Newbie with a Question

[brn2hnt]

Hello all, been lurking on here for a few months off and on, just now registered as I have a real important question. I just bought an arc welder, a Forney C5 for 30$, and have begun to weld with it. Can lay super nice beads with 7014 on flat steel, but when I try a lap joint I have a huge crease down the middle. Have tried going slower, faster, varying closeness of electrode, ect. Am I missing something or what? Would really like to get this down since I can get a 7 dollar/hour raise at my summer job if I can pass their vert. weld tests. Thanks in advance, and be ready for more questions as I am sure I will have many to follow.

Mike K.

[MAC702]

I'm not the best stick welder here by any means, but I can't picture what you mean by a crease down the middle of the welded lap joint. Can you take and attach a picture?

[Fat-Fab.com]

Hello all, been lurking on here for a few months off and on, just now registered as I have a real important question. I just bought an arc welder, a Forney C5 for 30$, and have begun to weld with it. Can lay super nice beads with 7014 on flat steel, but when I try a lap joint I have a huge crease down the middle. Have tried going slower, faster, varying closeness of electrode, ect. Am I missing something or what? Would really like to get this down since I can get a 7 dollar/hour raise at my summer job if I can pass their vert. weld tests. Thanks in advance, and be ready for more questions as I am sure I will have many to follow.

Mike K.

Pictures we need pictures

[Bert]

Are you going for your 7014 or 7018 license? 7018 is what everyone is asking for on this end...
bert

[dabar39]

I agree with the other guys, we need pictures as I'm not sure what you are trying to describe. Dave

[brn2hnt]

Here's a pic for you guys. I am using 7014 because it starts easy and runs good on ac. Once I get some more practice, I was going to use the 7018 at school.

[shade tree welder]

Hey brn2hnt i think you better start with some 6011 rods and learn how to start an arc and hold a proper arc length Those 7014 rods are good rods for their purpose, must have clean metal and a good machine to burn them. Looks to me like you are not welding hot enough on the amp side and these rods are not for a beginner, it is hard to see your weld pool and you better know where you are welding at.Yes i agree they leave a good bead appearance,practice,practice practice and eventuaully you will figure it out

[dabar39]

At first glance, it appears to me that you have a couple of issues. 1 It doesn't appear as the amps are high enough, try burning a little hotter and 2. by the amount of spatter it doesn't appear as the metal is clean enough. 7014 does burn nice once you get the hang of it but it can also be tempormental. I would suggest trying to practice with some 6011 as its a very good multi purpose rod, and burns well on dirty metal. once you get good with the 6011 go back to the 7014s and practice, practice, practice.... Getting control of the weld pool is the biggest problem for beginners, once you figure out the weld pool you should be alright. Dave

[Bilbobaker]

Here is a good video tutorial of how to arc weld.

http://www.expertvillage.com/videos/...eld-finish.htm

[fun4now]

Bilbobaker
welcome and thanks for the link. i cant view it as im on dial up but i'm shore some will enjoy it a lot, and i may try iyt agai if i get a better conection. right now its dragging prity bad. at 1 AM you would think i could get a good conection, well it is saterday night. i supose the **** sites are using up all the line time.