My first MIG welds

[molmstead]

I bought my first MIG last weekend (MM251) and I've been having a great time messing around with test welds this week.

One of the first projects I want to do is a utility trailer. I already have a set of plans that call for using mitered 1/4'' angle as the frame. Below are some test welds with 1/4'' that I made tonight, the Miller was set at 19.5/325, my main concern with the welds are how they will hold up since it is on a trailer.

Please feel free to criticize my welds and let me know what I did wrong and were I can improve.

Thanks.

[BillDaCatt]

Pretty good for a first timer. My beads don't look much better after a year or so of welding on and off.
All I might suggest is to try to avoid stopping and re-starting a bead and maybe slow the wire speed down a touch and move at the same speed. For added strength, weld both sides of your joints
Overall you are on the right track.

[MAC702]

Out of curiosity, why didn't your corners line up on that mitered joint?

[OldSparks]

Good to hear you're running practice joints to get used to your new machine....bad to hear your first project is to be a trailer. There's quite a difference between a welder needing a trailer and so builds one and a person needing a trailer and so goes out and buys a welding machine. As long as you are committed to practice I suggest you back grind the backside of your joints about half way through to assure you get full penetration when you finish welding it. You were planning to weld all around weren't you?

[molmstead]

Thanks for your responses.

I made a couple of quick miter cuts with my chop saw, so one of the sides ended up being a little "deeper" cut.

I realize I have a long way to go in being a proficient welder. I plan on doning a couple of small projects first (welding table, etc.), but I want to try some heavy stock to see how soon I might be able to do a trailer.

Again, thanks for your comments.

[Punisher]

Well your speed needs so be turned down, looks like your getting a lot of splatter, if your speeds to high you'll be poppin all over the place. Every machine, even ones of the same brand sometimes, run different thats why I alway listen to the sound. A good welder can listen and tell you whether its going to be a nice bead. Sizzle Bacon is what where going for here. As for the trailer I would go with 3/16 angle unless your building something to haul some 5,000 pounds or more.

[koreanbeefcake]

i would turn down the wire speed down a little.

i used 19v/3wire usually.

[z0diac]

Lookin good. Try turning up your amps and run with a faster travel motion, or turn down your wire speed. That will get rid of the convex bead shape. Also if you have to do a stop/start in the bead, make sure you grind it right down to the seam before you restart (although I'm guessing that lump was made from your restart, not your stop) Lookin pretty good though.