Look y'all, I done welded iyut., My first try... Options

[SGB]

OK. It looks AWFUL. JUST AWFUL. But thes pieces are really and fully attached. Even actually fused like real welding in a few spots. I'm gonna keep practicing a little before I attempt car stuff, I think. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)
For a cheapie HF wire feed (not mig), it seems to work OK. Who has some good welding tips? I saw something on the almighty internet that indicated there might be primer of some kind? When do ya use this? What do I need to look out for? It's kinda fun. The biggest challenge is starting "in the dark". How easy is it to burn 914 sheet metal up? This is only a two setting unit- high or low. So far I've been using just low.

So here is my sculpture.
Now I really need a good cut-off tool....

[John]

If you are using wire feed (not MIG) then you should be using flux core wire.

Flux wire will never make as pretty welds as MIG will, but you should be able to make some acceptable welds after some practice.

I hope you have some good gloves, a good helmet, some welding protective clothing, and a BUNCH of patience. A good grinder and a wire brush will help as well.

Try to keep your welding surface as clean as possible it will keep the brown crap to a minimum.

Another tip is to obtain a piece of 1/4" thick brass. It can be small 2" X 4" X 1/4" or so. You can use this as a backing plate to fill small holes and to bridge gaps. The weld will not stick well to the brass and will support your puddle until it solidifies.

The easiest way to learn is to get a bunch of scrap (the thicker material is easier to do than sheet metal) 10ga or 3/16" and weld them on a table. weld them at 90 degree angles, butt weld them, lap weld them, and try to break them.

Go to the library and find a book (Welders Handbook comes to mind).

Best of luck to you and keep working at it.