How to weld better

[robertdjung]

Good suggestion by mikeandike to include a welding forum. I am thinking that you can post your welding questions, your general building questions, etc. Stuff like, "is this a good weld?" Is this what you all think is a good idea, or un-needed?

So, if anyone has suggestions on expanding, or contracting the scope of this forum, let us know!

[mikeandike]

sweet well that was up pretty fast

[TraderJack]

I've been welding with a MIG for about 2 years now. I learned to stick weld years ago but wanted to do something different. Stick welders just butcher thin metals. It's almost impossible to weld on sheet metal with a stick welder. I can weld any thickness up to 1/2 inch steel with my MIG.

So here's a tip: Never underestimate the value of preparing the metal surfaces prior to beginning your weld. Make sure that all oil, dirt, grime and rust has been removed. I use a wire brush attachment that fits on an electric drill just like a bit. I make sure that I take the time to thoroughly "brighten" all the surfaces that are to be welded. It's not a bad idea to similarly clean the spot where the ground clamp is going to be attached.

This will help no matter what type welder one uses.

-Jack

[mikeandike]

I just started stick welding yesterday :). i find it very amusing. Once i get good at stick i'll move onto mig then onto tig (i have access to all of them). All i was doing was welding beads down a big 2 or 2 1/2" pipe 1/4" thick so it looked like a tree trunk. i was having a little trouble starting a new rod otherwise it went pretty good.

[robertdjung]

yeah it's all about getting that stick started. When you start mig it's going to mess with you -- since you don't move the gun toward the work you'll be pushing the gun onto the work a lot. I find it hard to go back and forth because of the two styles. Have fun with it!

[philip metzner]

i can stick weld pretty good for a self taught back yard welder, but i have always had trouble with a mig. its not from feeding the gun into the weld for me, its i just cant see what im doing. part of it i cant help cause im almost 50 now and im real far sighted. i have to use reading classes under my visor plus a magnifing lens on the visor also. this is made worse because the mig doesnt make as much light and i have to get too close. i need a better helmet but cant afford that now. i have found it better if i make sure there are no lights on above or behind my head.-phil

[Kartmofo]

Hey guys, new to the forum. I need to do some welding on my kart but need to buy a welder and need some tips. On the good side, my metal class teaches welder use, MIG, TIG, and Oxy/acetaline so thats a bonus!:)

[robin]

i had ago at arc when we had a small honda bike ther was a small hole on the exhaust 1/4 inch wide so i tried to weld. it and as soon as i touched it with the rod ther was like a 3/4 hole in it. i then fixed it with gum gum a tin can and a hose clip and it was fine. i welded up part of my bike with mig and it was easy compaird to arci will have to get som pics and show of my welds:)

[mikeandike]

well ive started mgi and stick welding. gettin wayyyyyyy better at starting an arc with stick. last time i tried only got it stuck at the beginning. hoping to finish the welding on my gokart myself :)