How to correctly set the current when welding

How to set the welding current and choose the diameter of the electrode: rules, technique, features

How to work with welding current? What are the welding settings? All these questions and others will be discussed with you in this article.

Welding current - what is it? What is it for? Let's discuss these issues together. Welding current is the main parameter that describes the electrical properties of the welding arc.

It’s not easy for beginners to navigate all the settings the first time. The variety of GOST settings does not help beginners in any way. In order to correctly apply the welding current, all factors must be taken into account.

Here we will tell you everything about the correct use of welding current. In this article we will share our experience. A few years ago, workers had to do the calculations themselves.

Nowadays, everything has changed and you can use ready-made adjustments. This article will help you understand the types of welding work and device adjustments.

We will also talk about arc welding and settings for it. About how inverters are used and other questions.

Introduction

When performing welding work, you will need to take into account many parameters. You must understand what the welding mode consists of.

And that it will also consist of the strength of the current applied, and undoubtedly the diameter of the electrode. Pay attention to what current is used for welding (alternating or direct) - this is called the type of welding current.

Likewise, pay your immediate attention to the electrode, its brand, polarity, spatial position during welding, and layers of seams.

You need to understand what you will get at the end. Namely sizes, quality of seams and more. Correct adjustment will be very important in the work. Correctly configured mode, force during welding work.

So, let’s begin to understand how the current is selected correctly during welding.

Remember the main thing: the acceptability of the current depends on the definition of the electrode and its diameter in welding work. Of course, this is not one rule, these will be the basic skills for the upcoming work.

The selection of the electrode will also be very important. The thickness of the metal and the diameter of the electrode will be interdependent in relation to each other.

The thickness of the product (metal) will be equal to the diameter of the electrode used. It is also necessary to take into account that electrodes are also selected according to their intended purpose.

A good example would be if electrode welding is selected for the correct spatial position (horizontal, vertical, bottom, ceiling, etc.).

Unfortunately, not everyone can afford to purchase different types of electrodes for various seams.

Everything can be resolved. Example: You purchase electrodes, and they are designed for welding in the lower position, although you need to weld a vertical seam or a ceiling seam.

Answer: Ampere reduction is approximately 10-15%, in the second case by 20-30%. Be careful when welding the ceiling seam, the diameter should be 4 millimeters.

When using such settings, work with metal products will take place without burning. I think you already understand that there is always a relationship between the welding current and the size of the electrode diameter.

Current settings and electrode diameter

I think everyone has already understood that the diameter of the electrode directly comes from the thickness of the metal product. As was written above in the text. Thickness=diameter.

Example: when a worker must weld a part whose thickness will be from 2 millimeters to 8 millimeters, then electrodes with a diameter from 2.5 millimeters to 5 millimeters are selected.

This will be enough for your work. What about the current strength? The answer is on the surface.

When you do welding work on a metal product with an electrode diameter of 3.5 millimeters or more, the current strength will be 60 Amperes-100 Amperes. There is no need to be surprised by this difference.

You will choose the value yourself, it depends on the density of the metal product with which you are working. The most universal value would be 80 Amps. It is good for beginners.

When a worker applies a 4 mm diameter electrode, the current will be 120 Amperes - 200 Amperes. This is one of the common electrode diameters. This diameter can be used by welding experts and beginners.

If you want to use a semi-professional transformer (or a 5 mm electrode) for continuous operation and stable arc burning. Our recommendation would be to use 160 Amps - 200 Amps.

To work on professional equipment (or with a caliber of 8 millimeters), you need to apply a current strength of 250 to 345 Amps.

We draw your immediate attention to small inverter welding devices. They are available in any specialty store. Will appeal to professionals and amateurs.

But these devices have disadvantages. They use a small wire diameter, from approximately 2 millimeters. When using current from 40 Amps to 50 Amps.

Recommendation: When purchasing such models, make sure that the current supply in the device is smoothly regulated. Always follow the rules for setting the current strength. If there is a malfunction, the metal product will burn through rather than melt to the required depth.

The quality of the seams will depend on the correct adjustment. So read the regulatory legal acts, GOST. Accurate information = correct work.

conclusions

The final step when setting up the welding machine will be the strength of the welding current. No one is immune from mistakes. Sometimes intuition itself or automatic settings help when setting things up.

To avoid making mistakes, use tables with settings. But it’s better to memorize them. It will be easy. Experience will come with time.

You will independently adjust the inverter based on its errors. You will get good experience working with metal.

We will be waiting for your comments. Tell us your experience about the welding current settings and its relationship with the diameters of the electrodes.

Source: https://prosvarku.info/tehnika-svarki/kak-nastroit-svarochnyj-tok-i-vybrat-diametr-ehlektroda

How to cook with a welding inverter: nuances of the process

Inverters are the best welding machines. You should know that old transformers are heavy and difficult to use. Anyone can operate the inverter. To do this, you just need to know the basic principles of welding metal with this device.

The inverter welding machine is lightweight and has high power, which allows even a novice welder to carry out complex welding work.

First of all, the advantages of an inverter welding machine are its light weight and great capabilities. Thanks to this, with the help of this device it is possible to perform work that was previously performed only by complex devices. The electrical energy that is consumed by this small device will be directed only to the operation of the arc, with the help of which the welding process itself is carried out.

How to learn to weld metal, what do you need to know before performing the welding process?

Table of correspondence between electrode diameter and welding current.

An inverter for welding is an economical device that is convenient to use. Even beginners can learn to weld metal with it. Before welding, it is important to learn about the operating principle of this device. The inverter is an electronic welding machine, so the main load will fall on the electrical network.

When old welding machines are plugged in, there is a strong and maximum possible jolt of electrical energy. In connection with this, the power grid of the entire area is switched off. The inverter has storage capacitors that are capable of storing electrical energy, as a result of which uninterrupted operation of the electrical network can be ensured.

In this case, the electric arc of the device will ignite softly.

You should know that the larger the diameter of the electrodes, the more electrical energy it uses. Therefore, if you want to check the welding machine in operation, you will need to calculate how much electrical energy the device will approximately consume. This is necessary in order not to burn your neighbors' household appliances.

For each electrode diameter, the minimum current strength is shown. Therefore, if you want to reduce the current, you won’t be able to make a seam. If you want to experiment and increase the current, you can make a seam, but the electrode will burn out quite quickly, as a result of which the work will not be comfortable.

Before welding, it is recommended to place a bucket of water in the room. You will need to prepare the workplace and all the elements that are planned to be welded.

To be able to correctly install the metal workpieces to be welded, clamps or a vice should be used.

How to properly weld metal with an inverter?

The process of arc initiation and combustion pattern.

First of all, you will need to know what elements will be needed for protection when working with a welding inverter. You need to buy the following:

1. Leather gloves.
2. Helmet for protection.
3. Jacket made of thick fabric.
4. Metal brush.

You will need to adjust the welding current and select an electrode. In order to weld with a welding inverter, you will need to use electrodes from 2 to 6 mm. The welding current is set depending on the thickness of the machine elements and the material being welded. In most cases, there is information on the device body about what current strength should be. There is no need to bring the electrode to the welding base quickly. If you do this, sticking may occur.

Next, the ground terminal is connected to the base, which is welded.

The welding process must begin with ignition of the arc. You should bring the electrode at a slight angle to the part that is being welded, and then touch it to the welding base several times so that you can use the electrode for welding. The electrode is held several elements away from the workpiece that is being welded. In most cases, this distance is equal to the diameter of the existing electrode.

The result will be a weld seam. Scale (metal scale at the top of the weld) is removed with a small hammer. You can also use any other durable object that has a lot of weight.

How to control the arc gap?

Figure 1. An arc space of suitable dimensions will help form a good seam.

The arc gap is the gap that appears during welding between the metal workpiece and the electrode. It is important to continuously monitor and maintain the same value of this gap.

1. If there is a small gap, this can lead to the seam being convex and not fused on the sides due to the fact that the base metal will not be able to warm up quickly.
2. If there is a large gap, then it will not be possible to weld the part, and the arc will jump. As a result, the metal that is melting will fit crookedly.
3. It is important to provide the required gap. This is necessary in order to be able to form a normal seam with good penetration. Visually, a gap of suitable dimensions can be seen in Fig. 1.

If you learn to control the arc length, you will be able to get the optimal result. The arc will pass through the gap and melt the base metal. As a result, a weld pool is formed. The arc will also be able to ensure the transfer of the metal that is being melted into the bath.

How to make a welding seam with an inverter correctly?

Figure 2: Straight polarity creates a narrow and deep melt zone.

If the electrode moves quickly during welding, you will end up with a defective seam. The bath line is located lower than the base of the base metal. If the arc penetrates quickly and deeply into the base metal, it can push the bath back, resulting in a weld. During welding, it is necessary to ensure that the seam is located at the level of the metal.

You can make a perfect seam by using arcing and zigzag movements. While performing circular movements, you will need to control the level of the seam, placing the bath evenly in a circle.

In the process of movements in different directions, the same seam will form, so you need to control the appearance of the seam during welding, first of all from one edge, then in the upper part of the bath, and finally on the other side, and so on.

The pool will follow the heat - this is important to remember when changing direction during the welding process. Undercutting will occur when there is not enough electrode metal to completely fill the bath during lateral movements. In order to prevent the appearance of such a side groove, you will need to control the outer boundaries and regularly monitor the bathtub. If necessary, you can make it thinner.

To manipulate the bathtub, you need to apply the force of the arc, which is located at the end of the electrode. During the process of tilting the electrode, the bath will push, but will not be pulled. Consequently, the more vertical position the electrode takes during welding, the less convex the seam will be. When the electrode is placed in a vertical position, all the heat will be concentrated under it and the bath will be pressed down, melt well and spread around.

When the electrode tilts slightly, all the force will be directed backwards, causing the seam to rise (float).

When the electrode tilts too much during welding, the force will be applied in the direction of the seam, and this will not allow full control of the bath.

If you need to make a flat seam or move the bath back, you should use the electrode at different angles.

Work should begin from 45° to 90°, because such angles make it possible to observe the bath and weld with ease.

What you need to know about forward and reverse polarity?

Figure 3. With reverse polarity, the melting zone will be wide and not deep.

In the case of direct polarity, there will be a reduced heat input into the workpiece, the melting zone will be narrow and deep. Visually the process can be seen in Fig. 2.

In the case of reverse polarity, there will be a reduced heat input into the workpiece, the melting zone will be wide, but its depth will be small. It is possible to obtain the effect of cleaning the base that is being welded with cathodes. Visually the process can be seen in Fig. 3.

How to cook thin metal sheets with an inverter?

It is worth paying attention to the polarity of the electrodes. During DC welding, there will be a negative and a positive charge. First of all, you will need to determine which charge needs to be connected to which place. You need to proceed from the fact that a positive charge, holding the material that is being welded, will be able to heat up more.

Most often, reverse polarity in the welding process is used when it is necessary to weld thin metal with a welding inverter, which can be easily burned. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the polarity is reversed and the amperage is correct.

Electrodes for welding thin sheets of metal must be connected with the “plus” to the arc of the device, and the “minus” to the sheet of metal.

If you need to ensure that the weld seam on a sheet of metal is of the highest quality, and there are no holes on the sheets, you will need to ensure that the seam is visible during the welding process.

This means that the angle of inclination of the electrode relative to the workpiece should be approximately 30°. The electrode will need to be placed as close as possible to the metal being welded.

After this, you need to wait until a red spot begins to form, under which a drop of metal appears, capable of connecting the sheets to be welded together.

As the electrode slowly moves along the base of the metal sheets, the resulting drops will connect the workpieces together, resulting in a welding seam.

At the end of the work, the weld seams must be thoroughly cleaned with a special metal brush in order to obtain a high-quality product.

If you familiarize yourself with all the nuances and strictly follow the sequence of actions, you will be able to weld metal efficiently.

Source: https://moyakovka.ru/process/kak-varit-svarochnym-invertorom.html

Semi-automatic welding: technology, correct settings and instructions for beginners - Machine

For welding metals, a laser beam, torch flame or plasma can be used, but one of the simplest and most compact options for devices for performing this type of work is a semi-automatic device.

To ensure that the metal seam is as smooth as possible and protected from oxidation, welding metals in this way is best done using shielding gas.

Semi-automatic welding for beginners is difficult only in the first minutes of mastering. To speed up the learning process as much as possible, you should study the basic rules for handling such a device in advance.

Semi-automatic welding machine: operating principle

In order not to “kill” the device when using a semi-automatic welding machine. To avoid injury, you should know about the safety rules and the operating principle of the device.

The semiautomatic welding machine consists of:

• housing containing a powerful transformer;
• hose for supplying current and gas to the burner;
• cables for connecting to ground and the electrical network;
• wire feed mechanism.

Also, for semi-automatic welding, you will need to purchase a reel with a special welding wire and a cylinder of carbon dioxide.

The operating principle of the semi-automatic device is as follows:

1. The welding current is supplied to the torch simultaneously with the shielding gas.
2. The torch uses a welding wire as an electrode, which is fed automatically using a special mechanism.
3. An electric arc is formed between the product being welded and the wire, which melts the metal in a protective gas environment, which allows you to obtain a high-quality weld without oxides.

The basic safety rules when working with semi-automatic welding machines are as follows:

• the body of the welding machine must be grounded;
• it is prohibited to use the device even with minor mechanical damage or any other malfunctions;
• in case of significant interruptions in work, be sure to disconnect the device from the electrical network and turn off the supply of protective gas;
• do not work near flammable and explosive substances;
• Use a protective mask and gloves while working.

As soon as the basic principles of working with a semi-automatic machine are mastered, you can begin practical work.

Semi-automatic welding: first experience

To gain practical experience, it is recommended to first practice on unnecessary metal scraps before proceeding with complex work that requires highly qualified welders.

For practical work you need to prepare:

• welding machine;
• gloves;
• protective mask;
• gas cylinder.

The first thing you need to do is set up the welding machine. Correctly adjusted strength of the supplied current will allow you to make a welding seam perfectly smooth and without breaks.

This parameter directly depends on the thickness of the metal being welded, so before starting work, you must read the instructions for the electrical device. Which should indicate the amperage recommended by the manufacturer for a certain thickness of the parts being welded.

Selecting welding modes

You should also make the right choice of the welding wire feed speed, which is regulated by a special mechanism.

The optimal diameter of the wire for welding is 0.8 mm, but when working with very thin metal, you can install a 0.6 mm electrode so that at a reduced current the metal is melted without fading the arc.

If possible, it is better to purchase Italian wire for semi-automatic welding. Imported analogues are of higher quality, but the cost of such products will be several times higher.

Despite the higher cost, such an electrode is more suitable for beginners because it is easier to obtain the desired result, even with insufficient experience in handling an electric welding machine.

instructions: setup.

Cylinder with reducer

In order to protect the welding site from exposure to oxygen, shielding gas is supplied. The cheapest option for using shielding gas is to purchase a carbon dioxide cylinder with a reducer.

A reducer with a pressure gauge must be installed to monitor the pressure of the supplied gas. To carry out high-quality welding of metals in a shielding gas environment, it is enough to set the working pressure to about 0.2 atmospheres.

Protective mask

To protect your eyesight, semi-automatic cooking should only be done using a protective mask, for example, Chameleon. Modern products have a special adjustment in their design, which allows you to configure the protective mechanism in such a way that it provides high-quality protection only during arc burning.

When the plasma combustion process dies out, the window of the mask will be transparent enough to allow you to continue working without removing the protective device.

Such welding helmets will be especially convenient for novice welders; in outdated models, the protective glass was too shaded, which made the welding process very inconvenient, due to poor visibility of the weld after the arc has died out.

Welding technology

When all the preparatory work has been carried out, it is necessary to connect the “ground” to the metal being welded. If you have to work with small parts, then welding is done on a metal table, to which the corresponding conductor is connected.

If there is no table, then the work can be carried out on a horizontally located metal sheet with a thickness of at least 2 mm, to which the “ground” of the welding machine is connected.

Before starting the welding process, it is also necessary to adjust the amount of protrusion of the welding wire from the nozzle. It is recommended to install such a protrusion no more than 5 mm. If the wire protrudes more significantly before starting welding work, it must be shortened using wire cutters.

Before making a continuous weld, it is recommended to position the parts to be welded as close as possible and to carry out spot welding in at least two places by striking the electrode against the metal at the joint. This is necessary to ensure the immobility of the parts being welded.

If you need to weld one sheet of metal onto another, then in this case you can use clamps to securely fasten the welded parts. Once the immobility of the parts is ensured using any of the listed methods, you can begin making the weld.

To weld parts, an arc igniter is made and the metal is melted at the junction of the metals to form a seam. If during the first attempts to weld parts the arc does not ignite stably, it is necessary to increase the current supplied by the welding machine.

For proper arc formation, it is necessary to briefly touch the wire to the metal parts to which the “ground” is connected. Then tear off the wire to the minimum possible distance to form a stable electric arc. In this way, the seam is welded from one edge to the other, gradually moving the arc over the surface of the parts being welded.

• thin metal connection.
• welding thick metal for beginners.

Aluminum welding

The use of shielding gases in semi-automatic welding makes it possible to perform high-quality connections of aluminum parts in this way. Welding aluminum is a rather complex process even for an experienced specialist; it will be even more difficult for novice welders to complete such work.

How to semi-automatically cook aluminum parts:

• the surface of the welded parts is cleaned from the oxide film;
• the workpieces are heated in a furnace or using a gas burner;
• the welding machine is switched on to high-frequency alternating current mode;
• a cylinder with argon or argon-helium mixture is connected;
• The arc is ignited and its length is maintained in the range of 12-15 mm.

In this way, parts made of this low-melting metal are welded. To perform the work, you will need to purchase aluminum products as filler wire. And to ensure stable wire feeding, the device must be equipped with a larger diameter nozzle.

Conclusion

For novice welders, you learned how to weld semi-automatically with carbon dioxide correctly from this article. To consolidate the information received, it is recommended to immediately begin practical exercises and carry out a trial connection of parts using this method. Lessons will allow you to quickly master a semi-automatic machine at home.

It is recommended to start welding aluminum and other non-ferrous metals only after welding of ferrous metals is well mastered. This article tells you how to cook stainless steel with a semi-automatic machine.

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Source: https://regionvtormet.ru/stanki-i-oborudovanie/svarki-poluavtomatom-tehnologiya-pravilnaya-nastrojka-i-instruktsiya-dlya-nachinayushhih.html

How to set up a welding machine for electrode welding?

In everyday life, the need to weld objects periodically arises. Very often such a need arises in the private sector. For a large number of jobs, you can turn to experienced welders, but for small jobs it is better to use an inverter welding machine.

This is the simplest, most affordable and convenient type of welding. It is available for everyone to work with. To do this, you need to know the principles of the welding process.

Welding with an inverter has become a breakthrough in the field of welding machines, since outdated transformers are quite heavy and difficult to use. The advantage is that with inverter welding, spatter occurs less than when welding from a transformer.

An inverter is a welding machine that allows you to connect sheets of metal using an electric discharge. It has a distinctive feature: it has low weight and maximum capabilities , thanks to which it can perform work previously carried out by heavy and complex devices. The weight of the device depends on its power (from 3 to 7 kg).

You can transport it using a handle or strap. Cooling is provided by ventilation holes in the case. This device consumes electricity, which is directed only to the operation of the arc , and it carries out the welding process itself.

The device is insensitive to voltage changes. If there are constant fluctuations, you should pay attention to the required voltage, which is indicated in the inverter’s passport.

Handles and control indicators are located on the surface of the device :

• turns on and off with a toggle switch;
• the voltage and current values ​​are set using knobs on the front panel;
• the panel has indicators informing about power supply and device overheating;
• The outputs (“+” and “-“) are located on the front of the panel.

Additionally, the set contains 2 cables . One of them ends with a holder for the electrode, and the second has a clip in the form of a clothespin for securing the product. The device is connected via a connector located on the rear panel of the device.

Principle of operation

An inverter is an electronic device that runs on electricity. When old welding machines are turned on, a strong and huge jolt of electricity occurs, which may result in a power outage.

The inverter has storage capacitors that store electricity and ensure uninterrupted operation of the network. They gently ignite the arc of the inverter.

It is worth paying attention to the fact that electricity consumption depends on the diameter of the electrodes. The larger it is, the greater the consumption. In this regard, in order not to burn household appliances, before working with the inverter, it is necessary to calculate the maximum possible amount of electricity that will be consumed by the device.

It is worth considering that for each electrode diameter the minimum current strength , i.e. if you try to reduce the current strength, the weld will not work. If the current increases, it will work, but the electrode will quickly burn out.

The arc comes from the connection between the metal portion of the electrode and the metal being welded. The electrode and metal begin to melt under the influence of arc temperature . The molten parts in its place form a bath. The electrode coating melts, part of which goes into a gaseous state and blocks the bath from oxygen. The other part of the coating (in a liquid state) protects the metal from air during welding and during the cooling process.

After welding and cooling of the metal, the liquid part is slag, covering the seam from the outside. After cooling, the slag is removed by tapping with a hammer.

The electrode melts during the welding process. To prevent the arc from going out, you need to maintain its length , i.e., the distance between the metal and the electrode. This can be done by inserting the electrode into the welding site at the same speed and exactly along the seam joint.

With a short arc (about 1 mm), the metal is heated over a small area, and the weld comes out convex. At the point where the seam and metal meet, a defect such as an undercut (a parallel dimple near the seam) may appear. It reduces the strength of the seam.

A long arc is unstable, poorly protected from air, almost does not heat the metal, and the weld is not fully deep. The normal arc size is from 2 to 3 mm . A constant gap of this size will form a normal seam with good penetration.

How to properly weld metal with an inverter

To work with welding, the following protective elements are required:

• Gloves are made of rough material, but in no case are rubber.
• Welding helmet with a filter, which is selected depending on the value of the welding current. It is more convenient to use a “chameleon” mask, since the filter installed in it recognizes the arc and is darkened to suit its size. It is worth noting that at low temperatures the filter does not have time to work in time, and at temperatures below -100 degrees this mask will not protect.
• Clothing, which should be made of natural dense and non-flammable material, cover the neck and arms.
• Closed shoes made of genuine leather and thick soles.

It is necessary to prepare a safe place for welding :

1. Free space, absence of everything unnecessary.
2. Good lighting.
3. The work is performed standing on a wooden floor, which protects against electric shock.

After this, you need to adjust the welding current (depending on the thickness of the metal and parts) and select an electrode (2-5 mm). Usually the strength of this current is indicated on the device body. Electrodes must be selected based on the brand of welding materials. Next, connect the ground terminal to the surface to be welded.

, the metal should be prepared before starting work . Use a metal brush to remove rust from the edges, which need to be treated with a solvent (gasoline, white spirit). It is important to prevent the presence of grease and paint materials on the edges.

For beginners, it is better to make a seam in the form of a roller on a metal sheet with a large thickness. The sheet must be placed horizontally on the table. A straight line is drawn on it with chalk as a guide in the work, along which the roller will be laid. To start welding, you need to ignite the arc. You can do this in 2 ways:

• chirping;
• tapping.

You can strike and hold the arc in both ways. Next comes the welding process itself, which produces a weld seam. Metal deposits on top of the seam must be removed by tapping with a small hammer or hard object. The ability to control the length of the arc will provide excellent results.

The beauty of the seam is influenced by:

• electrode inclination angle;
• diagram of transverse and longitudinal movements;
• speed of electrode movement.

Welding such seams (slanted and ceiling) is a rather complex process. This is due to the fact that even molten metal is subject to the law of gravity. He is constantly pulled down, which causes difficulties. Beginning welders will need to spend a lot of time learning how to do this.

There are 3 technologies for vertical seam welding:

1. Triangle. Used when connecting parts with a thickness of no more than 2 mm. Welding occurs from bottom to top. The liquid metal is on top of the solidifying one. It flows down, thereby covering the suture roller. The flowing slag does not interfere, since it moves along the solidified bath, which exits at a certain angle. Externally, the weld pool looks like a triangle. In this method, it is important to move the electrode accurately to completely fill the joint.
2. Herringbone. This type of welding is suitable for gaps between workpieces equal to 2-3 mm. Along the edge from the depth towards you, you need to use an electrode to melt the metal to the entire thickness of the workpiece and, without stopping, lower the electrode to the gap. After melting occurs, do all this along the other edge. You need to continue from the bottom to the top of the weld. This results in a uniform arrangement of molten metal in the gap space. It is important to prevent the formation of undercut edges and metal leaks.
3. Ladder. This method is used when there is a large gap between the workpieces being joined and little dulling of the edges (or its absence at all). Welding is carried out in a zigzag manner from one edge to the other from bottom to top. The electrode stops at the edges for a long time, and the transition is made quickly. The roller will have a small cross-section.

Welding polarity

Melting of the metal during the welding process is carried out under the influence of the heat of the arc. It forms between the metal and the electrode when they are connected to opposite terminals of the welding device.

There are 2 options for performing welding work: direct and reverse polarity .

• In the first case, the electrode is connected to the minus, and the metal to the plus. There is a reduced introduction of heat into the metal. The melting point is narrow and deep.
• In the second case, the electrode is connected to the positive, and the metal to the negative, resulting in a reduced heat input into the product. The melting point is wide, but not deep.

When choosing welding, it is necessary to take into account that the network element connected to the plus heats up more. Thick metal is welded with direct polarity, and thin metal with reverse polarity.

Tips for dummies

• do not neglect protective equipment;
• Before performing work, it is worth practicing to prevent mistakes;
• welding must be performed with the minimum recommended amperage;
• do not forget to beat off the slag;
• to reduce the deformation of the product, you need to secure the parts during the welding process;
• follow instructions and recommendations.

In addition to the fact that welding can be used to connect parts, it can also be used to cut them . To do this, you need to increase the current and cut off the part or corners. It’s just not possible to do it exactly.

By using this guide, you can gradually improve your skills and use inverter welding without any problems in the future. The main thing in this matter is practice.

Source: https://rem-serv.com/kak-nastroit-svarochnyy-apparat-dlya-svarki-elektrodom/

Selecting welding mode: current, arc length, polarity

Selecting welding mode: current, arc length, polarity

To get a high-quality and reliable welding seam, you need to understand which electrodes are best to use and which mode of manual arc welding to choose. In addition, it is important to take into account other equally significant factors, such as: the composition and thickness of the metal, the dimensions of the workpiece being welded, and for what purposes it will be used in the future.

In general, the welding mode is selected according to many factors and after analyzing the data obtained. In this article from the website mmasvarka.ru we will consider the main factors that, to one degree or another, can influence the choice of mode.

Welding mode selection

So, what factors influence the choice of one or another mode of manual arc welding. First of all, this is:

The main criteria when choosing a mode for MMA welding, of course, is determined by the burning nature of the welding arc, the stability of which depends on how correctly the current strength is selected for some specific electrodes. The higher the current, the larger the diameter of the electrodes you can weld thick metal. In simple words, high currents ensure better arc burning and good heating of the metal.

You should know that when a seam is applied vertically, the current strength changes less than when applied horizontally, by about 15%. For ceiling seams, the value of the welding current will be even less, by about 20%. Very often, values ​​​​regarding the current strength are on the packaging with electrodes. In addition, you can determine what current strength to set on the welding machine from the table below with the values.

Average welding current (A):

• Electrode diameter (1.6 mm) - electrode with rutile and basic coating (30-55 A) and (50-75 A);
• Electrode diameter (2 mm) - electrode with rutile and basic coating (40-70 A) and (60-100 A);
• Electrode diameter (2.5 mm) - electrode with rutile and basic coating (50-100 A) and (70-120 A);
• Electrode diameter (3 mm) - electrode with rutile and basic coating (80-130 A) and (110-150 A);
• Electrode diameter (4 mm) - electrode with rutile and basic coating (120-170 A) and (140-200 A);

In turn, in order to correctly determine the diameter of the electrode, it is necessary to take into account the thickness of the metal, the welding method and the geometric location of the seam. So, for example, for each electrode its own “own” current value is selected. If you greatly increase its performance, you can easily burn through the metal or, conversely, not achieve a high-quality and reliable weld.

Selecting current depending on the diameter of the electrodes

Thin metal, no more than 1 mm thick, is welded with 1 mm electrodes, and the current strength is set to the minimum possible values, in the range of 10-30 A. When welding thicker metal, up to 2 mm, electrodes of a slightly larger diameter are used, 1. 5 or 2 mm. The current strength for welding with these electrodes is set in the range of 30-50 A.

A 3 mm electrode is used to weld metal up to 4 mm, and the current on the inverter is set to 60-120 A. For welding metals over 10 mm thick, much thicker electrodes are already used - 4 and 5 mm. For their normal use, the welding machine must be set to a current of more than 120 A.

Welding arc length

To achieve a good connection, it is important to correctly determine not only the diameter of the welding electrodes, but also the length of the welding arc. There is a common belief among welders that the length of the arc should correspond to the diameter of the electrode used. However, it is very difficult for novice electric welders to maintain such a short arc without it being pulled to the side.

Therefore, when selecting this value, you should proceed from the current strength and diameter of the electrodes used for welding:

• For electrodes up to 2 mm - the arc length is 2-2.5 mm;
• For 3 mm electrodes, the arc length is 3.5 mm;
• For 4 mm electrodes, the arc length is 4.5 mm;
• For 5 mm electrodes, the arc length is maintained within 5.5 mm.

In addition, it is important to take into account the optimal welding speed, which also largely depends on the current strength and other features. Here you can follow one proven path, and with the correct selection of welding speed, the welding seam should be approximately twice the diameter of the electrode used.

Reverse or straight polarity?

To select the welding mode with a coated stick electrode, it is equally important to determine which operating mode to switch the welding inverter to. There are two of them, reverse and direct polarity.

In order to weld thin metal with an inverter and not burn it later, it is recommended to switch the welding machine to reverse polarity, when the flow of electrodes is directed not at the workpiece, but at the electrode. Conversely, if you connect the inverter in direct polarity, you can improve the quality of welding, for example, when you need to weld thick metal.

To connect the inverter in reverse polarity (for welding thin metal):

• A positive terminal is connected to the holder with the electrode, and a negative terminal is connected to the workpiece.

To connect the inverter in direct polarity (for welding thick metals):

• A negative terminal is connected to the holder with the electrode, and a positive terminal is connected to the workpiece.

To choose the right welding mode with an inverter, you need to take into account many different nuances. Only in this way will it be possible to achieve a high-quality and reliable welding joint that will withstand heavy loads.

Source: https://mmasvarka.ru/vybor-rezhima-svarki.html

Adjusting the welding current for the electrode

Welding is the most reliable way to connect metal structures and products. The consumables used in this process are electrodes. Their composition is made in such a way as to best match the material being welded. The type of steel the welder works with is not the most important parameter of the work. It is also necessary to take into account the thickness of the product, the power of the device and the required welding depth.

Not only the choice of electrodes plays an important role, but also their correct use. Here you will need not only the skill of the welder, but also the capabilities of the equipment. Different settings are used for different electrodes, and today we will figure out what current is selected for which electrodes.

Current setting depending on the electrode

There are many nuances that affect the current setting for a particular electrode. All of them affect the shape of the seam, its size and quality. Here are the parameters taken into account when selecting a diet:

• rod diameter;
• brand;
• the position in which welding will be carried out;
• polarity;
• number of layers.

If you need a seam with several layers, then the parameters may vary. The parameters of the electrodes selected for welding a certain grade of steel are taken as the initial data.

Often, packages indicate current values ​​for welding only in the lower position. In this case, it will be useful to know that for a vertical position the current decreases by about 20%, and for a ceiling position by 25%. This is necessary so that the metal melts more slowly and does not drain from the seam.

The diameter of the rods is selected in accordance with the thickness of the metal. At the same time, you need to take into account the size of the seam and the welding method.

When welding a surface with a width of 3 - 5 mm, you need to take an electrode with a diameter of 3 - 4 mm. A diameter of 5 mm will be sufficient up to a seam width of 8 mm.

The diameter of the seam and the current you will use are directly proportional.

• with an electrode diameter of 3 mm, we will need a current ranging from 65 to 100 A. This spread depends on the welding position and the type of metal. When using for the first time, it is recommended to set the average value. In this case, it will be 80 A. After this, look at the “behavior” of the electrode itself and the metal, and select the most comfortable currents.
• For 4 mm rods, a current of 120 - 200 A is suitable. This is one of the most common diameters. They can work with both large and small seams.
• 5 mm - electrodes operate at a current of 160 - 250 A. The value depends on the position and metal. The depth of welding also plays a big role here - the greater it is, the greater the current needs to be set. A deep bath - more than half a centimeter - will require maximum power. This means that the operating current will be more than 200 A. If work will be carried out in this mode for a long time, then you need to make sure that you have a high-quality transformer.
• Electrodes 6 - 8 mm, used with a current of 250 A. If you are working with thick material, it can be increased to 300 - 350 A.

Setting a low current will result in you not being able to make a connection, since the metal will not weld well. If the current is too high, the metal will melt through.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFhXTomXXSw

Recently, low-power devices have been gaining popularity. They are used in the household. They allow you to work with electrodes of small diameter - up to 2 mm.

AC and DC current

First, let's figure out what alternating current is and what is direct current.

AC current changes over time. In a normal network it has a frequency of 50 Hz. This means that when the device is connected to a household network, it will output current with a frequency of the same 50 Hz.

Direct current is obtained using rectifiers and stabilizers. It can have direct or reverse polarity. The advantages of direct current are as follows:

• high stability of the arc, making the seam smooth and reliable;
• high performance;
• a small amount of spatter, which saves material and protects the welder from burns.

Some types of work require the use of only alternating current.

Alternating current is suitable for working with refractory materials containing oxides. It is used when welding aluminum, since the reverse movement of electrons destroys the oxide film. The same applies to contaminated surfaces.

Devices that produce alternating current are used where high quality and precision of the seam is not required, but it is necessary to reduce costs.

When assembling durable and reliable structures, it is better to use direct current. It is also used when working with structures and parts of small thickness.

How to choose the right current when welding with an inverter - Machine tools, welding, metalworking

In a private house, in a country house, in a garage and even in an apartment - everywhere there are many jobs that require metal welding. This need is especially acute during the construction process. Here, especially often, something needs to be cooked or cut off.

And if you can still cut it with a grinder, then there is nothing to reliably connect the metal parts with except welding. And if the construction is carried out with your own hands, then the welding work can be done independently. Especially in places where the beauty of the seam is not required.

We will tell you how to properly weld by welding in this article.

Basics of electric welding

Welded metal joints are the most reliable today: pieces or parts are fused into a single whole. This happens as a result of exposure to high temperatures.

Most modern welding machines use an electric arc to melt metal. It heats the metal in the affected area to the melting temperature, and this happens over a small area.

Since an electric arc is used, welding is called electric arc welding.

This is not a completely correct way of welding)) At a minimum, you need a mask

Types of electric welding

An electric arc can be formed by both direct and alternating current. Welding transformers use alternating current, and inverters use direct current.

Working with a transformer is more complicated: the current is alternating, so the welding arc “jumps”, the device itself is heavy and bulky. The noise that both the arc and the transformer itself makes during operation is also quite annoying. There is one more problem: the transformer greatly “stresses” the network. Moreover, significant voltage surges are observed. The neighbors are not very happy about this fact, and your household appliances may suffer.

Inverters mainly operate from a 220 V network. At the same time, they are small in size and weight (about 3-8 kilograms), operate quietly, and have almost no effect on voltage.

The neighbors won't even know you started using the welding machine unless they see you. In addition, since the arc is caused by direct current, it does not jump and is easier to stir and control.

So if you decide to learn how to weld metal, start with a welding inverter. Read about choosing an inverter welding machine here.  

Welding technology

For an electric arc to occur, two conductive elements with opposite charges are required. One is a metal part, and the second is an electrode.

The electrodes used for manual arc welding consist of a metal core coated with a special protective compound. There are also graphite and carbon non-metallic welding electrodes, but they are used for special work and are unlikely to be useful to a novice welder.

When an electrode and metal of opposite polarity touch, an electric arc occurs. After its appearance, in the place where it is directed, the metal of the part begins to melt. At the same time, the metal of the electrode rod melts, being transferred with the electric arc to the melting zone: the weld pool.

How a weld pool is formed. Without understanding this process, you will not understand how to weld metal correctly (To enlarge the size of the picture, right-click on it)

During the process, the protective coating also burns, partially melting, partially evaporating and releasing a certain amount of hot gases. Gases surround the weld pool, protecting the metal from interaction with oxygen. Their composition depends on the type of protective coating. The molten slag also coats the metal, also helping to maintain its temperature. To weld properly, you must ensure that the slag covers the weld pool.

The weld is formed by moving the bath. And it moves when the electrode moves. This is the whole secret of welding: you need to move the electrode at a certain speed. It is also important, depending on the required type of connection, to correctly select its angle of inclination and current parameters.

As the metal cools, a slag crust forms on it - the result of the combustion of protective gases. It also protects the metal from contact with oxygen in the air. After cooling, it is beaten with a hammer. In this case, hot fragments fly away, so eye protection is required (wear special glasses).

You can read about how to make a barbecue out of a cylinder or barrel here. Just get some practice.

How to learn to cook by welding

It all starts with preparing the workplace. Safety when working with electric welding must be given increased attention: there is a possibility of injury from both electricity and high temperatures. Therefore, take your preparation seriously.

It is more convenient to learn to weld with electric welding on a thick piece of metal: it is better to practice on it. In addition to it and the welding machine, you will need gaiters (thick gloves) and a welder’s mask. You also need thick clothing that protects the entire body, and durable shoes with thick leather. They must withstand sparks and scale. You will also need a hammer and a wire brush to knock off the slag. You will need glasses to protect your eyes.

How to connect the electrode

It will be easier for beginners to carry out welding work if they take a universal electrode with a diameter of 3 mm (3.2 mm, to be precise). They are more expensive, but easier to work with. After you learn how to weld metal, you can try using cheaper ones, but it’s better to start with these.

The electrode is inserted into a holder attached to one of the welding cables. There are two types of clamps - spring and screw. If the electrode holder is spring-loaded, press the button on the handle and insert the electrode into the socket that appears. When screw clamped, the handle rotates. Unscrew it, insert the electrode and clamp it. In any case, it should not wobble. After installing the electrode, you can connect the cables.

There are two outputs on a DC welder: positive and negative. There are also two welding cables:

• one ends with a metal clamp-retainer - it is connected to the part;
• the other is a holder for the electrode.

Which polarity to connect for welding depends on the type of work. If we talk about inverters, then more often the plus is connected to the part, and the minus is supplied to the electrode. This connection option is called direct polarity. But there is a list of works in which reverse polarity is applied: minus to the part, plus to the electrode (for example, for welding stainless steel).

Direct and reverse polarity of connection on the welding inverter

Straight polarity provides better heating of the metal, which is necessary for most connections. This is explained by the fact that electrons move from the negatively charged pole - with straight polarity, this is the electrode - to the positive - part. At the same time, they additionally transfer their energy to the metal, increasing its temperature.

We figured out how to connect the electrode to the inverter. Now about how to light an arc. It occurs when there is direct contact between the electrode and the part. There are two ways:

• chirping;
• tapping.

Everything is clear from the name: in one case, you need to run the electrode along the seam (so that there are no marks left), in the second, you need to hit the part with the tip of the electrode several times.

When the electrode is new, its tip is exposed, ignition occurs easily. If it was already in use, a wall of several millimeters of protective coating would form around the rod. This coating needs to be knocked off by hitting the part with the tip several times.

Both methods of ignition are used, here everyone chooses what is convenient for them. This skill is the first one you will have to master if you want to learn how to use electric welding.

Therefore, you take several electrodes, a thick piece of metal, and try to strike an arc. Once you have succeeded, you can proceed to the next stage of training.

Electrode tilt

The main position of the electrode is tilted slightly towards you - at an angle from 30° to 60° (see figure). The amount of inclination is selected depending on the required weld and the set current. Focus on the condition of the weld pool.

The first position is called the “backward angle.” In this case, the bath and molten slag moves behind the tip of the electrode. Its angle of inclination and speed of movement must be such that the slag has time to cover the molten metal. In this position, we obtain heating of the metal to a greater depth.

Manual arc welding technique: positioning the electrode at an angle forward and at an angle backward

There are situations when the metal does not need to be heated very much. Then the angle of inclination changes to the opposite, the seam and the bathtub “stretch” behind the electrode. In this case, the heating depth is minimal.

Electrode movements

The answer to the question “how to properly weld with electric welding” is simple: you need to control the weld pool. To do this, it is necessary to hold the electrode at a distance of 2-3 mm from the metal surface and control the condition and size of the weld pool. This is where the skill of a welder lies.

  Eye drops after welding

The difficulty lies in the fact that several parameters have to be controlled simultaneously:

• move the electrode along one of the trajectories shown in the photo,
• as it burns, lower it a little lower, maintaining a constant distance of 2-3 mm;
• monitor the size and condition of the weld pool, accelerating or slowing down the movement of the electrode;
• follow the direction of the seam.

The movements of the electrode tip are shown in the figure. Those who want to learn electric welding for home use do not need to master all of them, but you will need two or three movements: for different situations, seams and metals.

Another element of manual arc welding technique: the tip of the electrode must move along one of these trajectories (or something similar)

How to learn to cook with electric welding? Practice movements on a thick piece of metal. Then you get not seams, but rollers. This stage is the initial one. On it you will master the basic skills of a welder: learn to control the distance from the tip of the electrode to the part, and at the same time, move it along a given path, monitor the weld pool and the slag in it.

You won’t succeed the first time, or even the tenth time. You will probably use a dozen electrodes.

When the manual arc welding technique has been mastered: the bead is uniform, its width and height are constant (or almost), you can try to connect the parts.

You should get similar rollers. This way you can learn how to weld using electrodes correctly.

Read how to make a gazebo on a metal frame in this article, and here the construction of a shed on a metal frame is described.

How to weld metal correctly

Learning to hold the electrode correctly and move the bath is not enough for a good result. It is necessary to know some of the subtleties of the behavior of the metals being joined. The peculiarity is that the seam “pulls” the parts, which can cause them to warp. As a result, the shape of the product may differ greatly from what was intended.

Electric welding technology: before starting to apply a seam, the parts are connected using tack welds - short seams located at a distance of 80-250 mm from each other

Therefore, before work, parts are secured with clamps, ties and other devices. In addition, tacks are made - short transverse seams laid every few tens of centimeters. They hold the parts together, giving the product its shape. When welding joints, they are applied on both sides: this way the resulting stresses are compensated. Only after these preparatory measures do welding begin.

Read about the types of welds and joints (horizontal, vertical, ceiling) and how to weld them correctly here.

How to choose a current for welding

It is impossible to learn how to weld using electric welding if you do not know what current to set. It depends on the thickness of the parts being welded and the electrodes used. Their dependence is presented in the table.

But with manual arc welding, everything is interconnected. For example, the voltage in the network has dropped. The inverter simply cannot produce the required current.

But even under these conditions you can work: you can move the electrode more slowly, achieving good heating. If this does not help, change the type of movement of the electrode - passing over one place several times.

Another way is to use a thinner electrode. By combining all these methods you can achieve a good weld even in such conditions.

Now you know how to weld properly. All that remains is to practice the skills. Choose a welding machine, buy electrodes and a welding helmet and start practicing.

To reinforce the information, watch the video lesson on welding.

Source: https://stanki-info.com/kak-pravilno-vybrat-tok-pri-svarke-invertorom/

How to properly weld with inverter welding for beginners: alternating and direct current, cable cross-section

If you are going to do welding work yourself and decide to do it using an inverter machine, you need to understand in advance how to work with a welding inverter.

Then read this article: everything written here will be useful to you.

Preparing, purchasing, stocking up

The most important thing is to know that everything will work out perfectly, because inverter welding technology is very easy to learn and use; experience and skill are not particularly needed here.

Safety precautions

Any welding activity, including an inverter, is directly related to electrical current.

These rules are simple and straightforward:

• It is necessary to check the cables for integrity and serviceability before connecting to the inverter. It is important to remember: the return cable with a clothespin goes to the negative pole. We attach the cable, where there is an electrical holder, to the positive connector.
• After a visual check, set the current control knob to the minimum value. Then we connect the device to the network. We listen to the operation of the fan when it turns on: if the noise is smooth and without crackling, everything is in order.
• Now let's take into account the considerable weight of the metal with which you will have to work.

Workwear

First of all, you need to take into account the effect of high temperature and have the following items:

• welder's mask with special light filters;
• protective gloves or gaiter;
• suit made of protective fabric;
• shoes with rubber soles;
• if necessary, a respirator if welding takes place in a closed room without ventilation.

Equipment

List of required equipment:

• inverter welding machine;
• hammer;
• electrodes selected for the type of work, taking into account the nature and thickness of the metal;
• metal bristle brush

Let's start cooking

First we set the correct current strength on the inverter. We remember that in inverter technologies, alternating current welding is the main type. The strength of the welding current depends on the composition of the electrode and the diameter of its tip, the position of the workpieces during welding and the type of seam in the planned joint.

All these dependencies can be found in the comprehensive instructions for the device itself and in the inserts in packs of electrodes. Theoretically, the welding current can be selected according to the diameter of the electrode rod: for each millimeter of diameter there should be about 30 A.

We find a comfortable and stable position, put on a mask and begin work with the elbow abducted. It is better to wrap the forearm with a cable. If this is not done, your hand may get tired during welding, and the cable will begin to dangle, which will negatively affect the quality of the weld.

Direction of electrode movement for a novice welder.

For debut work, it is better to choose metal blanks that are not the smallest size - more than 20 cm, this will be more convenient. As beginners usually do: put on a mask, ignite an electric arc and immediately, with one breath, pass the workpiece along the entire length of the seam.

If your part is short and you weld it in one breath, you may develop the unnecessary habit of welding the seam in one breath. Therefore, train on long parts with proper breathing.

Now about the arrangement of objects during work. It is better to place the workpieces on a work table - a horizontal surface. The electrode in the holder should be at right angles to the table plane, then the angle of inclination should be approximately 30°.

Now you need to ignite the arc to move along the planned weld.

It must be remembered that when burning, the electrode shortens, so the distance above the surface must be constantly monitored.

Now about the arc and electrodes

Quickly igniting and holding the arc correctly is perhaps the most important thing for successful welding with an inverter. The arc should not be interrupted - this is what you need to watch out for when the electrode approaches the workpiece plane.

In this case, you should tap the electrodes longer so that the film breaks. The relationship between welding current and electrode diameter can be easily calculated using tables that are available in large numbers on the Internet.

Functional diagram of welding with an inverter.

If you have an advanced inverter model, then it is equipped with additional functions that make life easier for beginners and everyone else.

These advanced features are:

• The Hot Start or HotStart function makes it easier to ignite the electric arc.
• Anti-sticking or arc forcing is activated when the electrode approaches the metal surface too quickly. This function increases the current level.
• Antistick or AntiStick, on the contrary, turns off the current to prevent overheating of the welding machine.

It is better to learn from the simplest form of seam - a thread seam, for which the electrode must be guided evenly without any oscillatory movements.

Once you start to feel comfortable with the thread technology, you can start welding metals with oscillating movements in different configurations - there are several of them.

In such cases, you need to make the first few oscillatory movements to form a weld pool. We tilt the electrode at an angle of 30°, no more and no less. Once the pass is completed, you need to beat off the slag crust with a hammer to clean the new seam using a wire brush.

In order for the seam to come out high-quality and aesthetically pleasing, at the end you should make a couple of oscillatory movements towards the metal surfacing. In this way, crater formation can be avoided.

About welding seams

The seams that are formed using inverter welding are as follows:

• single-pass, in which the thickness of the metal workpiece is replenished in one pass;
• multi-pass, in which one pass of electrodes is not enough. Used when welding thick edges.

The most famous and simple way to check the quality of a seam after welding is to tap it with a hammer. At the same time, the slag layer bounces off - provided that the seam is even and smooth. Also, the quality of the seam depends on the temperature: it must be correct.

If the seam is overheated, it may break; if the heating is insufficient, a very unpleasant thing will happen - lack of penetration.

Polarity forward and reverse: what is the difference

Polarity in welding on an inverter machine is an extremely important thing that you need to understand.

At its core, polarity is the direction of electron flow, which depends on the order in which the cables are connected to two different connectors on the device. Inverters have the ability to select the type of polarity. The welding current can also be adjusted.

Reverse polarity

Types of polarity for welding.

This is the negative pole on the metal workpiece, and the positive pole on the electrode. The current thus moves from minus to plus, that is, from the metal to the electrode. With this method, the electrode gets quite hot. The method is good when welding thin metals as the risk of burn-through is reduced.

Straight polarity

Here it’s the other way around: the negative pole is on the electrode, and the positive pole is on the metal of the workpiece. The current now flows from the electrode to the part being welded, which in this case heats up more than the electrode. This is how they work with thick metal edges.

It should be noted that the polarity is always indicated in the instructions on the packs of electrodes.

One of the main “inverter” questions from debutants is what is the most optimal polarity when welding with an inverter? The answer depends on many criteria, but from the point of view of cutting metal, the polarity should be straight.

The fact is that with this type of polarity, the molten area turns out to be deep and narrow - just what is needed when cutting.

With reverse polarity, the opposite is true: the melting zone is shallow and quite wide.

Cook, cut

If you are working with thin sheets of metal, you need to choose the right small diameter electrode and welding current. If, for example, the edge thickness of your part is 0.8 mm, the diameter of the electrodes should be 1.8 mm. Well, the welding current should reach 35 A. You need to cook using intermittent movements.

The question of which electrodes to weld with is decided taking into account the type of welding and the nature of the metal.

We ignite the electrode and place it exactly at the location of the planned hole. Press for good heating. We rearrange the electrode, press and heat again. And so on until a hole of the desired shape and size is cut.

If you are cutting sheet metal, the sheet must be fixed vertically. In this case, drops of molten metal will flow down, otherwise you risk getting frozen metal icicles at the bottom of the cut.

To be honest, all cutting of metals with a welding machine, even with the most advanced inverter, is not the best idea from a technical point of view. There is always a risk of metal melting at the cut site - the metal can simply melt out. The best way to cut metal is with a grinder.

We choose, we buy

Table of characteristics for welding with an inverter.

It would be useful to google and read about domestic and foreign manufacturers whose products are offered on the Russian market. These are mainly European and Asian countries.

Equipment from Asia is usually inexpensive and of very decent quality, with the exception, of course, of handicraft fakes.

European inverters are distinguished by qualities with the obligatory adjective “high” in front: high price, high reliability, high quality. There are few Russian devices on the market.

Understand the brand of welding cable and its cross-sectional area. The right choice will help you avoid difficulties with power surges if they occur during welding.

The second thing to do is figure out the availability of service centers around the country. If you live in a city with a population of one million, a service center for a specific product is unlikely to be a problem for you. But if you live in a remote region, this issue will become one of the most important for you.

But the main thing is protection from ultraviolet radiation from a hot arc. The most primitive option is a mask made of plastic and a light filter, which is selected depending on the current strength, lighting and your vision.

A more expensive and much more comfortable option is a mask with a Chameleon-type light filter, which automatically changes its characteristics and can be adjusted to suit the ambient light and the condition of your eyes.

There are many tables on the Internet with data that will help you choose the right filters. It is better to choose them for a number larger or smaller. The best solution would be to check the lighting in the work area and your vision.

Okay, we agree, you don’t have to buy a whole suit made of special fabric. But a canvas apron with gloves is not a whim, but your protection. It is better to choose mittens from split leather. Pay attention to your shoes: be aware that drops of molten metal may fall on your feet.

How to care for the inverter?

Any equipment loves care and order, your inverter is by no means an exception. The rules on how to properly cook using inverter welding and how to store it correctly are simple.

Selecting an electrode for welding various metals.

Before work you need to do the following:

• carry out a visual inspection of the device and prepare the place where you are going to work;
• install the inverter in a horizontal position with the desired protection from dust, precipitation and other contaminants;
• connect the cable to the connectors in accordance with your plans, usually this is plus to the electrode and minus to the metal;
• connect power supply. The most important nuance: if you use an extension cord, the cross-section of the welding cable must be at least 2.5 mm².
• ignite the arc at separation as a test test;
• make sure the casing is intact, because cooking without it is strictly prohibited;
• adjust the current mode. You can start cooking.

You must store your device according to the following rules:

• Constantly check all components of the device. The frequency of checks depends on the intensity of use of the device and the degree of dust in the work area;
• Clean the device from dust using compressed air and low pressure. Do not clean the electric plateau with a jet of air, but use a soft brush;
• check the strength of power connectors, the integrity of the plug, socket and insulating coating of electrical cables;
• It is better to store the inverter in dry conditions, the air temperature should be within the range from -15°C to +50°C, the optimal air humidity is about 70 - 80%.
• Remember to disconnect the inverter from the network when it is not working.

Source: https://tutsvarka.ru/vidy/kak-pravilno-varit-invertornoj-svarkoj