Maaaaan this brings me back. Bob needs to come back! A true master at work. Honestly one of the guys who taught me how to weld, today being close to 9 years as a structural welder, and I can say EVERYTHING on youtube related to the matter has dropped off. Between Jody from WeldingTipsandTricks and Mr. Bob here if you can't weld after just a few videos buddy this trade ain't for you. The 2 men give more in depth descriptions and "keep it simple stupid" solutions to the daily problems welders come to face than all the other youtubers combined. Wish someone would nominate them for some awards lmao.
As someone trying to teach myself to weld via UA-cam and trial and error, I really appreciate you explaining different settings and how to use them. The explanation helps when I am over my head with what is going on in my welds.
As a guy who went to trade school & graduated, then spent over twenty years in the industry, get yourself a cheap cracker box. The more rod you can burn, the more proficient at reading the puddle you will become. Instruction really only helps if you don't have any clue what you're doing, or are are fine tuning your skills. SMAW is 100% your skills, and those skills translate well to other welding processes. The same is not true for MIG. Modern machines can be set up for novices to make surprisingly good welds. I spent six months learning SMAW well enough to certify AWS 4G, but only needed two weeks of practice on dual shielded MIG for the same certification.
@@kaisersose5549 Thanks and cheers, brother... My little brother found (quite literally stumbled upon) a Dayton 200 Amp, and he bought the thing as my combination present (b-day, X-mas, etc... combo')... I happen to know it was one of "those" deals you just don't walk away from, and he had me in mind when he bought the thing... I've been a hobbyist for years with a cheap-o I found at the Flea market for about 50 bucks... AC... with two setting "high" and "low"... and a power switch... It's good enough for a start... BUT I'm still about half in the dark on about half the projects I undertake... (lolz) I also enjoy "beating myself up"... and can laugh at me with the best of them, SO when I proudly proclaim I can make pig's ass out of anything, I'm only exaggerating a little... I also found a nice little "Harbor Freight Special" MIG for about 50... Picked it up, and you are correct (at least in my limited experience)... It's not difficult for my "dumb ass" to get a fairly decent weld out of the MIG... AND as such, when I have something "relatively critical" to weld, I'll probably default to it for the job "just to be done with it"... BUT in the "Process of Learning", I much prefer the crackly little stick-welder and I go back to "making a pig's ass of the thing" whenever possible... Maybe I'm just stubborn, but your words struck home... Sorry if this is so long as to be "annoying"... BUT thanks for the encouragement... I will certainly continue burning rods up and making a pig's ass of everything I can until "By God" I get it right... BTW... Is there a particular recommendation on rods to burn? I mean... as far as the learning process is considered... I've got the 6011's and 6013's just about coming out of my ears... AND somehow I "inherited" a 10 or 20 pound box of 7018's I can work with a little "help" from the oven and a pair of quality bolt-cutters... Yeah, kinda stuck "working junk" to get anywhere on my budget... BUT I usually manage. Happy to look out for (and likely find) what you'd recommend... If you don't mind sharing such wisdom with a hobbyist who just has to make the hobby pay for itself (or I can't afford to keep it up)... ;o)
@@gnarthdarkanen7464 6010 and 7018 are the standard rods to learn with, provided your machine is DC. Start with the 6010s to get a feel for controlling the puddle in the position you're learning & switch to 7018s, because they're a bit less viscous when molten. For any AWS certification 7018 is mandatory, so the extra practice is worth it. 6013 is able to be used on AC machines, but gives best results with DC electrode negative setups. As I recall, it's supposed to be the AC equivalent of 6010. 7018 and 6010 in an AC machine could very well be the cause of the "pig's ass" welds you described. The penetration will be next to nothing & the puddle will try to run away from the rod. For general learning, SMAW is the way to go... that isn't to say that MIG, TIG, or even oxy acetylene welding don't have their place. Just try welding a modern exhaust pipe with SMAW & you'll see. MIG is best used for thin, clean, steel. TIG is best used for anything other than steel. Oxy Acetylene is best used for steel pieces that are so delicate that the arc force of electric welders would vaporize it. Brazing/silver soldering cast iron or two dissimilar metals is another great use for oxy acetylene. You'll be able to spend a lifetime welding & will always have something new to learn. So long as you stick with it, you're always making progress. The newest gizmo I've been playing with is a homemade portable welder that works better than most professional machines I've used (aside from having a short duty cycle). Its got a pair of 150 ampere alternators rewired to be 3 phase generators, which are turned by a riding lawnmower motor. Each of the phases are rectified with two diodes from inside the alternator of an old RV, with all of the positive diodes sharing a bus bar & the negative ones sharing another. The machine is run as fast as it will spin & the voltage/amperage of the output is controlled by the voltage fed to the stator coils. The cool part of it is the super fast pulses of DC output (a nightmare for MIG, but most TIG machines use a high frequency start). The rods just don't seem to stick, no matter what you do, which makes it easy to hold a REALLY short arc length for eliminating undercut when welding horizontally.
@@kaisersose5549 That's a wealth of helpful information, there... AND well... to be honest, I have an occasionally terrible habit of awkward situations when "practicing"... (Lolz) I work on a LOT of junk, so metal isn't always clean (or even just not scaly)... and I get myself into poorly balanced situations where I end up "outrunning" the puddle... If I can manage a reasonable position, it's usually not quite terrible... a little more akin to monkey-shit on white bread than quite a pig's ass... BUT I'm starting to pick up "reading the puddle" instead of blindly jabbing at it between slipping out of position... and there is that whole "hand-eye coordination" thing we humans seem to get used to while we can see... A tad frustrating with the darkest friggin' lens I can get keeping me from seeing anything until the arc is "struck" which is almost always someplace I DID NOT want it struck... BUT enough of my petty novice issue... I know... Rather similar to my philosophy about motorcycles. "Shut up and practice"... It's not the welder's fault. It's all in the hands of the idiot operating it. In any case... I'm kind of sticking to 6011's and 6013's mostly, though I do burn a 7018 as well, trying to "tune my eyes" such as they are to see the difference... AND at the moment, it's because (primarily) the two machines I can get to work at all are in fact, AC... I have a DC "crackle-box", but the core of the transformer is adjustable, and has a dubious crack through the middle of it, almost completely separating it into two pieces... How it strikes at all is probably very little short of a miracle, and I'd rather learn than burn the porch down... Even on an adjustable 70 to 90 Amp unit.. When I can scrap my way into reasonable parts, I'll dig in and figure out how to fix the thing... OR I may even get lucky (yet) and stumble upon a solution before someone decides they want it more than I do... which also happens from time to time... Figured out my habit of clamping closer to the working area has the unpleasant side of effect of somehow making everything harder... SO stopped that business... and some of the "pig's assitude" has diminished from more and more beads... even getting some that might fool a complete noob' like myself into thinking someone knew what he was doing when he laid them... SO it's a work in progress. As you pointed out, so long as I keep at it, there's always something new to learn... AND that keeps the whole thing fun and exciting (as exciting as I can take anyway). BUT yes, I do trade tools around a lot, so if I want to afford something new, I just keep an eye out for it... One of the perks of being able to rebuild and refurbish old equipment is that I can generally afford about anything that passes by. A decent DC machine is probably somewhere on the horizon... a "when" and not an "if"... Copy-pasted to a document for study later, particularly interested in the different purposes for the different types of welding "generally speaking"... SO thanks again on that... Jeez... I guess I'm on the way to another great wall of text... SO catch you up laters, and thanks for sharing (again). ;o)
Hey bud just coming from a cwi inductance is a cold start or hot start its the amount of time that the arc levels out... the lower the inductance the faster it comes back down to temperature (wire feed and speed) the higher the inductance is alot hotter start to keep from getting that hard start on thicker material... again after inductance your arc levels out to the exact same set perimeters...inductance= introduction of arc to material the lower the inductance the thinner the material! Hope this helps!
Another great video Bob. You are right that inductance makes for a really smooth weld. It works a lot better on thin Automotive sheet metal. We get spot Wells to look like they've been compression welded it's beautiful. And your welding with an excellent machine, we use the Esab 235ic. Thanks and take care.
Not sure if I won't be to technical... the inductance adjustment it the "electronic delay" that we introduce to the "current control circuitry" in inverter based machines on how the machine reacts to the "short" state of the weld during short arc transfer. As Bob said, the more inductance, the less spatter, almost like adding a little bit of a spray transfer into a mixture, if that makes any sense.
Good information Bob, and explained very well. I run a miller pipe pro 450 rfc (which is now I believe the pipe works machine) and in my experience I have had the best luck changing my arc control on a pulse mig fill pass on carbon steel pipe. For example I typically run the arc control around 25 for a cap but on 6" and 8" pipe but turn the arc control down to around 17 for the fill pass because it seems to catch both edges and freeze better making a flat and even pass. I'm sure it runs slightly different on every machine but it's a helpful option to help you tune in your machine to your preference.
I guess I've got to try this out on my everlast welder to really understand what it is doing. This is one of the best explanations I've been able to find on youtube.
I'd love to take a leave of absence from my "real" job to enroll in a welding program with Bob. I attended a local College in the early 80s and have an Applied Science degree that served as the foundation for my career. I bet Bob has sent many good Welders out into the world.
It also really helps for vertical Welds keeps it keeps it from drooping and has a nice look..but what I have noticed the higher the inductance the Cleaner the material needs to be... That's a little finnicky.. The biggest advantage I notice is very low spatter
Inductance is the rate at which the wire overcomes the short circuit or when the wire makes contact with the puddle. When the wire makes contact, resistance builds up in the wire and eventually it succumbs and heats up, develops a plasticity and then liquefies. At this point an arc is formed once again. The faster this happens, the more inductance is present. It layman's terms it's the rate of change between the formation of an arc and the wire contacting the base metal. As you can see, the more inductance you have, the more fluid and smooth your puddle will be. It's okay to weld with high or low inductance. Decide how you want your welds to appear and go with that rate of inductance. It has no bearing on penetration but affects the weld aesthetically.
MB Porter between this video and your comment, I am now convinced that everyone who has ever told me about inductance was just as in the dark as I was. It probably helps I had just watched this video before reading your comment, either way, your explanation makes perfect sense to me, thanks
MB Porter, I can see and hear the differences between each setting! I am still confused as to why it is called Inductance! The reason I say this is because Inductance is measured in Henrys, if my Electronics background serves me correctly. It is a measure of Impedance (the equivalent of resistance in a DC circuit) in an AC circuit. Being MIG/GMAW is a DC process to the best of my current knowledge (pardon the pun), I do not see Inductance as being anything more than a fancy name for another feature on a machine. If you or other readers of this thread can explain I will be grateful. Cheers from John, Australia. Edit: For a spelling mistake!
@@joandar1 I see your point. Inductance is usually referring to a current being induced from one coil to another like in a step down transformer. Yeah I think it should be called something else too. Of course I don't know how the machine is actually changing this behavior we see in the arc and puddle definition. It probably does have something to do with manipulating what we often understand inductance to be. You'd have to ask an expert. I'm only a welder.
If I remember correctly, on the transformer based machines, they put a coil after the main transformer to smoothen the arc behaviour. To measure the effect of this coil, the inductance was used, hence the name.
elsar0, MB Porter, thanks for your replies. I am not sure but I have a feeling with an observation made by elsar0 about the secondary coil in a transformer type mig (non inverter) to smooth out the arc. I know this is called a choke and is used quite often when converting AC to DC as it resists changes in voltage and therefore smooths the voltage so it has less ripple. This coil/choke is an inductor, so if you can electronically change the inductance or value of coil size then it will smooth the ripples entirely or not at all depending on % setting. So now we can choose to have a very ripply (Alien) DC or smooth as a babies bum DC. We saw the effects of that in this video. My thoughts, how say you Guys? Cheers from John, Australia. PS : Link to Inductor description and symbol. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inductor#Powdered_iron_core_inductor Edit: Spelling mistake.
This guy would be an awesome teacher short sweet and to the point. And I understand what hes saying about the sound. If I can understand that anyone can. Cause I ain't the brightest crayon in the box. And I dont know anything about welding.
Great explanation and demonstration of the inductance for those who have that option on their machine. What about those who lack that option? I was very happy about your demo. Thanks
I was taught that all the oscillating can create cold lap and overheating. I've always just done a smooth straight line but that's just me. It looks awesome though and thanks for the lesson!
Its the heat input more than cold lap, thats just a problem with short arc mig altogether. But yes a straight line with any process gives the lowest heat input with a given setting
Bob, could you get around to showing us how to weld 11018 low hydrogen rods in the 3g position on 3/8ths plate with backing? Defense contractors sometimes give this test for increase difficulty. A lot of welders i tested with for a ship repair job busted out. You'd be the first to showcase this kind of rod on youtube.
Thank you sir for all your videos im learning to weld and have no knowledge of even the concept and you've basically given me a college level education.
Another great video from these guys. I'm a beginner welder and using a gasless Mig with just scrap to learn at the moment. I've learned all the basics and really just need to focus on technique and learning a "feel" for how things work but the manual that came with my welder didn't even explain at all what wave control was and simply had base number settings in the manual for different steel but the welder doesn't even have any numbers on the dial so I had no idea what this was even for and initially I noticed no real difference when seeing what it did but can now see what it affects so have more of an idea on how it is used and basically, a setting of 20-50% seems perfectly fine for most general welding. Again, great clear info which is very helpful for the inexperienced
On older Esab machines with inductance dials, the lower the inductance dial, the weld was hotter eradic, sloppier and threw large splatter balls. When it was turned up, the short arcing became more rapid and smooth and tightened the bead or tightened the liquid nature of the puddle. When turned up too high, the puddle becomes too tight and can pop and sputter as if there is not enough voltage heat. Inductance seems to either rough or smooth out the short arcing cycle. If I had an old esab on 35%, it would be pretty sloppy with an eradic short arc cycle. We usually had ours on 60-90%.
You present a good arguement for using 100% inductance and then suggest that 35% is just as good while the jest of the arguement is almost negative regarding 0 (zero) inductance. If there is no affect on weld quality other than the "buttery" effect, why use anything less than 100% inductance when the choice is available?
If you want a fast freezing pool, a lower inductance would be much better. For example, if you are welding an open root with short circuit, 0% would be a good idea.
If the weld material is thin enough the one pass at 0% would do it. If it was thicker therefore the weld requires multiple passes would you return to 35% after the first since you don't need a fast freezing pool at that point?
i usally like straigt forward welding not any dimples my weld , i know not looking good but weld holds lot better and now iam proud owner esab 205 home , as work i use old 510 origo
Thank you. What I don't understand is how an inductor is able to affect the DC output or is it a matter of the inductor smoothing out the variations in the output power of a DC welding machine.
Wondering what the electronic circuit design and parts are for CC and CV and variable inductance and variable capacitance not using the traditional mechanical variable inductors or capacitors respectively?
From what I recall after reading the manual of our 25m Lincoln feeders inductance/arc control adjusts the voltage and amperage ratio. Less arc control you get a wider arc, loose and hotter puddle (decreases amperage, increases voltage better for thicker material 1/2 and up) (increase inductance/arc control = less voltage more amperage you get a stiffer arc and tighter puddle better for high speed sheet metal work 3/8 or less) I can tell you with out a doubt when I decrease arc control especially welding a over head horizontal which would be a full Penn T joint ( hull section of submarine set in vertical position welding a bulk head etc.) It most definitely melts more base material (more penetration) I have to hold a bit longer for my sides to fill. I believe that particular joint design enables me to see it happen easier because I'm always standing below and ahead of the puddle ( pulling towards me ) Also I'm pulsing 0.45 so it might be much more obvious to me since the equipment and process I'm using is much different than yours . ( Either a Lincoln 455 or 500s power source and a 25m feeder) running 190 - 230 wire speed and 20.8 volts with 100s1 wire.
The manual for my Tweco 211i says that it actually changes the frequency. By cranking it up you decrease the frequency. Not sure what that means when its DC.
Thanks Bob for making this easy to understand. Have you ever thought of being a welding teacher? You might be a good one. By the way, did camera guy talk you into changing your work area into a white clean room with a touch of Nascar with it.
Basically control of the magnetic field expanding and collapsing is impressive. Very nice. To me I think of inductance with a DC waveform current, smooths out the wave form to be more continuous current. Like the electric field and force (or boundary conditions) with a capacitor in spec for the welder, to smooth out the voltage wave form to be more continuous voltage. Neat relearning welding two decades later from a self study electronics, amateur radio and RF engineering perspective. I always think of rewinding a microwave oven transformer or maybe taking one of the older variable transformers from the dial design AC welders since cheaper to feel OK hacking apart and rewinding if can. Guess can make one also. I've been also thinking a Prius C Motor Generator would be a decent thick winding stator and then basically have a high magnetic permeability material or iron on a threaded rod to either manually or servo with an MCU or controller to move the iron or other high magnetic permeability material in and out of the stator. Thanks Weld.com!
very interesting video. good explanation . i wonder what level of inductance is used by mfgs that dont provide the adjustment feature? if this was an extra cost option would you buy it? on a personal note i much prefer the old fashion skull cap as opposed to the cockeyed rapper hat.
0 is zero, but 100% is what the manufacturer of the machine thought was a good number of Henrys. What if I scrounged up all copper in the world and wrapped it aruond a core the size of an oil tanker? If I call that 100% then your machine is now adjustable from 0 to .0000001 ppm ;) The fact that it would create a voltage spike in the lightning bolt range when trying to extinguish the arc is another thing, LOL!
Two part question: One, if inductance is changing the weld-spatter then it must also be changing the weld "deposition" of the filler wire. If I'm getting more spatter that would mean my wire is not going into the weld pool. If I am getting less spatter I should be getting maximum rate of "deposition" correct? Two: How come there are very few answers the questions listed in the comment section?
Hi, nice video but i have a question, does inductance interacts with the lenght of the Torch cable? If i have a very long cable Is Better to have low or High inductance?
during a t joint I'm getting a distinct peak weld on side A that im having trouble flattening out. but I flip it and side B seems more flat I assume due to the material being preheated from side a. I haven't messed with inductance at all. Would this be a good approach? Voltage increase hasn't rectified it.
Im vey keen to know if inductance have any help or effect welding vertically and overhead. And does inductance effects are same with mig and fluxcored. Anyones thoughts would be a great help. Thank you
Maaaaan this brings me back. Bob needs to come back! A true master at work. Honestly one of the guys who taught me how to weld, today being close to 9 years as a structural welder, and I can say EVERYTHING on youtube related to the matter has dropped off. Between Jody from WeldingTipsandTricks and Mr. Bob here if you can't weld after just a few videos buddy this trade ain't for you. The 2 men give more in depth descriptions and "keep it simple stupid" solutions to the daily problems welders come to face than all the other youtubers combined. Wish someone would nominate them for some awards lmao.
As someone trying to teach myself to weld via UA-cam and trial and error, I really appreciate you explaining different settings and how to use them. The explanation helps when I am over my head with what is going on in my welds.
im in welding school. i leaned more from jody and weld dot com bob mofaft than my instructors that prefer to smoke outside than teach us.
As a guy who went to trade school & graduated, then spent over twenty years in the industry, get yourself a cheap cracker box.
The more rod you can burn, the more proficient at reading the puddle you will become.
Instruction really only helps if you don't have any clue what you're doing, or are are fine tuning your skills.
SMAW is 100% your skills, and those skills translate well to other welding processes.
The same is not true for MIG.
Modern machines can be set up for novices to make surprisingly good welds.
I spent six months learning SMAW well enough to certify AWS 4G, but only needed two weeks of practice on dual shielded MIG for the same certification.
@@kaisersose5549 Thanks and cheers, brother...
My little brother found (quite literally stumbled upon) a Dayton 200 Amp, and he bought the thing as my combination present (b-day, X-mas, etc... combo')... I happen to know it was one of "those" deals you just don't walk away from, and he had me in mind when he bought the thing...
I've been a hobbyist for years with a cheap-o I found at the Flea market for about 50 bucks... AC... with two setting "high" and "low"... and a power switch... It's good enough for a start... BUT I'm still about half in the dark on about half the projects I undertake... (lolz)
I also enjoy "beating myself up"... and can laugh at me with the best of them, SO when I proudly proclaim I can make pig's ass out of anything, I'm only exaggerating a little...
I also found a nice little "Harbor Freight Special" MIG for about 50... Picked it up, and you are correct (at least in my limited experience)... It's not difficult for my "dumb ass" to get a fairly decent weld out of the MIG... AND as such, when I have something "relatively critical" to weld, I'll probably default to it for the job "just to be done with it"...
BUT in the "Process of Learning", I much prefer the crackly little stick-welder and I go back to "making a pig's ass of the thing" whenever possible... Maybe I'm just stubborn, but your words struck home... Sorry if this is so long as to be "annoying"... BUT thanks for the encouragement...
I will certainly continue burning rods up and making a pig's ass of everything I can until "By God" I get it right...
BTW... Is there a particular recommendation on rods to burn? I mean... as far as the learning process is considered... I've got the 6011's and 6013's just about coming out of my ears... AND somehow I "inherited" a 10 or 20 pound box of 7018's I can work with a little "help" from the oven and a pair of quality bolt-cutters... Yeah, kinda stuck "working junk" to get anywhere on my budget... BUT I usually manage. Happy to look out for (and likely find) what you'd recommend... If you don't mind sharing such wisdom with a hobbyist who just has to make the hobby pay for itself (or I can't afford to keep it up)... ;o)
@@gnarthdarkanen7464
6010 and 7018 are the standard rods to learn with, provided your machine is DC.
Start with the 6010s to get a feel for controlling the puddle in the position you're learning & switch to 7018s, because they're a bit less viscous when molten.
For any AWS certification 7018 is mandatory, so the extra practice is worth it.
6013 is able to be used on AC machines, but gives best results with DC electrode negative setups.
As I recall, it's supposed to be the AC equivalent of 6010.
7018 and 6010 in an AC machine could very well be the cause of the "pig's ass" welds you described.
The penetration will be next to nothing & the puddle will try to run away from the rod.
For general learning, SMAW is the way to go... that isn't to say that MIG, TIG, or even oxy acetylene welding don't have their place.
Just try welding a modern exhaust pipe with SMAW & you'll see.
MIG is best used for thin, clean, steel.
TIG is best used for anything other than steel.
Oxy Acetylene is best used for steel pieces that are so delicate that the arc force of electric welders would vaporize it.
Brazing/silver soldering cast iron or two dissimilar metals is another great use for oxy acetylene.
You'll be able to spend a lifetime welding & will always have something new to learn.
So long as you stick with it, you're always making progress.
The newest gizmo I've been playing with is a homemade portable welder that works better than most professional machines I've used (aside from having a short duty cycle).
Its got a pair of 150 ampere alternators rewired to be 3 phase generators, which are turned by a riding lawnmower motor.
Each of the phases are rectified with two diodes from inside the alternator of an old RV, with all of the positive diodes sharing a bus bar & the negative ones sharing another.
The machine is run as fast as it will spin & the voltage/amperage of the output is controlled by the voltage fed to the stator coils.
The cool part of it is the super fast pulses of DC output (a nightmare for MIG, but most TIG machines use a high frequency start).
The rods just don't seem to stick, no matter what you do, which makes it easy to hold a REALLY short arc length for eliminating undercut when welding horizontally.
@@kaisersose5549 That's a wealth of helpful information, there...
AND well... to be honest, I have an occasionally terrible habit of awkward situations when "practicing"... (Lolz) I work on a LOT of junk, so metal isn't always clean (or even just not scaly)... and I get myself into poorly balanced situations where I end up "outrunning" the puddle... If I can manage a reasonable position, it's usually not quite terrible... a little more akin to monkey-shit on white bread than quite a pig's ass... BUT I'm starting to pick up "reading the puddle" instead of blindly jabbing at it between slipping out of position... and there is that whole "hand-eye coordination" thing we humans seem to get used to while we can see... A tad frustrating with the darkest friggin' lens I can get keeping me from seeing anything until the arc is "struck" which is almost always someplace I DID NOT want it struck...
BUT enough of my petty novice issue... I know... Rather similar to my philosophy about motorcycles. "Shut up and practice"... It's not the welder's fault. It's all in the hands of the idiot operating it.
In any case... I'm kind of sticking to 6011's and 6013's mostly, though I do burn a 7018 as well, trying to "tune my eyes" such as they are to see the difference... AND at the moment, it's because (primarily) the two machines I can get to work at all are in fact, AC...
I have a DC "crackle-box", but the core of the transformer is adjustable, and has a dubious crack through the middle of it, almost completely separating it into two pieces... How it strikes at all is probably very little short of a miracle, and I'd rather learn than burn the porch down... Even on an adjustable 70 to 90 Amp unit..
When I can scrap my way into reasonable parts, I'll dig in and figure out how to fix the thing... OR I may even get lucky (yet) and stumble upon a solution before someone decides they want it more than I do... which also happens from time to time...
Figured out my habit of clamping closer to the working area has the unpleasant side of effect of somehow making everything harder... SO stopped that business... and some of the "pig's assitude" has diminished from more and more beads... even getting some that might fool a complete noob' like myself into thinking someone knew what he was doing when he laid them...
SO it's a work in progress. As you pointed out, so long as I keep at it, there's always something new to learn... AND that keeps the whole thing fun and exciting (as exciting as I can take anyway).
BUT yes, I do trade tools around a lot, so if I want to afford something new, I just keep an eye out for it... One of the perks of being able to rebuild and refurbish old equipment is that I can generally afford about anything that passes by. A decent DC machine is probably somewhere on the horizon... a "when" and not an "if"...
Copy-pasted to a document for study later, particularly interested in the different purposes for the different types of welding "generally speaking"... SO thanks again on that...
Jeez... I guess I'm on the way to another great wall of text... SO catch you up laters, and thanks for sharing (again). ;o)
Hey bud just coming from a cwi inductance is a cold start or hot start its the amount of time that the arc levels out... the lower the inductance the faster it comes back down to temperature (wire feed and speed) the higher the inductance is alot hotter start to keep from getting that hard start on thicker material... again after inductance your arc levels out to the exact same set perimeters...inductance= introduction of arc to material the lower the inductance the thinner the material! Hope this helps!
Thank you, Bob. Man, you're really a master of your craft. Your videos have helped me tremendously, I really owe ya!
Thank you, Bob. I am a 55 year old Firefighter that just took up welding. Need all the help I can get. Great videos.
I weld rods and cylinders and induction helps keep the pool from dropping off. Great function for that.
Another great video Bob. You are right that inductance makes for a really smooth weld. It works a lot better on thin Automotive sheet metal. We get spot Wells to look like they've been compression welded it's beautiful. And your welding with an excellent machine, we use the Esab 235ic. Thanks and take care.
You are a real good teacher, the way you explain reminds me old time teachers, I’m 59 Excellent video
THANX, I JUST BOUGHT A CHINISE MACHIN AND THE INTRUCTIVE IS VERY BAD , YOURS IS CLEAR SHORT AND ACURATE.
Very well explained. I knew nothing about inductive. I understand now and it’s exactly what I needed to know. Kudos well done
Only this guy speaks what matters!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yep, a great instructor. True craftsman. It just shows.
Not sure if I won't be to technical... the inductance adjustment it the "electronic delay" that we introduce to the "current control circuitry" in inverter based machines on how the machine reacts to the "short" state of the weld during short arc transfer. As Bob said, the more inductance, the less spatter, almost like adding a little bit of a spray transfer into a mixture, if that makes any sense.
Good information Bob, and explained very well. I run a miller pipe pro 450 rfc (which is now I believe the pipe works machine) and in my experience I have had the best luck changing my arc control on a pulse mig fill pass on carbon steel pipe. For example I typically run the arc control around 25 for a cap but on 6" and 8" pipe but turn the arc control down to around 17 for the fill pass because it seems to catch both edges and freeze better making a flat and even pass. I'm sure it runs slightly different on every machine but it's a helpful option to help you tune in your machine to your preference.
My Old Miller 211 has perfect built in Inductance!
I guess I've got to try this out on my everlast welder to really understand what it is doing. This is one of the best explanations I've been able to find on youtube.
Make sure you let us know what you find on your own.
I wish I knew what my I-MiG 200 has, I don’t have a control but want to know what it is.
That title hit the nail on the head with me, thanks for the help Bob
Great video, I've just bought a mig and had no idea what the purpose of this setting was.. now I do! 👍
I'd love to take a leave of absence from my "real" job to enroll in a welding program with Bob. I attended a local College in the early 80s and have an Applied Science degree that served as the foundation for my career. I bet Bob has sent many good Welders out into the world.
It also really helps for vertical Welds keeps it keeps it from drooping and has a nice look..but what I have noticed the higher the inductance the Cleaner the material needs to be... That's a little finnicky.. The biggest advantage I notice is very low spatter
Inductance is the rate at which the wire overcomes the short circuit or when the wire makes contact with the puddle. When the wire makes contact, resistance builds up in the wire and eventually it succumbs and heats up, develops a plasticity and then liquefies. At this point an arc is formed once again. The faster this happens, the more inductance is present. It layman's terms it's the rate of change between the formation of an arc and the wire contacting the base metal. As you can see, the more inductance you have, the more fluid and smooth your puddle will be. It's okay to weld with high or low inductance. Decide how you want your welds to appear and go with that rate of inductance. It has no bearing on penetration but affects the weld aesthetically.
MB Porter between this video and your comment, I am now convinced that everyone who has ever told me about inductance was just as in the dark as I was. It probably helps I had just watched this video before reading your comment, either way, your explanation makes perfect sense to me, thanks
MB Porter, I can see and hear the differences between each setting!
I am still confused as to why it is called Inductance! The reason I say this is because Inductance is measured in Henrys, if my Electronics background serves me correctly. It is a measure of Impedance (the equivalent of resistance in a DC circuit) in an AC circuit. Being MIG/GMAW is a DC process to the best of my current knowledge (pardon the pun), I do not see Inductance as being anything more than a fancy name for another feature on a machine.
If you or other readers of this thread can explain I will be grateful. Cheers from John, Australia.
Edit: For a spelling mistake!
@@joandar1 I see your point. Inductance is usually referring to a current being induced from one coil to another like in a step down transformer. Yeah I think it should be called something else too. Of course I don't know how the machine is actually changing this behavior we see in the arc and puddle definition. It probably does have something to do with manipulating what we often understand inductance to be. You'd have to ask an expert. I'm only a welder.
If I remember correctly, on the transformer based machines, they put a coil after the main transformer to smoothen the arc behaviour. To measure the effect of this coil, the inductance was used, hence the name.
elsar0, MB Porter, thanks for your replies. I am not sure but I have a feeling with an observation made by elsar0 about the secondary coil in a transformer type mig (non inverter) to smooth out the arc.
I know this is called a choke and is used quite often when converting AC to DC as it resists changes in voltage and therefore smooths the voltage so it has less ripple.
This coil/choke is an inductor, so if you can electronically change the inductance or value of coil size then it will smooth the ripples entirely or not at all depending on % setting.
So now we can choose to have a very ripply (Alien) DC or smooth as a babies bum DC. We saw the effects of that in this video. My thoughts, how say you Guys? Cheers from John, Australia.
PS : Link to Inductor description and symbol.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inductor#Powdered_iron_core_inductor
Edit: Spelling mistake.
This guy would be an awesome teacher short sweet and to the point. And I understand what hes saying about the sound. If I can understand that anyone can. Cause I ain't the brightest crayon in the box. And I dont know anything about welding.
Bob Moffit is a welding instructor.
wielding oh hell ya well nvm then.
Good info. I've never really had the chance to play with inductance setting so it's nice to see what happens. Keep up the great work!
As always sir, your method to deliver important information is unmatched. Thank you again for your time.
Bob knows his stuff very well explained 👏
Great explanation and demonstration of the inductance for those who have that option on their machine.
What about those who lack that option? I was very happy about your demo.
Thanks
Straight to the point and easy to understand . Great video. Thank you
I was taught that all the oscillating can create cold lap and overheating. I've always just done a smooth straight line but that's just me. It looks awesome though and thanks for the lesson!
Its the heat input more than cold lap, thats just a problem with short arc mig altogether.
But yes a straight line with any process gives the lowest heat input with a given setting
Bob, could you get around to showing us how to weld 11018 low hydrogen rods in the 3g position on 3/8ths plate with backing? Defense contractors sometimes give this test for increase difficulty. A lot of welders i tested with for a ship repair job busted out. You'd be the first to showcase this kind of rod on youtube.
Well add it to the list.
Thank you sir for all your videos im learning to weld and have no knowledge of even the concept and you've basically given me a college level education.
I just bought a welder with this option and this was very helpful to understand
Thank you
I will be playing with these settings on my everlast welder to check it out. Thanks for the explanation.
Don't be playing with fire!
Thanks Bob
Fun facts! Thanks Bob for all of your friendly and informative videos
Another great video from these guys. I'm a beginner welder and using a gasless Mig with just scrap to learn at the moment. I've learned all the basics and really just need to focus on technique and learning a "feel" for how things work but the manual that came with my welder didn't even explain at all what wave control was and simply had base number settings in the manual for different steel but the welder doesn't even have any numbers on the dial so I had no idea what this was even for and initially I noticed no real difference when seeing what it did but can now see what it affects so have more of an idea on how it is used and basically, a setting of 20-50% seems perfectly fine for most general welding. Again, great clear info which is very helpful for the inexperienced
Thank you Bob. I watch your channel here and Instagram.
That's what we like to hear! Thanks for the support
On older Esab machines with inductance dials, the lower the inductance dial, the weld was hotter eradic, sloppier and threw large splatter balls. When it was turned up, the short arcing became more rapid and smooth and tightened the bead or tightened the liquid nature of the puddle. When turned up too high, the puddle becomes too tight and can pop and sputter as if there is not enough voltage heat. Inductance seems to either rough or smooth out the short arcing cycle. If I had an old esab on 35%, it would be pretty sloppy with an eradic short arc cycle. We usually had ours on 60-90%.
Good, good, good information thanks Bob.
Great video again....will try those settings tomorrow......
CEA pulse 2000....
Enjoyed good explanation thank you for sharing
You present a good arguement for using 100% inductance and then suggest that 35% is just as good while the jest of the arguement is almost negative regarding 0 (zero) inductance. If there is no affect on weld quality other than the "buttery" effect, why use anything less than 100% inductance when the choice is available?
If you want a fast freezing pool, a lower inductance would be much better. For example, if you are welding an open root with short circuit, 0% would be a good idea.
If the weld material is thin enough the one pass at 0% would do it. If it was thicker therefore the weld requires multiple passes would you return to 35% after the first since you don't need a fast freezing pool at that point?
Thanks for the knowledge I have learned more from watching your videos thank you
great lesson, thanks
Pro welder here,guy knows his stuff👍
You own weld.com damn u have it all man!!!
Easily worth millions of dollars just for the name.
i usally like straigt forward welding not any dimples my weld , i know not looking good but
weld holds lot better and now iam proud owner esab 205 home , as work i use old 510 origo
well explained on the first minute!
Great information. Thanks for sharing.
very informative Bob, thanks so much, well explained, cheers from Florida, Paul
A good video as always. Thanks.
Thank you. What I don't understand is how an inductor is able to affect the DC output or is it a matter of the inductor smoothing out the variations in the output power of a DC welding machine.
Have to play with the inductance setting on my everlast welder. Great instruction here.
Wondering what the electronic circuit design and parts are for CC and CV and variable inductance and variable capacitance not using the traditional mechanical variable inductors or capacitors respectively?
thanks so much for ALL your video's I really learn from you.
From what I recall after reading the manual of our 25m Lincoln feeders inductance/arc control adjusts the voltage and amperage ratio. Less arc control you get a wider arc, loose and hotter puddle (decreases amperage, increases voltage better for thicker material 1/2 and up) (increase inductance/arc control = less voltage more amperage you get a stiffer arc and tighter puddle better for high speed sheet metal work 3/8 or less) I can tell you with out a doubt when I decrease arc control especially welding a over head horizontal which would be a full Penn T joint ( hull section of submarine set in vertical position welding a bulk head etc.) It most definitely melts more base material (more penetration) I have to hold a bit longer for my sides to fill. I believe that particular joint design enables me to see it happen easier because I'm always standing below and ahead of the puddle ( pulling towards me ) Also I'm pulsing 0.45 so it might be much more obvious to me since the equipment and process I'm using is much different than yours . ( Either a Lincoln 455 or 500s power source and a 25m feeder) running 190 - 230 wire speed and 20.8 volts with 100s1 wire.
Good info good detailed explanation
In case of overhead fluxcore welding, Does Inductance feature help to get a better weld pool control against gravity?.
Very well explain,wish I was your student.
We are all his students. He is doing a lot better than the instructors I pay in welding school
Thanks for a good explanation. It was educatonional and enjoyable
5:01 love that sound
The manual for my Tweco 211i says that it actually changes the frequency. By cranking it up you decrease the frequency. Not sure what that means when its DC.
Would love to see a cut and etch following a on example like this.
As always a great informative video.
Good video
thanks very good info on this setting
Great explanation, thank you!
Does inductance help or hurt flux core?
Would have liked to see a comparison using spray arc
I like about 50% in general. I turn down for long welds on thin stuff like fuel tanks so I can go slower without the pool falling out.
Another great lesson, thank you.🇮🇪
Will you do a review on the Yes Welder 270?
Thanks Bob!!! Love the channel!!!
Thank you for your knowledge
As always... Another great video Bob!!
Now if I only had some newer machines...lol...
Thanks Bob for making this easy to understand. Have you ever thought of being a welding teacher? You might be a good one. By the way, did camera guy talk you into changing your work area into a white clean room with a touch of Nascar with it.
Basically control of the magnetic field expanding and collapsing is impressive. Very nice. To me I think of inductance with a DC waveform current, smooths out the wave form to be more continuous current. Like the electric field and force (or boundary conditions) with a capacitor in spec for the welder, to smooth out the voltage wave form to be more continuous voltage. Neat relearning welding two decades later from a self study electronics, amateur radio and RF engineering perspective.
I always think of rewinding a microwave oven transformer or maybe taking one of the older variable transformers from the dial design AC welders since cheaper to feel OK hacking apart and rewinding if can. Guess can make one also. I've been also thinking a Prius C Motor Generator would be a decent thick winding stator and then basically have a high magnetic permeability material or iron on a threaded rod to either manually or servo with an MCU or controller to move the iron or other high magnetic permeability material in and out of the stator.
Thanks Weld.com!
very interesting video. good explanation . i wonder what level of inductance is used by mfgs that dont provide the adjustment feature? if this was an extra cost option would you buy it? on a personal note i much prefer the old fashion skull cap as opposed to the cockeyed rapper hat.
Great info
Good stuff
Great video as always.
Appreciate the demo, can you demo the Burnback settings?
Really insightful! Thank you.
Thanks Bob!
Bob is the best.
Camera guy disagrees.
Very interesting the 100% weld is beautiful nice work Bob
Great vid thanks.
Can we expect thw result of inductance variation to be similar across most welders?
Yes, although some machines indicate negative numbers for increased inductance. Go figure.
0 is zero, but 100% is what the manufacturer of the machine thought was a good number of Henrys. What if I scrounged up all copper in the world and wrapped it aruond a core the size of an oil tanker? If I call that 100% then your machine is now adjustable from 0 to .0000001 ppm ;)
The fact that it would create a voltage spike in the lightning bolt range when trying to extinguish the arc is another thing, LOL!
Thanx that helps lots
Two part question: One, if inductance is changing the weld-spatter then it must also be changing the weld "deposition" of the filler wire. If I'm getting more spatter that would mean my wire is not going into the weld pool. If I am getting less spatter I should be getting maximum rate of "deposition" correct? Two: How come there are very few answers the questions listed in the comment section?
Hi, nice video but i have a question, does inductance interacts with the lenght of the Torch cable? If i have a very long cable Is Better to have low or High inductance?
Is it safe to assume that you are welding with a 72/25 gas? Thank you
during a t joint I'm getting a distinct peak weld on side A that im having trouble flattening out. but I flip it and side B seems more flat I assume due to the material being preheated from side a. I haven't messed with inductance at all. Would this be a good approach? Voltage increase hasn't rectified it.
Any difference in penetration when you do a macro? Thank for the consistently great content, merry Christmas
Im vey keen to know if inductance have any help or effect welding vertically and overhead. And does inductance effects are same with mig and fluxcored. Anyones thoughts would be a great help. Thank you
Great video, Subscribed.
Would adding an extra inductor to the output smooth out the arc significantly ? Why would you not want " buttery smooth arc pool/ low spatter "?
maybe it will be hard to weld on overhead and vertical especially if your hand can't control the hot puddle fluid like
Effects are interesting but pity didn't explain how inductance/impedance actually works on the arc and why is necessary in the dip/short arc range.
nOOb here: Would this have more or less effect doing something like thin stainless? What about flux core?
What should the inductance be for spot/stitch welding thin 18 or 20 gauge sheet metal?
Does this also work when using flux core wire?
Thank you Bob ))) Apriciat your to the point helpful videos )) What's the name of this TIG machine?