r/BadWelding • u/Nervous_Object6990 • 13h ago

Advice please

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Gallery image

I just started flux-core welding about a week ago, and I’m honestly having a lot of fun learning it. One thing I’ve noticed is that I’m getting quite a bit of spatter around my weld zone. Am I traveling too fast or too slow, or could it be my settings, stickout, or technique? I’d really appreciate any criticism, advice, or tips on what I can improve!

3/8" mild steel | 22.5V | 225 WFS

3 Upvotes

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1

u/beadhand6010 13h ago

Are you doing an open root with flux core?

1

u/Nervous_Object6990 13h ago

Yes i am

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u/beadhand6010 12h ago

That’s really interesting. Do they specify any kind of parameters? Gap size, landing, heat settings? I asked chat Gpt about open root welding with dual shield and it said it’s “almost universally prohibited”. I’m wondering why they’re having you work that kind of joint. Being able to fill a gap comes in handy for sure but I don’t think you would pass a bend test. Maybe I’m wrong

1

u/Nervous_Object6990 12h ago

Yeah, they didn't give us any parameters for settings. It's more like they gave us a bunch of different joints to weld together, and we kind of just see what works best for us settings. Wise as well as gaps, size and landing. In this one I have an 8th inch gap and a 3/32 land. We've done bend tests on plate and pipe but that was with stick. I didn't get any certifications, but some of my friends did. I came close though, but we're not doing any destructive testing with flux core or with mig

1

u/Nervous_Object6990 13h ago

It's part of the assignment they're giving us

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u/Friedbean1111 12h ago

You should try increasing the voltage maybe to 25V and see what happens. If it gets worse then put back to 22.5V and increase the WFS to 250 and then go from there. The key is to only change one parameter at a time. If it doesn't get better then try a shorter or longer stickout.

2

u/Nervous_Object6990 12h ago

Thank you for the advice.I really appreciate it!!

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u/Overall-Challenge556 12h ago

Most Fluxcore plate tests have back up strip. Either ceramic or 1-1/4 plate.

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u/WTT89 3h ago

Before you grab more material and try another joint fill that plate with stringers in the same position for more practice.

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u/Doorsandgates 1h ago

THAT SCHOOL SHOP SUCKS ASK FOR SOME REAL SPECS.