DiscovererdLC and Brian - I've been reading this weld technique discussion with some interest, as I do some MIG welding too. I've been at it for 3 years so I'd say that makes me (still) a relative beginner.
As Brian said, I know of no technical reason to want that puddled "TIG" look. Even so, it seems to have some esthetic appeal, so I've actually tried to get welds that look like that, but without much success. I suppose it's sort of like dressing up steel wheels with chrome hubcaps? Style over substance?
With a continuous weld, the puddles just seem to smooth together, no matter how much up and back I do. The only thing that has come out somewhat like that was using a "stitch weld" setting, where the arc stays on, but the wire feed cycles on and off.
DiscovererdLC - would you say that technique helps you keep an even, consistent bead? I have trouble with that, even when I don't jiggle or flinch. The bead shape changes as the heat in the metal builds up.
Just for comparison, I use .035 ER70S-3 wire rather than the more typical ER70S-6, and 15% CO2/85% Argon rather than the usual 25/75. Voltage runs lower at about 17 V for short arc transfer, but I can easily crank it up to 31V or so for spray arc transfer for serious penetration.
Anyway- still scratching my head over the TIG look thing. I've seen it several other places as well, and like it too, but feel a little guilty about liking it.
Mark
if you can send any dimensions of the top plates and front plates to help me get started, and the angles as well, I LOVE the angular look and think it will fit my 'Land Shark' build perfectly!
