After researching for a few weeks, making sure I understand the safety, I bought a small MIG welder/Flux Core Arc Welder:
http://www.princessauto.com/en/detail/mig-100e-flux-cored-wire-feed-welder/A-p8538886e
Here is my attempt at mounting a tube onto a sheet, both steel at 1/8" thickness:
My technique was basically to come down at a 45deg angle and slowly move across the sides, for about 60 – 90 seconds total. I kept the tip of the gun very close to the metals, kinda just dragged it along. I chose the wire feed speed as recommended for the metal thickness according to the manual.
It felt strong but then to test it I tried stepping on it sideways. After I applied enough force (less than my bodyweight though) the tube broke off =(
What techniques should I use to weld this connection better?
Any useful vids would be great as well. Thanks!
Best Answer
Because you're just piddling globs of molten welding rod on top of the steel. That's not welding, that's metal deposition. You need to read more on how to weld and get more practice, because the concept hasn't really (forgive the pun) penetrated.
Also, it helps to grind or media blast the mill scale and other contaminants off the area you're welding.