Chicago Electric MIG 180 Owner's Manual page 26

Porosity
Small cavities or holes in the bead.
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POSSIBLE CAUSES AND SOLUTIONS
1. Incorrect polarity:
Check that polarity is set correctly
for type of welding.
2. Insufficient shielding gas (MIG only):
Increase flow of gas.
Clean nozzle.
Maintain proper stickout.
3. Incorrect shielding gas (MIG only):
Use shielding gas recommended by wire supplier.
4. Dirty workpiece or welding wire:
Clean workpiece down to bare metal.
Make certain that wire is clean and free
from oil, coatings, and other residues.
5. Inconsistent welding speed:
Maintain steady weld speed.
6. Stickout too long:
Reduce stickout.
Crooked/Wavy Bead
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POSSIBLE CAUSES AND SOLUTIONS
1. Inaccurate welding:
Use two hands or rest hand on steady surface.
2. Inconsistent welding speed:
Maintain steady weld speed.
3. Stickout too long:
Reduce stickout.
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Excessive Spatter
Fine spatter is normal.
Spatter that is grainy and large is a problem.
TOP
VIEW
POSSIBLE CAUSES AND SOLUTIONS
1. Dirty workpiece or welding wire:
Clean workpiece down to bare metal.
Make certain that wire is clean and free
from oil, coatings, and other residues.
2. Incorrect polarity:
Check that polarity is set correctly
for type of welding.
3. Insufficient shielding gas (MIG only):
Increase flow of gas.
Clean nozzle.
Maintain proper stickout.
4. Wire feeding too fast:
Reduce wire feed speed.
5. Stickout too long:
Reduce stickout.
Burn-Through
Base material melts away,
leaving a hole in the weld.
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VIEW
POSSIBLE CAUSES AND SOLUTIONS
1. Workpiece overheating:
Reduce current and/or wire feed speed.
2. Welding speed too slow:
Increase welding speed and ensure
that welding speed is kept steady.
3. Excessive material at weld:
Reduce wire feed speed.
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