MM251 Pops on arc start?????

[GWB]

I switched from .030 wire to .023 for a project I'm doing. Seems the .023 pops a few times until the arc starts. If I cut the wire back flush to the nozzle, no pop. Is .023 dependent on burn off length more than .030??

MM251 .023 16.5 V 251 W/S

thanks,
gb

[Andy249]

GWB,

Just to go through the simple things to begin with, is your contact tip old, worn or dirty? Is it the correct size for the wire you are using? Do you have a good connection for your "work" clamp? When you do get going, check if there is much spatter, if you do have excessive amounts try turning back the wire speed. 9 times out of 10 I find it is usually something I have overlooked and is pretty easy to fix.

Andy249
"Its the way it spatters that matters"

[tackit]

No expert here, one thing you could try is adjusting the tip to stick out of the nozzel about an 1/8 inch if it isn't already.

If I screw the the tip down all the way on my 251 it doesn't weld as nice or make that fast even sizzling sound that sounds so good.

[HAWK]

GWB,

Shorten your stickout a little and see if that helps.

[ASKANDY]

Here's another answer....

The .023 wire needs a different run in speed than the thicker wires. Go to the hidden menu in the 251 and change the run in setting until you get the starts you are looking for.


Good luck

Andy

[GWB]

Thanks to all for the help...

Thanks Hawk and Andy...Great Customer Service as always!!!!

Andy, run in slower for the .023?

Thanks,
george

[ASKANDY]

My guess is faster 'cause the smaller wire diameter burns easier and may foul up tips.

A-