can tell its not on because the weld looks just like yours does.