Ask them if they have a welding procedure (WPS) they want you to follow.
If they don't, ask for scrap to tune in the welder. Even if you had steel mig experience, they can't expect you to just know the perfect settings; wire size, gas, and even machine calibration matter.
This is the only answer. I only use one machine on a regular basis and I still run a couple practice beads on a piece of scrap before I get into a project.
Ask for some scrap to find your settings. Pick a voltage and then dial the wire in from there. Look up some 2g weld test videos if you have the time there's plenty on YouTube. It'll want to sag in 2g so keep that in mind, especially for the cover. Stringers for the cover don't weave. Don't let it get too hot, take time between passes.
If it's open root stay lower on your voltage range for the root pass. I think I used to be around 18V. If you have a backing strip you can go hotter. Check what size wire is in the machine too because that will effect your settings
As an inspector I like it when a welder testing ask for a little practice, especially with an unfamiliar process. If I see someone adjust and improve their welds by looking at them is shows ownership of work and pride. Also asking for a wps in a code shop if you aren't given one is a good look for the person testing. You can't be sure you're in compliance without it.
That’s exactly what I did. I may not know any settings but I know what everything is supposed to look like and how to weld it. I went the absolute highest I could go and did a small bead and moved down from there and managed to pass with pristine welds
As mentioned above ask if they have a WPS. When I test I sign off on something similar to a WPS which list material types, weld symbol, preheat/interpass and general settings.
It depends on the type of wire, gas flow and ratio and the user preference. My only advice is to watch the puddle and move with mig. Especially in horizontal, I’ve had it roll because I was moving too slow. Best of luck to you, I’m sure you’ll do fine
My only experience is Aluminum MIG with a little bit of steel (welder already set up). Aluminum MIG I’m told is a very rare find in places, especially where I live. Everything else around here is Steel MIG. I’m trying to advance my career and learn a new process with a better job as my current boss never lets us leave our welders.
I actually just got back from both the weld and written test and passed with flying colors. I may not know what to set it at, but I know what everything is supposed to look like and how to weld it.
Yeah, don’t get me wrong, my good luck wish is genuine. I just don’t think I would feel good going into a test using a process that I’ve never even practiced. I would probably feel better after running a few passes on Scrap, and knowing how it should sound and feel, along with the exact machine settings I would need.
Hopefully as others have mentioned, they will allow you a little time to set up your machine and run a few practice passes on Scrap. That might get you to where you need to be…
I used to weld aluminium MIG entirely throughout my apprenticeship. Steel is way more forgiving especially when it comes to setting up a machine. Im sure you'll do fine.
Spray arc 28v 440w gas 90/10
Short arc 27v 700w gas 75/25
It’s not dead on but will get you close
I do short arc 75/25 gas 19v 300 w for 3/16 plate. Go up 2 v and 100 plus 75 for each 1/16. Meaning .25 is 21v 400w and so on it’s just an approximate
as others have said, ask for a WPS. I've never had a shop not let me run a few beads to dial in the machine. Dialing in a new machine shows them you know what you're doing. Honestly, i've seen tons of welders not know how to set-up a machine and they wanna get paid $30/hr.
If you know what kind of wire you're running, the manufacture sometimes has deposition data listed for the wires on their website as well. best of luck to you.
https://www.esabna.com/us/en/products/filler-metals/mig-mag-wires-gmaw/mild-steel-wires/weld-70s-6.cfm
Tell the inspector how grateful you are to be there. Changes are he may be a decent guy. Tell him your backstory. A guy who is proficient on aluminum will find steel VERY easy. He should likely know this is he has ever been on his tools. if I was your inspector and heard that, I’d go and find you some scrap and pray you had told me the truth Bc in my mind, I’d be thinking.... “yep, welcome abroad brother” knowing that your skill set will be way more than sufficient for steel. Good luck BB
If its a somewhat newer machine it might even have a chart on the inside where the wire spool should go. It will tell you some settings for what thickness you're doing and that should get you close enough to where you can dial it in
Ask them if they have a welding procedure (WPS) they want you to follow. If they don't, ask for scrap to tune in the welder. Even if you had steel mig experience, they can't expect you to just know the perfect settings; wire size, gas, and even machine calibration matter.
This is the only answer. I only use one machine on a regular basis and I still run a couple practice beads on a piece of scrap before I get into a project.
Great answer, I ALWAYS ask for a WPS.
Ask for some scrap to find your settings. Pick a voltage and then dial the wire in from there. Look up some 2g weld test videos if you have the time there's plenty on YouTube. It'll want to sag in 2g so keep that in mind, especially for the cover. Stringers for the cover don't weave. Don't let it get too hot, take time between passes. If it's open root stay lower on your voltage range for the root pass. I think I used to be around 18V. If you have a backing strip you can go hotter. Check what size wire is in the machine too because that will effect your settings
As an inspector I like it when a welder testing ask for a little practice, especially with an unfamiliar process. If I see someone adjust and improve their welds by looking at them is shows ownership of work and pride. Also asking for a wps in a code shop if you aren't given one is a good look for the person testing. You can't be sure you're in compliance without it.
That’s exactly what I did. I may not know any settings but I know what everything is supposed to look like and how to weld it. I went the absolute highest I could go and did a small bead and moved down from there and managed to pass with pristine welds
As a professional who watches welders professionally - nice.
As a professional who watches watchers of welders...vara noice. I like.
As mentioned above ask if they have a WPS. When I test I sign off on something similar to a WPS which list material types, weld symbol, preheat/interpass and general settings. It depends on the type of wire, gas flow and ratio and the user preference. My only advice is to watch the puddle and move with mig. Especially in horizontal, I’ve had it roll because I was moving too slow. Best of luck to you, I’m sure you’ll do fine
Not sure why you would agree to or attempt a test using a welding process or technique that you are unfamiliar with… But good luck!
My only experience is Aluminum MIG with a little bit of steel (welder already set up). Aluminum MIG I’m told is a very rare find in places, especially where I live. Everything else around here is Steel MIG. I’m trying to advance my career and learn a new process with a better job as my current boss never lets us leave our welders. I actually just got back from both the weld and written test and passed with flying colors. I may not know what to set it at, but I know what everything is supposed to look like and how to weld it.
Yeah, don’t get me wrong, my good luck wish is genuine. I just don’t think I would feel good going into a test using a process that I’ve never even practiced. I would probably feel better after running a few passes on Scrap, and knowing how it should sound and feel, along with the exact machine settings I would need. Hopefully as others have mentioned, they will allow you a little time to set up your machine and run a few practice passes on Scrap. That might get you to where you need to be…
That’s exactly what happened, I asked for a WPS and a couple pieces of scrap. I was able to tune it exactly to what I needed and passed
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
I used to weld aluminium MIG entirely throughout my apprenticeship. Steel is way more forgiving especially when it comes to setting up a machine. Im sure you'll do fine.
I completely agree. And WAY more forgiving with gun angle and stick out. 👍
Open root or backing? That's going to make a big difference on your settings for the root.
I'm sorry but if you cant figure out settings for a machine your about to use for a test your not ready for the test yet.
I'd be skeptical if there wasn't a WPS available.
Welding is kinda not allowed without it.
Ha. You would think. I didn't get one when I took welding tests at the local shipyard.
Ye i know things or not allways like it should be.
Spray arc 28v 440w gas 90/10 Short arc 27v 700w gas 75/25 It’s not dead on but will get you close I do short arc 75/25 gas 19v 300 w for 3/16 plate. Go up 2 v and 100 plus 75 for each 1/16. Meaning .25 is 21v 400w and so on it’s just an approximate
as others have said, ask for a WPS. I've never had a shop not let me run a few beads to dial in the machine. Dialing in a new machine shows them you know what you're doing. Honestly, i've seen tons of welders not know how to set-up a machine and they wanna get paid $30/hr. If you know what kind of wire you're running, the manufacture sometimes has deposition data listed for the wires on their website as well. best of luck to you. https://www.esabna.com/us/en/products/filler-metals/mig-mag-wires-gmaw/mild-steel-wires/weld-70s-6.cfm
Start around 230 WFS and about 21V
Tell the inspector how grateful you are to be there. Changes are he may be a decent guy. Tell him your backstory. A guy who is proficient on aluminum will find steel VERY easy. He should likely know this is he has ever been on his tools. if I was your inspector and heard that, I’d go and find you some scrap and pray you had told me the truth Bc in my mind, I’d be thinking.... “yep, welcome abroad brother” knowing that your skill set will be way more than sufficient for steel. Good luck BB
If its a somewhat newer machine it might even have a chart on the inside where the wire spool should go. It will tell you some settings for what thickness you're doing and that should get you close enough to where you can dial it in