Newbie needs help with 125 EZ

[crown restorati]

Hey guys, I'm a welder! I bought a 125 EZ, a hood, some gloves and some 16 ga. tubing, so I guess that makes me a welder, right?

Uh, maybe not.

I am having some problems getting going. I am using the wire that comes with the unit (.030), cleaning my material (16 ga. 2x2 tubing) and giving it a go.

So far I have done nothing but caused spatter to go everywhere.

What I am doing wrong?


I have never welded before.

[TexHand]

Welcome Crown. It helps if you post pics and put your location in your profile.

A bit more info such as your settings, stick out, stand off, speed of movement, push or pull technique, would really help. But from your description, it sounds as though you may be holding too far away from your work piece, or not far enough... maybe moving too fast, or perhaps not fast enough... could be too much stuck out, or too little...

Did you read the manual? There is a lot of info over on the miller site as far tutorials go. Check this out: http://www.millerwelds.com/resources/improving-your-skills/mig/

[agmigwelder]

you might not have your settings fine tuned. if its giving off a snap crackle pop sound and making a mess and not welding its either that your settings are not right or you are too far away. when welding you should get a smooth constant sound of popping i guess u could say.

[crown restorati]

Welcome Crown. It helps if you post pics and put your location in your profile.

A bit more info such as your settings, stick out, stand off, speed of movement, push or pull technique, would really help. But from your description, it sounds as though you may be holding too far away from your work piece, or not far enough... maybe moving too fast, or perhaps not fast enough... could be too much stuck out, or too little...

Did you read the manual? There is a lot of info over on the miller site as far tutorials go. Check this out: http://www.millerwelds.com/resources/improving-your-skills/mig/

Thank you very much for your response.

I have tried my settings on every position, different stick out and different speeds.

So far I am using the pull method.

I did read the manual.

I will go to the tutorial and do some reading.

It seems that there is a problem with the equipment itself.


As an aside, I see that you live in my area. Maybe I will just hire you. :D

[Hotfoot]

Welcome, Crown Resto! Its usually something simple, so back up and re-examine your power source...Is the outlet you plugged into being used by other devices? Are you using and extension cord...is it big enough (gauge and length)? Is your ground connection really good, and to the piece itself? Is your power setting proper for the piece you are welding? Is that piece steel?, etc.

You have a unit that is getting excellent reviews, so I'm sure its something simple.
Did you buy it from a local dealer? If you still can't get it going right, I'm in NB frequently, and would be glad to stop by and give it a try, or, if you want to haul it out here to the lake, just holler!:)

[crown restorati]

Welcome, Crown Resto! Its usually something simple, so back up and re-examine your power source...Is the outlet you plugged into being used by other devices? Are you using and extension cord...is it big enough (gauge and length)? Is your ground connection really good, and to the piece itself? Is your power setting proper for the piece you are welding? Is that piece steel?, etc.

You have a unit that is getting excellent reviews, so I'm sure its something simple.
Did you buy it from a local dealer? If you still can't get it going right, I'm in NB frequently, and would be glad to stop by and give it a try, or, if you want to haul it out here to the lake, just holler!:)

Hey, it looks like there is someone even closer!

I am going to the shop (a 5x8 area in the garage, since I'm a real welder, you know) to double check everything over once more.

[crown restorati]

Well, everyone that has read this has the chance to say that they knew me back when I didn't know how to operate a welder.

When I opened my box and started putting together everything I noticed these two little brass or copper pieces that didn't seem to fit anywhere. Being the brillant man that I am, I promptly set them aside and began welding. :eek:

If anyone doesn't already know, you CANNOT weld without first installing your tip.

Thanks to the poster that posted the link with the tutorial in it. The video showed them istalling the tip and brought to mind those little gold colored thingies that I set aside.

[agmigwelder]

lol. u live and u learn.

[TexHand]

Glad you got it figured out Crown. There is a lot of great info and guys on this board who are very willing to help. If you're ever in the area, let me know if you want to get together for some hands on advice. Having someone tell you, "Too fast, too slow, too close, too far, etc" can be invaluable, I know it was for me.

[agmigwelder]

we were all newbies once.

[Hotfoot]

'Told you it was always something simple!!:p

[crown restorati]

Glad you got it figured out Crown. There is a lot of great info and guys on this board who are very willing to help. If you're ever in the area, let me know if you want to get together for some hands on advice. Having someone tell you, "Too fast, too slow, too close, too far, etc" can be invaluable, I know it was for me.

Thanks for the offer. I really appreciate it. Do you do this for a living or just hobby/part time?

What area do you live in?

[crown restorati]

'Told you it was always something simple!!:p

LOL, yes you did.

There I was swearing that I had bought a lemon.



IT DOESN'T WORK!!! TAKE IT BACK!!

[TexHand]

Thanks for the offer. I really appreciate it. Do you do this for a living or just hobby/part time?

What area do you live in?

I live on the N/W side, off 1604 by Helotes. I only do this on the side, have a bunch of stuff in a craft mall.

[crown restorati]

I live on the N/W side, off 1604 by Helotes. I only do this on the side, have a bunch of stuff in a craft mall.


OK, I am familar with that area.

It would be really cool to get some hands on advise some time.

Thanks.

[TexHand]

Just shoot me an email or PM.