First Welds. Not a project...

[Ray C]

... Not expecting anyone to "ooooh and ahhhh" over these pictures but, am just showing that the PowerPro 205 and I are getting along nicely. I've tried a bunch of basic flat position lap and butt joins and it's working out well. I could easily use-up a few more tanks of gas just practicing with the different effects of the settings but now that I have basic settings where I want them, it's time to practice on technique. Yesterday, I experimented with 2T and 4T and I see the pros-cons. I'm think I'll practice getting smoother welds with 4T then, switch to footpedal so I can cut back Amps once the piece gets hot. Right now, I'm controlling heat by clamping to angle iron and a big AL heat sink. No cracks at all so far.

I did some inside and outside corners not expecting to get great results but rather to see how much the angles change after cooling. The angles held true -probably because I tacked. As it turns out, the outside weld quality came out continuous and didn't widen-up too much. The inside weld was tricky until I realized I was holding the torch at too much of an angle. I had to hold flat, make two separate puddles then stick the filler to join them. Then I was able to push the pool but visibilty was bad and I had some voids. Needs more practice -about 4-5 tanks worth I'd say

So far, I really like the machine and with stick, it's a dream. This weekend, I have 400lbs of 1/2" angle iron that needs to look like a platform when I'm done welding on it and I'll use the new machine.

[johnson697]

Not bad for beginner but if you want some good tips or advice go to welding tips and tricks on youtube ,he will get you going on the right path.

[Ray C]

Thanks. Oh yeah... I discovered tips & tricks through this forum and it's pretty helpful. That guy Jody has his head screwed on right and gets the ideas across.

I've been doing fillets on some thicker material (3/8" plate to 1" square-stock) as part of a welding cart project. That was a little tricky but, I'm getting a good handle on things now. When I go back and work on thinner material or easier weld joins, it makes you feel like a hero. .

Not bad for beginner but if you want some good tips or advice go to welding tips and tricks on youtube ,he will get you going on the right path.

[scootarida1]

On your inside corner joints for Aluminum, your going to want to make sure the tungsten is closer to the joint and you increase your AC frequency to help focus the arc down into the corner. I've had the most trouble with the inside corner joints but this seems to help me out the most.

[Ray C]

Thanks Brandon... I've got some corners coming up so I'll give that a try. Earlier, I for sure didn't have the point sticking out far enough and was slipping-up once in a while and dipping -which I now see cuts the lifetime of the tip big time... Its getting better now.

On your inside corner joints for Aluminum, your going to want to make sure the tungsten is closer to the joint and you increase your AC frequency to help focus the arc down into the corner. I've had the most trouble with the inside corner joints but this seems to help me out the most.