Life in Central Texas (New adventures of larrybl)
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From reading through those pages and looking through the wiring diagrams, those 2 switches (min/max, 1/2) just adjust voltage, so you have 4 settings, by changing how many windings are used on the input side of the coil.
On page 6, it shows the 4 power settings, but not how they relate to the switches themselves (a.d. = power level 1, b.d. = power level 2, a.c. = 3, b.c = power level 4), via some experimentation, or an a/c ammeter (a clamp on one would be preferable), you could match the switches to which what they mean, and perhaps mark their meanings on the machine.
If you want to do a good job of welding, using the right settings makes a difference (both voltage settings, as well as wire speed). From reading it, the wire speed is adjusted automatically based on the switch positions, with the knob permitting fine-tuning of the speed.
Do some googling to read up on voltage settings and wire speed for mig welders, there's plenty of info out there, as it makes a big difference in the result you get...
And make sure you use flux-core wire...it's a lot more expensive than regular mig wire, but you aren't using shielding gas, so you have to use the flux-core stuff.
On page 6, it shows the 4 power settings, but not how they relate to the switches themselves (a.d. = power level 1, b.d. = power level 2, a.c. = 3, b.c = power level 4), via some experimentation, or an a/c ammeter (a clamp on one would be preferable), you could match the switches to which what they mean, and perhaps mark their meanings on the machine.
If you want to do a good job of welding, using the right settings makes a difference (both voltage settings, as well as wire speed). From reading it, the wire speed is adjusted automatically based on the switch positions, with the knob permitting fine-tuning of the speed.
Do some googling to read up on voltage settings and wire speed for mig welders, there's plenty of info out there, as it makes a big difference in the result you get...
And make sure you use flux-core wire...it's a lot more expensive than regular mig wire, but you aren't using shielding gas, so you have to use the flux-core stuff.
Oh, yeah, and learn/practice on scrap metal, see how the welds look different between doing them on rusty, unprepped metal vs clean, how to get good weld penetration, how fast to move to do it, how different thickness of metal works, so when you get to fixing/making something, it stays together.
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Yep, started with a full (2.5 gallon tank) and ran out of gas. I tried to make it to the shop on fumes, but ended up carrying the 5 gallon can about 100'. Always hard starting when he runs out of gas. Probably used another 1/4 tank before I finished. I have good Neighbors here!
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Nice video, I think I saw that the weld on the blade was broken at 3:10 in the video.I was watching it full screen on a 24" monitor.
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Yep! I enjoy watching the stuff you do on my "big" 24" monitor. I remember when a 23" TV was considered BIG!
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17,694 Posts
Nice start with the welding Larry. First of all, I second what dave_r posted above, especially in becoming familiar with the machine. That includes both sight (how the weld looks) and sound and feeling. You will get to know how it sounds when the welder is working right and can feel if speed is too high from wire bumping on the steel. Just remember cleanliness is a welders friend. Grind Grind and Grind. And that includes a spot for the ground clamp. Also use those welding gloves. Yes for the protection but also bracing to get sturdy support. Personally, I like to push the puddle rather than pull. I think there is better penetration and flow. But that's just me.
MikeC
MikeC
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16,813 Posts
Larry--looking at your post's/your property/your grass alone--I would venture a bigger machine--with attachments is in your future--like some of those back in those auction pictures--that little Kubota tractor was a hoss--very rare in this area.
Just saying-
glenn
Just saying-
glenn
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Well it has been raining and chilly the past couple days so I haven't had the chance to work on the driveway and check my weld out. I almost want it to fail so I can practice more 
Wife agrees that I need a bigger tractor. Two maybe three issues with that. There are things that we want to do to the house, we need a new (used) second vehicle, and I need more storage.
Wife agrees that I need a bigger tractor. Two maybe three issues with that. There are things that we want to do to the house, we need a new (used) second vehicle, and I need more storage.
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Tried using the blade on the drive today. It is too packed in now after the rain, weld seams to hold for now. Still had walnut to fist size rocks that made driving bumpy. I got BOH and the trailer out and raked and loaded the walnut to fist size rocks. Had an observer, and SpaceX decided to rumble. Drive is much smoother now. Tomorrow I'll dump the calico trailer and do the same to the parking area. Should I dump the trailer in a keep pile, or take it out to the regular rock pile?
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I'd be tempted to keep those rocks to fill in pot holes, that is if pot holes occur frequently like they do on my unpaved road.
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Done till the next load gets here, hopefully later this week. These rocks are close to the same as the ones I rake up along the fence line. I store all of them here. Three loads total, main thing was to pick up the ankle twisters.
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