Mig Welding Basics 4 - Avoiding LOF - Ice Bucket Words

Channel: weldingtipsandtricks
Uploaded by weldingtipsandtricks on 20140826
Categories: Howto & Style
Tags: Gas Metal Arc Welding, mig weldng basics, mig welding, mig welding tips, mig welding techniques, wire welding, wire feed welding, mig arc shots, mig welding test, etching welds

for a detailed article go here http://goo.gl/7XzQq1 or visit the weldmonger store here http://weldmongerstore.com/ Part of learning Mig welding basics involves knowing mig welding techniques that prevent lack of fusion. With short circuit MIG, lack of fusion, or cold lap is always a concern on anything thicker than 1/8" .125" (3.2m

Here is a detailed breakdown of the MIG welding tutorial video:

Overview

In this video (Part 4 of the MIG welding basics series), Jody from Welding Tips and Tricks focuses on lack of fusion (LOF)—also known as cold lap—and demonstrates techniques to avoid it. He also shares insights from sectioning and etching welds to evaluate penetration, concluding with hi

s participation in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.

Key Takeaways & Techniques

The Problem with Inappropriate Techniques:

Jody demonstrates a technique he almost never uses [00:22], where the arc is kept on the back of the puddle rather than the leading edge.

This method fails to push heat down into the root of the joint [00:34], causing the metal to merely roll

over and fail to fuse properly [03:04]. This results in a significant notch [03:02] and a drastically reduced cross-section of weld strength [03:04].

Effective MIG Welding Techniques:

To ensure proper penetration, you must use a technique that traces the front of the puddle, keeping the arc at the leading edge where fusion actually takes place [01:27].

Wheth

er using a forward-tracing motion [01:22] or a straightforward drag technique while maintaining a short stick-out [04:41], keeping the arc focused at the front of the puddle produces a solid weld nugget in the root of the joint [04:51].

Weld Sectioning and Etching Demonstration:

To verify weld quality, Jody sectioned the welded joints, polished them using a 1

00-grit sanding disk followed by red and blue Scotch-Brite pads [01:47], and applied Loctite Naval Jelly as an etcher with an acid brush [02:06].

Etching carbon steel reveals the weld nugget contrast within 30 to 60 seconds [02:23], visually exposing the difference in penetration between proper and improper techniques.

While surface aesthetics like "stack of

dimes" appearances are popular, structural integrity must come first; a nice-looking surface with lack of fusion underneath is like a "house of cards" [07:25].

ALS Ice Bucket Challenge Segment

Transitioning toward the end of the video, Jody discusses the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge and Lou Gehrig's famous 1939 farewell speech where he called himself "the luckies

t man on the face of the earth" despite his diagnosis [05:46].

Highlighting the need for research funding, Jody makes his donation and pours ice water on his head, nominating Brent Williams, Jimmy DiResta, and Mike Rowe [06:14].

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

Mig Welding Basics 4 - Avoiding LOF - Ice Bucket Words

weldingtipsandtricks · 550K views

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Viewer Discussion & Comments

@draexian530

I be a college welder, and these videos can adequately replace whole sections of my instructors practical examples. These things are a godsend for a man on a schedule.

@johnclocke

Dang it Jody. I've been welding for 25 years (not professionally but build projects and repair ranch related things) and this is the first time I've ever seen LOF talked about. I've been a "horseshoe pattern" welder all along. Better to be late to the party than to never show up at all. Thank you for taking the time to make these videos. They have helped me improve my fabricating more than anything I've come across in 25 years.

@FoxSaysWhat

I was thinking about this the other day while laying some dimes. Thank you so much for this invaluable information! Often times those of us younger experience "welders" judge our quality on the astetics of the bead but you seriously proved how fatal that can be with regard to proper fusion. Thank you!

@TractorWrangler01

I absolutely loved seeing the acid test of the welds.

@andrewsesterhenn3179

I really like that you take the time to cut and etch while doing these demos. That's the best way short of x-ray to determine the quality of the weld!

@mikef-gi2dg

Keep that arc at the front edge of the puddle.....lack of fusion.....I think I am getting it, thanks!

@erisi6204

Brings back memories of when the ice bucket challenge went viral. Loving this video series.

@jonathankerner2094

"keep the arc at the front of the puddle" - simple rule to follow and makes intuitive sense. Great job brother Jody

@mattrevesz

Great video thank you!

@BrucesShop

Thanks you for doing the ALS challenge. As always your videos are so great!!!

@jbhinc

the mig tip you never use was one that I always thought was best. I can always make the bead look nice doing a "half moon" push technique. however. . you just plainly showed how much lof is left behind. thank you so much for your videos. for some reason I thought I could mig weld because I could make a pretty bead. my jaw just dropped when I first watched this. I've been welding a handful of years but I've just found you on the Internet. I am hooked! my next big purchase will be a TiG welder ac/dc of course. I'm extremely amped to apply your instructions to my welding. thanks again!

@kevinmcnatt6887

Nice video, I am relatively inexperienced at home welder and your videos have helped me very much. Also, I wanted to applaud you on your ALS ice bucket challenge. It gets very old seeing so many people making light of ALS and forgetting the point. Well done.

@MikeP350

Thanks for all your videos, this will definitely help me pass my bend tests at school

@Tapage

I've been watching your video series since I recently acquire for house projects a Milermatic 211 .. and after good amount of welding videos it's the first time that someone actually claims ( which is common sense for sure ) penetration over nice dimes finish ..

@007rgb

The other comments already said it: tremendously useful information. I begin to understand what I should be watching for to get the penetration I require! Brilliant! Thanks a heap!!