This is probably the best looking weld I've ever done.

[Skippii]

...so maybe I'll be able to get some advice other than "give up". Which would have been the correct advice for most of the stuff I've done before.


3/32" 7014, AC, around 110amps if you believe what you can sort of make out through the little window on the HF box...

[Rojodiablo]

From my GF: "See; you can't underestimate us Virginians, we might have a rough start, but we get things right in the end! (We can't Funk it up forever....). Now, put that up there!"

You got yourself a real-life Virginian cheerleader Skippii!!!

[Rojodiablo]

It's a good looking weld, and you deserve it; you have been trying very hard. Congratulations!

Now, remember the things you did that worked well; technique, amps, angle. Work with those. When you do things that go in the wrong direction, go back to the basics of what worked for you.

[tanglediver]

Ahh, now we're getting there!

[Gale Hawkins]

Keep up the good work. Noting your settings is good advice. With kids around I find my settings change by themselves.

[Skeluhtor]

Not too bad really. Heres my 2 cents.

Section 1: Looks like your getting it but maybe keep the rod more on the baseplate side.

Section 2: The heat is really starting to burn away at the upper part. Again try keeping the arc on the baseplate side more and maybe angle the rod back into the puddle more.

Section 3: Two questions. Was this left or right handed? What method push or pull? Your amperage looks a little high here because of the small amount of base material you should either turn your amerpage down a little or angle it toward the upper piece and into the puddle more. It almost looks like you tried pushing the puddle with your right hand and the amperage was too high


Try to continue the weld bead around the corners to tie in. You can also start a little bit before to give some more bead to tie into. Watch out for undercutting the top corner though try keeping it angled down especially if you build up a little bead before to tie into.

Also how was the fitment? it looks like there may have been a gap in the front. Or maybe the top part just burned away alot?

[RedneckJazz]

Great Job, I know the feeling of trying for what seems like forever, and then suddenly finding yourself doing a decent job. I usually stop in surprise, and analyze what I was doing, and then find myself unable to repeat the success. So I do exactly what Rojo advised: Keep a notebook handy and write down every setting, and what movements you were making. Finally starting to get the hang of stick, and my third attempt at aluminum TIG was less than a total disaster.
Keep on keeping on!!
-az-

[illenema]

Originally Posted by Skippii

...so maybe I'll be able to get some advice other than "give up". Which would have been the correct advice for most of the stuff I've done before.


3/32" 7014, AC, around 110amps if you believe what you can sort of make out through the little window on the HF box...

Looks decent. Can I ask what machine did you use?

[Skippii]

Originally Posted by Skeluhtor

Not too bad really. Heres my 2 cents.

Section 1: Looks like your getting it but maybe keep the rod more on the baseplate side.

Section 2: The heat is really starting to burn away at the upper part. Again try keeping the arc on the baseplate side more and maybe angle the rod back into the puddle more.

Section 3: Two questions. Was this left or right handed? What method push or pull? Your amperage looks a little high here because of the small amount of base material you should either turn your amerpage down a little or angle it toward the upper piece and into the puddle more. It almost looks like you tried pushing the puddle with your right hand and the amperage was too high


Try to continue the weld bead around the corners to tie in. You can also start a little bit before to give some more bead to tie into. Watch out for undercutting the top corner though try keeping it angled down especially if you build up a little bead before to tie into.

Also how was the fitment? it looks like there may have been a gap in the front. Or maybe the top part just burned away alot?

Thanks for the input!
As for the questions...I can't actually remember anymore. I think that part might having been pushing. I'm certain it was right handed though, because I don't think I've ever tried with my left hand.

[Skippii]

Originally Posted by illenema

Looks decent. Can I ask what machine did you use?

Harbor freight 115/240V AC-only stick welder.

[illenema]

I dont think that will ever break loose anytime soon.