Topic: 110v 70a MIG..... Help with settings

[Jeepenstein]

Hello. I used to weld 20 years ago and I could use a bit of guidance.

I had a 70a little MIG given to me by my brother. He was using flux core wire. I went out and purchased 8mm wire and an argon tank.

I set up everything and there are 4 settings on heat range. 1 the coldest on a 15a breaker up to 3 on a 15a. Then there is 4 for use on a 20a breaker.

My garage pops the breaker on setting 3. I have a 15a breaker. 

So I slowed the wire feed down trying to build heat on setting two and I have the coldest crappiest welds I've ever seen.

I chipped off my weld by hitting it with a hammer?

Before I go beating myself up I'm going to speculate that the mig at setting 2 probably just doesn't have enough juice to build heat yes?

If the wiring can take it and I can upgrade to a 20a then I guess I can try it again.

But for now I'm thinking its a lack of power to the mig.

If I can only go to setting 2 is there a trick to getting a hotter weld? Thinner 6mm wire etc?

[RustyTbone]

Make sure that your ext cord is not to long, you lose amps there. Also if you us a bigger wired ext cord, you won't lose as much.

I have a small 110 unit and I run it on a 15 amp on setting 4. works good on 3/16 and smaller, but thicker than that it doesn't weld very good.  You can also try to head the metal with a torch before welding.
Hope that helps

[miraclepieco]

When you switched from flux core to gas, did you remember to reverse the welder polarity? If not, that will screw everything up, maybe even cause your breaker issues.

I built two hot rods using a 110 welder. For 3/16" metal you have to turn them up to the highest setting. Even 1/8" requires pretty high amps. Also, are you using straight argon? I think you'll fare better with CO2/argon mix.

[Jeepenstein]

Hmmm never even considered the polarity swap.

I guess I start there tomorrow

Thank you

[miraclepieco]

Flux core wire is negative (-). Gas shielded wire is positive (+).  I think...   

Ha ha, I'm a crappy welder, but if all the planets align I can sometimes get lucky...

[Jeepenstein]

You called it!

Thank you very much.