Help Welding a Welder Cart

[Rickabilly]

(09-16-2012, 06:49 PM)arvidj Wrote:

(09-16-2012, 06:10 PM)EdK Wrote: Rick,

I bought the welder new a couple of years ago and I'm the only one that has used it. I haven't even run a half a spool through yet, (that would be the small spools, not the 8" spools.)

On 1/8" steel, is it better to push or pull the torch or does it even matter? I've only used the pulling method so far.

Ed

I am sure Rick will provide the correct answer but half way down this page gives the ubiquitous "either will work - it depends on what you want for an outcome" answer.

I prefer push because (a) nothing I am doing is 'structural' in nature so reasonable penetration is adequate and (b) I feel I get a better view of what is going on.

Arvid

Thanks for the vote of confidence Arvid,

I believe you are supposed to push but everyone has their own way, I always pull, regardless of thickness, power level or wire feed, in fact I pull when I MIG, TIG or stick, it's just what I am used to,

And regardless of what the "experts " say it makes no difference on an x ray or an ultrasound, so strength will be near enough to identical, just make sure your torch angle is right, about 15 degrees from vertical works for me on MIG, pull the trigger, allow a pool to form, and then go, but never leave the pool behind or overfill it, and all will be fine, most importantly get comfortable and even run the torch along the proposed weld before starting just to make sure it is comfortable to weld the full length, so many people set their bench up all wrong or try to weld on the floor and without being comfortable your hand won't be steady, and your mind will wander off thinking about the twist in your back, you wouldn't try to learn to drive or play golf or any other activity like that so why should welding be any different.

Good luck,
Rick