Learning to weld

[Tiger]

I realise that, but for the price, I can't complain.

In the long run, I'll probably do what my mate who gave me the Arc welder did. Learn the basics on this machine, and then progress to a MIG later. But then again, as I said, it's not like it's going to get a massive amount of use, so would it really be worth the investment for me? Is MIG really that much better? How? What can MIG do that ARC can't?

You can't weld body panels with an arc, you can weld upside down with a mig, you don't have to change rods all the time which does become a pain if you are welding all day. (i know you won't be doing this). You don't have to take of the batterie leads with a mig, Minus point more money, less portable, need to source gas

If you don't do much and don't need to do light steel then an arc will do fine.

a lot of people say get a mig coz they can't weld and use and arc, keep practising looking good

[max6674]

You can't weld body panels with an arc,

Sorry to say this but you can. You can use TIG, MIG and MMA for body panels if your good enough and all 3 methods will allow you to weld upside down and verticle..

[Slugsie]

You do need a little more amps tho to be honest. The weld is sat more on the steel than penetrated into it.

Have you tried up-hill welding with a stick rod yet.. you will have some fun with that one

Like I said, I'm not keen on going any higher really as I'm probably at the limit of the supply. That was some very heavy grade steel, so probably not too surprising. I've managed to lay my hands on some lighter stuff, so I'll play with that when I get a chance. I may also try some lighter rods.

All I've done so far is what you see. I guess I could try putting the RSJ at an angle.

[Slugsie]

You can't weld body panels with an arc, you can weld upside down with a mig, you don't have to change rods all the time which does become a pain if you are welding all day. (i know you won't be doing this). You don't have to take of the batterie leads with a mig, Minus point more money, less portable, need to source gas

If you don't do much and don't need to do light steel then an arc will do fine.

a lot of people say get a mig coz they can't weld and use and arc, keep practising looking good

I'll most likely not be welding anything light, at least not for a while. My thoughts on progressing to MIG etc are that I'll just cut my teeth on ARC for now, see how I get on. If I feel the need, then I can progress on to a MIG welder easily enough. Right now cost is a factor, so I couldn't pass up the chance to learn the basics for nothing could I?

[captain_chaos]

Got myself a Snap On 130amp MIG set couple of weeks ago. Going for a rumage through work's scrap metal bin later, then have a play around at home

[chrisinflight]

Hi Paul,
It`s worth keeping and learning. It`s great to have for the odd emergency- if things break and need fixing temp. You can always do what I did re: sliders and make the steel pieces up yourself, prepare for welding (grind surface clean and chamfer where the joins are to be welded). You can then spot weld the pieces together and take them to a pro. for the strong welds.
cheers,
chris

[Webbo]

You say first attempt ? Wish my first attempt was that good !
Keep it up practice makes perfect, some good advice from other members so I aint going to waffle on.

Webbo.

[Tiger]

Sorry to say this but you can. You can use TIG, MIG and MMA for body panels if your good enough and all 3 methods will allow you to weld upside down and verticle..

I will say it again you can't weld body panels with an arc.

Tig, mig and gas is not an arc, i can weld upsidedown can you. only trying to be helpfull not turn it in to whose got the biggist

[Tiger]

I'll most likely not be welding anything light, at least not for a while. My thoughts on progressing to MIG etc are that I'll just cut my teeth on ARC for now, see how I get on. If I feel the need, then I can progress on to a MIG welder easily enough. Right now cost is a factor, so I couldn't pass up the chance to learn the basics for nothing could I?

If you can weld with arc you can weld with anything, Looking good and a very usefull skill to have

[Slugsie]

If you can weld with arc you can weld with anything, Looking good and a very usefull skill to have

Cool. Got some more scrap metal to play with, gonna grind it into smaller bits, and try sticking it back together again.

Got an idea for my first real project too. Gonna be doing a spot of roofing next month, so I might try welding up a roofing-square from some of this scrap. It's only 3 pieces welded into a triangle, and no need to any strength, so not exactly rocket science.

[yoshie]

If you can weld with arc you can weld with anything, Looking good and a very usefull skill to have

Maybe playing around with 5mm steel
try tig welding 16/18 gauge aluminium.
My old trade was welder/fabricator spent 8 years at it. Cold all winter and melted all summer, well for those 4 days in June we get every year.
Your anything statement is a bit ambitious

[Tiger]

Maybe playing around with 5mm steel
try tig welding 16/18 gauge aluminium.
My old trade was welder/fabricator spent 8 years at it. Cold all winter and melted all summer, well for those 4 days in June we get every year.
Your anything statement is a bit ambitious

sorry i wasn't clear if you can master the arc you can weld any machine with a bit of practise