New To the Forum With Questions.....

[Sean K.]

Hi, I've been welding recreationally for about 10-11 years. I'm joining the forum to ask a question.

Here is a pic of one of my MIG welds (with a Miller Vintage 250, analog, 50 amp rated to weld 1/2" in a single pass, .035" wire, straight CO2 for shielding gas).



My question is this: How do I get my welds to look like this:

Is this something that can be done with an older analog welder like mine and proper technique, or is this a "pulse" setting on a newer machine?

Obviously, one can mimic something sorta like this by pulsing the trigger....but that's a lot of cold starts just stitched together and IMO is a bad idea (although I know a lot of people swear by it....I just don't happen to agree).

So, what is the "proper" technique if it is possible with my machine? I've tried pushing the puddle, pulling the puddle, changing the wirespeed and settings, Argon mix vs. straight CO2, C shaped weaves, a series of small circles, keeping the arc at the leading edge of the puddle, trying to force the wire deeper into the puddle as you go, a shark finned looking 'hook', etc. (and obviously, properly fitting and prepping the surfaces to be welded).

I don't weld often enough....actually even with that many years of owning a welder, I doubt I have a full 24 hours of actual weld time.....and that includes building several large projects (including my buggy). Perhaps, it's as simple as just welding more often; I don't know.



Thanks for any input you can give. I don't really want to buy a new machine....I love this one, but if that's what it takes to get those kind of welds, I'll definitely consider it. If, however, it's a technique thing, then I obviously need to invest the time and money in a good class.

Thanks again,
Sean K.
Mesa, AZ

[Sean K.]

Guess I should have done a 5 minute search.....

http://www.profabricationtechniques....g/mig-welding/

Looks like the above will tell me quite a bit. Sorry for being such a doofus and sorry for the example pic of the weld being so HUGE. I don't know how to resize it.

Thanks,
Sean

[aaronbarnes8565]

i have been mig welding for a few yrs you might turn your heat up just a little slow down your wire speed you want to push not pull it start up do a horse shoe pattern stay on the egde of your puddle, or you can try a circle pattern just barely leave your puddle then come back on it you will see your weld form. the main trick is just alot of practice. hope it will heip