i am trying to weld recovery loops to the hitch off my xj. the problem is i can not get the weld to penetrate the hitch nor the loops? i tried preheating and that did not help. the welder is a hobart 140 mig useing 75/25 gas. i am no "expert" welder by any means. i worked at an exhaust shop about 5 years ago, so i know my way around a mig welder but this welder is new to me. i also do minor fab stuff here and there. so anyway, any help or advise would be appreciated. and before i get flammed, i know recovery points is a touchy subject with some and i get it, but i am looking for welding help not recovery point advise. thank you

 

what are the settings on the welder, amps ect?

 

115 volts, 140 amps. this is the exact one, http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...ci_sku=1646140

 

r u running a really long extension cord to the welder? make sure its a direct outlet no extension cords

 

i meant what are the dials set at?

 

yes. this was suggested by a co-worker

i have tried every variation of wire speed and heat.

 

does any one know if there is some kind of treatment in the steel like a alot of zinc or something, that would prevent it from penetrating?

 

I love to welding... One of my favorite
Websites is weldingtipsandtricks.com
This guy seems like he has been
Welding for most of his life.
Check it out

 

Haha sorry..... typing with big thumbs and an iPod

 

r you weldin with flux core or gas? i bet your welder is wired oposite from what you are welding. try switching the polarity and i bet she sticks good.

good little starter welder

 

VERY recommended site for all welders

 

i did that the other day! i felt retarded, my regulator broke and i had to use flux but couldnt stand it so i fixed the regulator and forgot to switch the polarity back

 

1. Make sure you have a very good ground, free of rust, dirt and paint.
2. Keep a tight tip to work distant 1/4" to 3/8" is normal. Sometimes 1/16" is required for these low power Migs.
3. Turn your feed speed/amps down and volts up for a well penetrated weld with a shallow weld bead.
4. A drag or pull gun technique will give you a bit more penetration and a narrower bead. A push gun technique will give you a bit less penetration, and a wider bead
5. Remember you are using a Low powered welder. The welds will be small and multiple passes may be required.

Also, you may want to consider changing to Flux core or Flux core with Co2 gas. That Combo will give you maximum penetration out of your welding rig.
Co2 will be cheaper than your 75/25 mix as well.

Good luck

 

Gas. I will try that later today and see what happens.

Thanks for all the helps folks I really appreciate it!!

 

She has a good ground as I stripped all the powder coat and rust off. I will try the rest of the tips later today. Thank you