switching machines

[slycat]

hi all , ive welded with a crackerbox a/c machine for most of my life and finaly broke down the other day and bought me a new thermal-arc 10,000 pro machine.i love the machine but getting used to it after all these years with the crackerbox is pretty challanging.i was out trying to do some prac. welds and am having trouble with the root pass, i took my grinder and v cut each side and spaced them about 3/32, when i was burning the pass the arc was either on one side or the other i couldnt get it to fuse and puddle i was using a 7018 1/8 rods on 1/2 inch plate.after i got a bottem in it the rest of the stringers went perfect,but it still wouldent pass because of the root was ugly ( bad ugly) ,i had a lot of splater to, i think i was too hot.anybody have any ideas?

[slycat]

well i m trying to send pics

[Moderator]

http://www.weldingweb.com/showthread...=&threadid=111

that should help you out some

[Sberry]

What were the machine settings? 7018 should be run on DCRP

[slycat]

about 90 amps.dcrp.ithink what the problem was that i was trying to run a root pass with the 7018 which is a heavy flux rod and i was getting burried in the flux which was causing it to blow out and splatter but that dont explain why it was only arcing to one side to the other and not pooling up. mabey that helps explain a little better. thanks

[slycat]

well ,i tryed to send a pic but it say that the file is to large,but is only 647kb ,and takes forevvvvvver with dial up service so i give up. lol

[boilerman79]

try using a 1/8 inch 6010 rod for the root pass,if you are welding flat ,set it about 100 amps. set your 2 plates about 3/32 inch apart.start your weld and you will see what looks like a keyhole keep moving the rod side to side stating ahead fo the keyhole letting the gap fill in as you go. sounds like a handfull but after a while you will get the hang of it.hard to explain it,easier to show it.after you get your root in clean weld and use 7018 for the rest of it.3/32 rod at 90to95 amps.1/8 7018 at 125 amps.you can get a copy of the Lincoln welding procedures handbook thru Lincolns sitye for a very low price.great book .

[slycat]

thanks ill try that ,

[slycat]

.well lets try again,drumrole please.

[slycat]

wow it worked,i cant beleive it, its not as clear as mine ,but i had to cut and cut and cut to get it to fit.