Cascade Crew

91RSVert · Posted: Tue Jan 06, 2009 6:06 pm Post subject: Welding Help

So I got the welder about a month ago and just now got it assembled and re-schooled myself on how to weld. Its been 15years since I welded, so yes I had to relearn.

Seems my biggest problem is I can see the arc, but thats it. I cant see the parts I'm welding against. If I'm running a long bead I cant see where I need to stop. If I'm doing spot welds (like most of my work will be) I seem to be "ok".

I have what I have, cant really spend anymore money for more equipment. Any tips on being able to see WTF I am doing?

Operation rust repair starts tommorow with jacking it up, dx the battery and pull all my trim and interior Get down and Boogie!

chevymad · Posted: Tue Jan 06, 2009 6:41 pm Post subject:

I had the same problem until i bought an adjustable instant-on welding helmet from harbor freight. I can adjust the shade down a bit to where I can see where i'm going, or just stop and it lightens so i can see what i've been doing lol. They're pretty cheap and seem to work well.

If you can't afford that just get a couple more lenses for your helmet that are a shade or 2 lighter. Try them till you get one you can see with.

rjmcgee · The Hammer Joined: 08 Jan 2004 Posts: 2328

what shade are you using now? You should have about a 9 shade for the low amp wirefeed.

QwkTrip · Posted: Tue Jan 06, 2009 8:05 pm Post subject:

Get a speed lens with an adjustable shade.

rjmcgee · The Hammer Joined: 08 Jan 2004 Posts: 2328

91RSVert · Posted: Wed Jan 07, 2009 3:43 am Post subject:

The helment is some electronic one. I think it says shade of 11?

So thats way to dark?

Twilightoptics · Posted: Wed Jan 07, 2009 7:44 am Post subject:

10 is the minimum safe shade for arc welding. I use a 10 all the time for wire unless I'm doing big stuff. I use 10 for low amperage tig and 11 again for big stuff.

If you see blue spots when you're done welding your shade is too light.

You should get a 10 for what you're doing. Like the rest said a nice adjustable auto darkening helmet will do wonders.

Quasi-Traction · Posted: Wed Jan 07, 2009 1:55 pm Post subject:

the Mask I use @ school is electronic and switches b/t shade 5-11. Just a Harbor Freight brand mask, like Brandon's.

My Home mask is a Huntsman 951P. Its a solar 8/9 shade. Always worked great for me, never any complaints. Don't think I paid more than $60 for it at a welding supply store.

90droptoproc · Posted: Wed Jan 07, 2009 4:43 pm Post subject:

ya, I have my electronic mask set at 9 for my 110V mig
probly a little light for long term use though, I set it to 11 for the heavy flux core stuff I do at work and 10 for regular welding with the 220V welders at my work, and 10 also for alum.

91RSVert · Posted: Wed Jan 07, 2009 6:38 pm Post subject:

I guess I will check the batts and see what settings this helment I have is.

Operation rust control did not go good on day 1 Sad

Quasi-Traction · Posted: Wed Jan 07, 2009 6:55 pm Post subject:

where's it rusted at?

blue89 · Posted: Wed Jan 07, 2009 8:43 pm Post subject:

I turned mine all the way up to 13 and used a 50W drop light about a foot away from the weld. Is that bad? Confused

Where's the rust at jay?

QwkTrip · Posted: Wed Jan 07, 2009 9:23 pm Post subject:

91RSVert · Posted: Thu Jan 08, 2009 3:42 am Post subject:

91RSVert · Posted: Tue Mar 17, 2009 11:43 am Post subject:

Bringing this back to the top.

2 questions..

What psi should my argon/air mix be set to?

What do you use/how do you transport your tanks when they are empty, change location, etc.

rjmcgee · The Hammer Joined: 08 Jan 2004 Posts: 2328

Twilightoptics · Posted: Tue Mar 17, 2009 1:23 pm Post subject:

What he said.

I run at 20CFH if there is no wind. Higher if it's breezy or I have to run with the gun a long ways away from the joint.

Acetelyne cylinder has Acetone and other filler to keep the unstable Dissolved Acetelyne under control. You have to let it sit upright for a while to allow the other chemicals/compounds return to the bottom rather than through your torch!

Definitely screw the cap ontop. Then it doesn't really matter how you transport your argon type mixes or O2. Just make sure it's not going to roll around.

90droptoproc · Posted: Tue Mar 17, 2009 3:54 pm Post subject:

ya, like said above I set mine at 25 unless there is heavy wind, and I just transport mine in the back seat of the wifes cavalier with the cap screwed on and seat belts holding it back tight

91RSVert · Posted: Tue Mar 17, 2009 5:00 pm Post subject:

ohh, so these dont need to be set upright, thats just the torch ones that do? Sweet!

I forget what we had my cfh set to, I know we kept adjusting because the knob is WAY to sensative. I ment to ask back when I was welding, but forgot. In a few weeks, I will be using it on a customers HOUSE, it reminded me to ask.

Thanks!

Twilightoptics · Posted: Tue Mar 17, 2009 5:18 pm Post subject:

You gotta set your flow rate with the trigger pulled (releasing the gas).