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How to learn how to weld

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussion' started by Ps3udonymous, Apr 7, 2020.

  1. Jul 9, 2020 at 11:18 AM
    #121
    ZPMAN

    ZPMAN 2nd place is the 1st looser

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    My best advice for learning how to weld would be to start out with a mig with gas but do a little research on YouTube first. At my work I get alot new grasshoppers wanting to learn how to weld and usually standby with them for an hr or two to learn the basics of the mig itself and then set it up for 1/8 steel and let them go at it. Most wielders come with a guide on the inside cover like this. 20200709_130818.jpg
    Good luck.
     
    saybng, AgitatedGopher, chugs and 2 others like this.
  2. Jul 9, 2020 at 12:14 PM
    #122
    rons23

    rons23 Get The Led Out!!!

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    Rule of thumb is when you increase your volts (heat) you increase your wire speed. This also applies to lowering your voltage, you decrease your wire speed. For mig process it's not a problem, but you should always wire brush your welds. When your stick welding the flux is protecting the weld. Once your done and it cools you just knock slag off. When you get your amperage, rod angle, and travel speed perfect , the slag will roll up behind you. When this happens you are dialed in.

    As far as it burning back to tip, it could be just a dirty tip. The main causes of burn back is a dirty liner, which your wire runs through. Blow it out with compressed air from time to time. Use the anti- spatter, it will help you save on tips. Always clean weld area good, at least 1" away from anticipated weld toes.

    Don't hesitate to ask any questions my fellow welder, I love it and will try to guide you with any problems or questions :thumbsup:
     
    MotoTundra and AgitatedGopher like this.
  3. Jul 9, 2020 at 12:52 PM
    #123
    kevine0001

    kevine0001 New Member

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    I tend to run my wire slower and up my setting just a bit to get better penetration through heat and going slow. I've tried upping wire speed...and my welds look like shit. slow/medium speed works for me. whatever gets you going
     
    AgitatedGopher and rons23 like this.
  4. Jul 10, 2020 at 2:33 AM
    #124
    rons23

    rons23 Get The Led Out!!!

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    Yes Kevin, mig is all about setup. You can dial it in to your liking, but there's a line where your volts and wire speed are not gonna work . You will either lack penetration or loose control of weld puddle.

    Please post pics of your welds. :thumbsup:
     
  5. Jul 10, 2020 at 4:15 AM
    #125
    ZPMAN

    ZPMAN 2nd place is the 1st looser

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    My last project was base legs for a work bench.
    20200614_105428.jpg 20200614_105408.jpg
     
  6. Jul 10, 2020 at 10:07 AM
    #126
    kevine0001

    kevine0001 New Member

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    I know, surface prep could have been better. This is the side gusset to the mounting bracket on my bolt on sliders. The round weld in the middle is a plug weld into the square tube going from the slider to the mounting plate (bolted to frame). The edges got a nice seam weld, all the way around wherever it touched another piece of steel. This is before I brushed up the weld, or cleaned up the other edges before finishing the welding. Not pretty, but I have yet to have anything break on me while off-roading.

    IMG_7600.jpg
     
    BashFab and YardBird like this.
  7. Jul 10, 2020 at 10:28 AM
    #127
    ZPMAN

    ZPMAN 2nd place is the 1st looser

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    Looks good to me, are you pushing or pulling, I used to pull till an old timer got me to start pushing. When pushing you get bettor penetration into the base steel and believe it might look bettor if done correctly.
     
  8. Jul 10, 2020 at 11:20 AM
    #128
    kevine0001

    kevine0001 New Member

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    on that weld, i believe i was pulling. i'm better at pulling, but depending on the location of the weld and the position i'm in, i can push also. i learned by pulling and just stuck with me a bit. i also tend to hold my gun a little more vertical when i pull, which allows IMO for better penetration. That and the hotter setting on the welder which creates a better pool for my wire speed.
     
    ZPMAN[QUOTED] likes this.
  9. Jul 12, 2020 at 10:08 PM
    #129
    Ps3udonymous

    Ps3udonymous [OP] Who is the smart ass that changed the title?

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    Well got to working on my first project. Couple of issues...

    First, I burned through some of the metal on different spots. Voltage was too high as I was dialing it it. And the other times I went to slow.

    Second, I am pretty terrible at running straight consistent beads. But I've gotten better.

    Third, and worst of all. My last weld (in the picture) of course, the one that is hidden that no one will ever see was the best bead I've done so far.

    20200712_190341.jpg
     
  10. Jul 13, 2020 at 6:30 AM
    #130
    ZPMAN

    ZPMAN 2nd place is the 1st looser

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    Looks good!

    First, if possible practice on a piece of same material B4 the starting the main project.
    Second, Beer will help straighten out any weld.
    Third, do the hidden welds first if possible and clean/grind area to be welded.
     
    MotoTundra and AgitatedGopher like this.
  11. Jul 31, 2020 at 4:44 PM
    #131
    saybng

    saybng Just a member.

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    Method Nv's, falken wildpeak 275.65.20 Dirty deeds exhaust, 5100's all around...nothin fancy.
    Any of you welders heard of this brand? If so how what do you guys think?

    Screenshot_20200731-164245_Chrome.jpg
     
  12. Jul 31, 2020 at 5:12 PM
    #132
    Azblue

    Azblue Beer is Good Ban Moderator

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    The Dirty T

    I have heard of the brand only because I bought a cheap auto darkening helmet on eBay from that brand. The helmet works fine, but the head straps are thin and floppy. So, yes the helmet works fine but is cheaply made. I have never tried their actual welders.
     
    This site contains affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
    saybng[QUOTED] likes this.
  13. Jul 31, 2020 at 5:24 PM
    #133
    saybng

    saybng Just a member.

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    Method Nv's, falken wildpeak 275.65.20 Dirty deeds exhaust, 5100's all around...nothin fancy.
    I was just looking around for affordable welders and saw that brand..although I already have Lincoln and hardly used it and want to learn. After looking up my welder I didn't realize that I can actually convert it to use gas..lol.
     
    This site contains affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
    Azblue[QUOTED] likes this.
  14. Jul 31, 2020 at 6:05 PM
    #134
    AgitatedGopher

    AgitatedGopher Deer destroyer

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    I bought their hoods for my guys in the shop. They absolutely love them more than the hoods I've been getting from Northern Tool. We have also used their replacement leads on our 240 Millers. No issues.

    So far, it seems to be a solid brand. No experience with their welders though.
     
    saybng[QUOTED] likes this.
  15. Jul 31, 2020 at 6:20 PM
    #135
    kevine0001

    kevine0001 New Member

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    stick with your lincoln
     
    saybng likes this.
  16. Jul 31, 2020 at 6:28 PM
    #136
    AgitatedGopher

    AgitatedGopher Deer destroyer

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    Our little Lincolns are great for portability and reliability. And parts are a dime a dozen. Bonus factor, they weigh way less than our baby Millers. I can hoist them into the truck by myself. :muscleflexing:
     
    kevine0001[QUOTED] likes this.
  17. Jul 31, 2020 at 7:26 PM
    #137
    saybng

    saybng Just a member.

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    Sticking with the Lincoln for sure..:thumbsup:
     
  18. Jul 31, 2020 at 10:44 PM
    #138
    ZPMAN

    ZPMAN 2nd place is the 1st looser

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    I just pick up a Tig welder, boys keep breaking levers on the bikes.
    Did a little steel first20200722_142857.jpg

    Then a little aluminum 20200722_190600.jpg
    Tonight a little more practice then fix the clutch lever.20200801_000439.jpg
     
    snivilous, YardBird and saybng like this.
  19. Jul 31, 2020 at 11:35 PM
    #139
    pickeledpigsfeet

    pickeledpigsfeet New Member

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    which TIG machine did you get? I am in the market for one.
     
  20. Aug 1, 2020 at 6:41 AM
    #140
    ZPMAN

    ZPMAN 2nd place is the 1st looser

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    After a little research I decided to buy a Vulcan 205 but when I went to Harbor Freight they said it was going to be 2 weeks for delivery. A little more research and ordered a Prime Weld 225X Tig. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BXHRBQ8/ref=cm_sw_r_apa_i_eUwjFbXPVT36K
    What was great about this unit IMO was a 3 year factory warranty 24/7 hotline and it comes with a quality torch (CK 17 flex).
     
    BashFab likes this.
  21. Aug 21, 2020 at 11:36 AM
    #141
    BashFab

    BashFab New Member

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    Solid choice! I have been using mine for everything.. I'm finding it unappealing to even hook my Vulcan 215 up anymore other than shear speed of getting things done. The primeeweld is has been fnatastic
     
    ZPMAN[QUOTED] likes this.
  22. Jul 1, 2022 at 9:07 PM
    #142
    MotoTundra

    MotoTundra The Ocho

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    Reviving an old thread here. Where do you get cheap metal to practice on? Any specific best shaped pieces to learn on?

    Long story short. I broke a bolt while working on my GX470. I am going to have to weld a nut onto the bolt to get it out so I bought a Titanium Flux 125, auto dim hood, gloves, sleeves, and a welding blanket to cover parts of the vehicle. Tomorrow I will be picking up some tip gel and anti spatter spray.
    I watched a few videos and want to start practicing tomorrow.

    Any other tips are appreciated!!

    Thanks.
     
    ColoradoTJ likes this.
  23. Jul 1, 2022 at 9:16 PM
    #143
    Azblue

    Azblue Beer is Good Ban Moderator

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    The Dirty T

    Easy, just wait until the wife isn't looking and then walk around the house. Plenty of stuff around, bed frames, bar stools, lamp posts, shelf brackets, etc.
     
  24. Jul 1, 2022 at 9:17 PM
    #144
    Outbound

    Outbound SSEM #2.5, Token AmeriCanadian

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    For cheap metal I'd start by bringing some coffee and donuts to a local fab shop, tell them you're learning to weld then ask if you can root through their scrap bin. Straight pieces you can make basic lap and tee joints with will be the best to start with.

    Before you weld on a vehicle, disconnect the battery. It can help prevent frying electronics.
     
  25. Jul 1, 2022 at 9:40 PM
    #145
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Certified tow LEO Staff Member

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    I would either go to a scrap yard or to a metal supplier/fab shop. They usually have a fair amount of scrap piles and sell it for cheap (scrap going rate).
     
  26. Jul 1, 2022 at 9:51 PM
    #146
    MotoTundra

    MotoTundra The Ocho

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    haha good call. I’m sure I have some scrap laying around the garage somewhere.

    Good call. I was wondering if any precautions needed to be taken being that I was welding on a vehicle, where to attach ground cable, etc. Didn’t get that far yet though, tomorrow is just practice off the car.

    Good call, will do thanks! I may also practice on some junk nuts and bolts since that is what I will be doing.
     

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