Welding. Not as easy as it looks......

[itsaboattime]

Re: Welding. Not as easy as it looks......

watch your speed, it should sound like frying eggs, and 7018 rod 1/8 inch(best rod for the money, all purpose). I usually use two hands, one on the stinger and my left one about halfway down the rod to help steady it. as the rod gets shorter, slide your hand up tword the stinger. Works great for me vertically and even over my head!!

 

[Shizzy]

Re: Welding. Not as easy as it looks......

as everyone has already stated, practice is your friend. Lap welds, fillet and butt welds. thicker metal to thinner, clean metal, dirty etc.

I belive everyone should start out gas welding. Its a slower process and you get to know how the puddle works. angle of attack, speed, how much rod you need.

 

[blairjbyrd]

Re: Welding. Not as easy as it looks......

I took metals class in high school. We had to learn welding there, I dont care to do it but I am glad I learned it. I weld my trailer last year.

 

[jonesg]

Re: Welding. Not as easy as it looks......

Yeh it "looks easy".:redface:

When I first got an AC/DC tig I didn't have any idea how much power it would take, its a different animal compared to mig. Started out melting everything and blowing holes.
Then finally started to get it dialed in and learned how to set the pulse for thin sheet alum.
Now I forget why I needed to weld alum.?

I ran out of argon so used DC arc to weld a handle to my cart, seems like they should come with a pull handle in the first place. The arc was very nice, much simpler and smooth.
A/D helmet helped all around , being to actually see the work and all.
I got a cheap chinese helmet, $60, if it lasts it will be worth it.

 

[Stachi]

Re: Welding. Not as easy as it looks......

one of the easiest ways to control your mig gun , or stick welder is to use both hands to control it. I grasp my mig gun with my right hand , and the nozzle of the gun with my left hand , and rest one of my hands against the work......easiest trick to maintain proper distance , and pull a straight line while swirling the puddle...same with stick welding...hold handle with right hand and ,about three inches up from the end of the stick with your left hand. When the stick is about three inches long , hold the handle with both hands. No, you will not get electrocuted... , good heavy gloves are important here.....when your hands get hot , take a break.... an auto darkening helmet is a wonderful thing in my opinion.... I do a lot of welding...steel and aluminum... I hope this helps ...

 

[KRS]

Re: Welding. Not as easy as it looks......

watch your speed, it should sound like frying eggs, and 7018 rod 1/8 inch(best rod for the money, all purpose). I usually use two hands, one on the stinger and my left one about halfway down the rod to help steady it. as the rod gets shorter, slide your hand up tword the stinger. Works great for me vertically and even over my head!!

Agreed.

Also, to know where the rod is pointed in the stinger at all times, try this.

With a GOOD, DRY pair of gloves, load a rod in the stinger. Place the end of the stinger (the end with the rod clamp in it) in your palm, run your index finger down the welding rod pointed directly down the rod.

This will greatly improve your control.

If you're using 14", 16"+ rods, it's harder for a novice. Go buy 12" rods.

Also, there's no harm in chipping off some of the coating on the middle of a rod and gripping it in the stinger clamp there... weld to that point, then move the stinger up to the top of the rod

Try putting the stinger in your palm.... major difference.

 

[Jeff-in-PA]

Re: Welding. Not as easy as it looks......

With a GOOD, DRY pair of gloves,

The reason for dry gloves ( besides the electrocution danger ) is that dry gloves do not transfer heat as fast.

Same thing with clean gloves, dirty gloves transfer heat quickly too.