I am using the 309 rod but the flange metal just does not want to bond. Keeps getting pit holes in bead and turning black. Any ideas? Mcmaster t's and 90's welded to a mild steel flange at 90 amps with 15 flow and no pulse.

 

crank up the flow to 35-40

 

turn the gas on first

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Davep &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">turn the gas on first</TD></TR></TABLE>

haha ya it sounds like your using no gas or the wrong gas. Pure argon is what you need. I used 309L and 309 rod in the manifold i posted the other day. Works perfect.

 

Yes, I am using pure argon but I was reading the slide rule thing for the flow. I will up the flow and try it. The welds look like **** right now maybe this will help.

 

I never use more than 20-25 cfm for anything if that helps.

 

what exactly does the argon do?

 

argon shields the weld from contaminating. if it doesnt protect the weld itll become pourus and pop and sizzel when you're welding.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by project dc2 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">argon shields the weld from contaminating. if it doesnt protect the weld itll become pourus and pop and sizzel when you're welding. </TD></TR></TABLE>

That is exactly what is happening.

 

clean the flange off wth a wire brush. but it sounds liek your tungsten is too far out. turn up teh flow to 20. ive never realy had a prob at 15. but maybe 20 is your ticket.

 

are you using a gas lens? what machine? also do you have a proper ground? perhaps your gas line is clogged. Sounds like you not getting any gas at all. what color do you see in the mask... Does it look normal?

 

gas lens? PT185. Ground clamp is on the flange. I can hear gas flowing but you may be onto something, hmm. Let me check on monday to see.

Some of the guys at work were playing with the welder and the tungsten had metal on it. I bet it ran up the tungsten and covered the gas ports in the torch.

 

If the flow meter is showing A number thats how much it is flowing.It cant be clogged if the meter is working.You probably didn't sand or glassbead the mill scale
off the flange or your weld 90s.And 15 to 20cfph is fine.Thats if its not s.s. .If it is S.S. for sure.Tell your buddy to quit blowing on it when your welding.