Welding 101

Slow_Hand

April 25, 2007 18:59

This is an open question to anyone out there who welds steel now or has welded steel over the years. Any help, advice, tricks, tips, etc. that anyone is willing to post will be greatly appreciated.

I bought a Hobart Handler 125 wire feed welder that uses .030" flux-cored wire. Although it IS expandable to handle gas-shielded with an add-on accessory, I do NOT have that capability now.

Here's the website, unit and specs:

http://www.hobartwelders.com/products/handler125.html

Figure that I'm going to do light welding of steel and wrought iron, i.e. brackets, rods, bars, hinges, gate locks, etc. up to the 3/16" thickness the manufacturer specifies as the limit.

I have both the regular #10 and auto-darkening #10 helmets (solar) plus most of the accessories such as chipping hammer, brush, gel, anti-splatter spray, vise grip welding clamps, gloves, soapstones and holder, etc.

I know I have to practice, practice, practice but I'm sure that many of you can give me some excellent insight that I might not ever learn on my own. Welding is a brand new "future" service I'll be offering to my customers along with all the other services I have and currently provide to them , so it's NOT a primary service - at least not right now.

Thanks in advance for whatever you're willing to share with me.[^]

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  shootlow

  April 25, 2007 19:02

  shoot me an e mail with adress and i will send you a copy of welding tips
  with flux cored wire or mig make sure the metal is clean

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  catpealer111

  April 25, 2007 19:07

  I started welding as a side job my senior year of high school and did it for a living while going through college. I'm fairly decent with MIG, TIG, and stick. Welded mild, stainless and some cast. Never had the patience to weld aluminum. I hate welding, I'll do if for myself but never again will I do it for a living. If you have any questions about the "art" I'll help in anyway I can.

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  sothere

  April 25, 2007 19:13

  Does this count?
  
  
  
  
  Good luck,Clean is key

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  320090T

  April 26, 2007 03:46

  I was always told to push wire and pull stick, might not be true but works for me.

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  shoff14

  April 26, 2007 05:20

  quote:Originally posted by 320090T
  I was always told to push wire and pull stick, might not be true but works for me.
  
  
  
  You can push, pull, loop, whatever you want to do or have to do at the time with MIG.
  
  I personally hate flux-core. I just believe that you can weld better with gas. Get some sleeves, cause you will only weld for an hour sleveless once. [:D] And check out the Hobart institute books, they are good, basic books for anyone learning and they are cheap too.

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