The welding class is now in full swing, with plenty of time to weld.
Of all the welding processed that we tried, we are now on GMAW. I had full two hours to practice. The welding machine was a digital Lincoln MIG welder the size of a Millermatic 250.
I was pleasantly surprised how it lets me make nice looking welds (relatively speaking) without too much practice.
I set the machine in full accordance with the diagram.
Then I tried making a inside corner weld, which looked fairly decent, using 1/4" plates and (IIRC) 320 IPM of 0.035 at 19v.
Then, recalling Gunner's infamous tire holder incident, I took it to a anvil and pounded on this weldment, trying to flatten it.
To my disappointment, this solid looking weld failed in several places, obviously revealing no fusion at all in those places. The assembly held because in other places, the weld did not fail,but it was not what I would call an encouraging experience.
I am not complaining, as such, the instructor told me that I should have chosen different settings, etc and I am sure that he is right. But, I think, given my low skill etc, I would not trust MIG with anything critical.