New welder, Cheapo Mig.., The reason why practice makes "perfect" Options

[Andyrew]

Well we went to Harbor Freight and got some stuff today! One of them being a new Mig welder..

(IMG:http://members.rennlist.com/dan10101/Welding101-%20005.jpg)

So being that I have been working on preping the rusty battery tray for surgery, we (me and dad) decided that It was a good Idea to practice.. So we got out the old doors from the cut up 73, and had a hay day! I did cut out a pannel from one of the doors to use for sheet metal for the surgery of the battery tray area.. So we take the welder out of the box, and have a little trouble with the simple instructions (oh well) and I spend 15 mins putting on the handle to the "screen" which I though was a piece of junk till I used it.. (you can see me using it in some of the pics)

(IMG:http://members.rennlist.com/dan10101/Welding101-%20022.jpg)

We also got out our age old arc welder, which I used before and I got semi familiar with it last time and made some good welds..

(IMG:http://members.rennlist.com/dan10101/Welding101-%20004.jpg)

So we got out the mig and tried it out, First impression, Piece of junk. I thought there was no way this thing would ever weld as good as the arc, all it did was make little bubbles!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif)

(IMG:http://members.rennlist.com/dan10101/Welding101-%20002.jpg)

So I make a few holes, and hey, my weld held, kinda.. So as the day progressed, and I watched Dad (who wasnt doing any better than me with the mig) I noticed some things, practiced a little, tried to fill in some holes, ect..

(IMG:http://members.rennlist.com/dan10101/Welding101-%20044.jpg)

I think I can do this now, and the mig actually will be able to suit my needs quite well, I had no problem filling in a 1 in hole..

(IMG:http://members.rennlist.com/dan10101/Welding101-%20033.jpg)

After my dad did some reading on a body repair sight, he said some things that where mentioned on the sight and that was the turning point from bad, to good..

(IMG:http://members.rennlist.com/dan10101/Welding101-%20042.jpg)

As you can see from the pics, I went from little bubbles to a solid uniform line, with solid connection on both sides..

(IMG:http://members.rennlist.com/dan10101/Welding101-%20043.jpg)

And as you can see the welds hold..

(IMG:http://members.rennlist.com/dan10101/Welding101-%20046.jpg)

Im happy, and I think I will be able to fix this rust area. Not bad for a days play! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

Andrew

[John Kelly]

Hi Andyrew,

Good job so far. I'm with the other guys...gas is the only way to go. You will be able to see your weld more clearly. Be sure to wear gloves on both hands, and if you plan to weld a lot, your neck may get burned from the arc if you don't cover it. Some people hang a little piece of leather at the bottom of their hood to cover their neck. If you get a real welding hood, your weld will improve by using both hands. Steady the gun wih your left and trigger with your right. Your welds will look better right away. Practice small hot tacks joined together on sheet metal, long beads on heavier stuff. Try grinding down some of the welds to see how much the sheet metal has shrunk. A small fan blowing the smoke away, a fire extinguisher close by, and make sure no one is watching the arc. With the flux core, it might help to wire brush the weld before starting again. Good luck!

John www.ghiaspecialties.com