New to welding first project

Hi GJ'ers

IM Dane from Sydney Aus. Ive just got a welder and learning to weld mig. Its a Cigweld transmig 175i. A multi process inverter (mig with basic tig and stick).

I watched every single video on weldingtipsandtricks and then using the settings on the inside chart came out with this first bead.


All the welding pros please let me know what you think and where i can dial in the settings a bit better. I should have cleaned a bigger area as this machine struggled though even a little bit of paint.

Anyways onto the project
I only have a single garage so space is limited http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=214414 , im in the process of putting everything on wheels so i can wheel it out to use it and stash it away when im not.
This only cost me gas, wire and time all materials were out of the scap bin at work.

Started out with a bench grinder, linisher and vice to mount


layed them out on this piece of 4mm and cut it out.


The frame is made of old dexion warehouse shelving and some cheap castors from bunnings.


Slapped it together added a lick of paint, some tubs for storage and thats it easy cheap and space effective


In place against the wall. welding and grinding helmets on the side. Welded tips and comsumables in the top tub. 2 angle grinders and discs in the middle tub. Ro sander and all my sanding pads for it and the linisher in the bottom.


Gotta make a lid for the top drawer so it doesnt get **** from the grinder in it.

Best not to try and use the weld puddle to burn through the paint, the fumes aren't that good for you and your welds will be better on clean steel.

Good space saving idea.

Nice work. How did you cut the steel plate to shape? The only thing I'd be a bit concerned about: the stand looks top-heavy, and tippy. I think I would have made the base for the casters, longer, to add stability. But good job!

I think they look spectacular for a first timer.

What are you using for shielding gas? It looks like a CO2 can, but I'm not sure what the cans look like in Austrailia.

Later

KO

Great craftsmanship. I like the way that you cut out for the vise in the plate.
BUT,
Danger, Danger. Has to be top heavy. Too much weight not enough base, and casters on top of that. If the wheels are looking at each other it can take another inch of the width base.

Not too bad.

I would hate to think what you could do with some more practice.
You have done well Dane.
My only comment ( as per racingtadpoles comment ) is clean down the area you are welding to bare metal.

Thanks guys

Will S - the plate i just cut with an angle grinder and a 2mm cutting disc then flappy disc the edges

koditten - Thats a smaller size gas bottle with a argon/co2 mix. Same as you guys have just smaller as i bought it outright and it was fairly dear upfront. I can upgrade to a larger one and pro rata it.

I might go and try to tip it over today. It did get caught on an extensoin lead in the ground while i was pushing it but didnt topple.

Thanks, I like the cage around the valve. We don't have those here.

I'm always wondering what would happen if the valve was knowcked off. I know it would be bad, but a part of me always wants to see it happen

koditten said:

Thanks, I like the cage around the valve. We don't have those here.

I'm always wondering what would happen if the valve was knowcked off. I know it would be bad, but a part of me always wants to see it happen

Click to expand...

You can add those handles to bottles. No idea on cost though.
http://www.google.com/search?q=gas+...W2HMKRygGg_oHoCw&ved=0CEsQ7Ak&biw=360&bih=615