Newbie Welding thread, Help me get started - what do i need and need to know |
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Newbie Welding thread, Help me get started - what do i need and need to know |
DRPHIL914 |
Oct 15 2015, 10:27 AM
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#1
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Dr. Phil Group: Members Posts: 5,768 Joined: 9-December 09 From: Bluffton, SC Member No.: 11,106 Region Association: South East States |
I need help! I cant afford to pay someone else to do all the little things that are cropping up on my Build-off thread car, and eventually need to do the longs in my other car, - also too cheap to pay someone else and then not be satisfied with the work, or the time it takes, it always seems to be that way.
So I need a lsit of supplies, what type of mig welder, etc etc. , where to look, or find a used one maybe... any advice will be appreciated: brand and supplies, then how to practice, safety issue and advice- etc etc. Thanks - and the I can post my ugly buildoff pictures !!! |
ThePaintedMan |
Oct 15 2015, 12:02 PM
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#2
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Advanced Member Group: Members Posts: 3,886 Joined: 6-September 11 From: St. Petersburg, FL Member No.: 13,527 Region Association: South East States |
Phil - don't listen to that guy. If you can do everything else you mentioned, you can learn MIG.
First and foremost, as mentioned, getting GOOD equipment is the best way to set you off on the right foot for a good result. Hobart and Lincoln are your best bet in terms of well-respected welders. Again, do not bother with flux core. Get good MIG wire and 75/25 CO2/Argon mixed gas. Get a good auto-darkening helmet. Get a leather welding jacket. NOW, start practicing joining pieces of thin steel, before you begin welding on the car itself. You'll gain a feel for how easy it is to blow through thin steel while butt-welding, which you'll do a fair amount of when repairing the longs. You don't need to run full beads (and many times won't be able to) on thin sheetmetal. Instead, do small tacks first, then move up to 0.5 or 1cm small beads, spreading them out around the piece you're welding. Continue this process, alternating areas till you finish the weld. You'll begin to get an idea of how much the heat from welding can distort and shrink metal. Your goal through the whole process should be to minimize heat transfer except what is absolutely necessary. THEN, when you move to the car, build some good braces (check the threads here for examples on how to build them. Make for damn sure you've got it braced well and your gaps are set before you start cutting things out and welding. Other than that, it's not that hard. Just takes a little time to get the hang of it. Also, by a spot weld cutter, or do a search to see how guys like Rick drill out, then grind spot welds. This whole car is held together with them, so you'll get really good at removing them. |
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