First shot at welding

[Andrew D]

Hello all. Machine Mart VAT free day today, so I have taken the opportunity to kit myself out with the basics for welding; Clarke MIG130EN, auto tint mask, and gloves, though I am already wondering what to get next. My aim is to fix a car and stop it finding it's way to the scrap yard. What I shall do with the welder between now and being up to the task, and where it will take me once the car is done, i have no idea. Judging by today's attempts on some 'tin' cans though, this could take a while (though I suspect 0.9mm flux core might me a bit mighty? Will have a go on some old computer cases next). Despite all the holes though, I got them stuck together. I have decided to start with flux core, as I will be working outside I wanted this option, and as the gas no gas welders come set up for no gas use I did not have to buy any extra consumables today. I do have the regulator though, and will be using the gas option on the car and whenever necessary. Any help, advice, pointers in the right direction, ideas for things to try etc would be greatly received. I have been skimming over the forum for a good few weeks now, waiting to get my welder, and at last, here I am.

I look forward to speaking to some of you soon.

 

[Spark plug]

Your making things hard for yourself trying to weld old bean tins. You need to get some decent clean steel. Think of it as trying to run before you can walk.

 

[Andrew D]

I know, but think of a kid a Christmas, I had just got the welder home and they where in the recycling, wait for some good metal or play now.

 

[slim_boy_fat]

When you get to the 'gas' stage [which you will], don't bother with the small disposable bottles - they'll last about 10 minutes and annoy the Hell out of you [ask me how I learned that.......]

Edit: Excuse my bad manners - welcome to the forum, and don't be afraid to ask any questions you have, no matter how 'daft' you might feel they are......

 

[Andrew D]

When you get to the 'gas' stage [which you will], don't bother with the small disposable bottles - they'll last about 10 minutes and annoy the Hell out of you [ask me how I learned that.......]

Edit: Excuse my bad manners - welcome to the forum, and don't be afraid to ask any questions you have, no matter how 'daft' you might feel they are......

I'm guessing it was not friendly advice on this forum which taught you that then, so thank you for the heads up on that one.

As soon as i have some questions I will be right back. Must admit I am tempted to get some good metal, not sure cleaning scrap (even clean, just painted stuff) is the best place to start.

 

[slim_boy_fat]

I'm guessing it was not friendly advice on this forum which taught you that then

No, it wasn't - they're much too good here. It was before I discovered this great place and first tried to 'glue' steel together......

Nothing wrong with cleaned-up scrap to practise with - or find a friendly fabrication shop and ask to have a delve in their skip. I do, and drop off a case of something occasionally for the lads.