I've notched out a rear chassis cross member to accept a raised flange on my fuel tank - long story! Anyway I'm pleased with my MIG welding results on the bench but today tried welding the underside of said chassis member. Its a bit awkward and reasonably reachable but the welds aren't as good even taking into account I'm not as close to see as on the bench.
Should I alter the wire speed or gas or other setting?
Or should I just try harder and practice more?

Thanks in advance for any advice.
Ian

The wire speed will need turning up or it will burn back to the tip dont hold the gun 90% to what your welding or it will fill the nozzle with splatter hold it about 45%
http://www.locostbuilders.co.uk/forum/37/viewthread.php?tid=153420

[Edited on 16/4/11 by jacko]

Don't know about improving the welding but if wearing overalls then lacy bands round the sleeves stop the red hot bits going down. It really hurts especially when it causes you to move you arm and stab yourself in the hand with the red hot wire feed.

quote:

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Originally posted by watsonpj
Don't know about improving the welding but if wearing overalls then lacy bands round the sleeves stop the red hot bits going down. It really hurts especially when it causes you to move you arm and stab yourself in the hand with the red hot wire feed.

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Oh yes

Wear those little foam internal ear defenders, nothing to do with loud noises!

Use a welding glove and shield the shroud with your hand to catch as much of the spatter as you can...it does and will go everywhere and in the lug holes hurts like you won't believe....feels like a mad bee in yer lughole

quote:

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Originally posted by watsonpj
Don't know about improving the welding but if wearing overalls then lacy bands round the sleeves stop the red hot bits going down. It really hurts especially when it causes you to move you arm and stab yourself in the hand with the red hot wire feed.

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Hmmm...

Done the "fiz fiz fiz fiz fizzel " resulting as a series of burns down the fore-arm and a bigger one on the elbow. Even had one go as far as my arm-pit and the down the chest/belly-button variation and the buzz in the ear.

Wear gauntlets pulled over your slieves and do up your overalls to the neck. Lots of light on the job helps as the job is rarley as well lit when working uphill.

This reminds me of when I got weld spatter into my boots. The first time I tried getting them off ......... after that I learnt to accept by the time i've undone the laces it will have cooled. Instead I just burn and try not to swear so loud the young kids next door hear (or hop like a fool as they already think youre the strange neighbour).

As for 'how to' I second the advice given.

Also wear a beany hat

Get yourself a pair of hotsleeves and a welding hat from someone like Frosts a welding apron helps as do a pair of normal googles as well as a welding mask. I tend to find turning up the welding voltage helps when welding upside down .

Thanks for all your help and advice guys - and the H&S especially.

Going to give it another go today.

Cheers
Ian

[Edited on 17/4/11 by RedAvon]