My grandfather saw the Harbor Freight flyer and wanted to buy me a Harbor Freight 90 Amp Fluxcore welder. This is my first welder. Tried welding for the first time yesterday and it was bad lol!!! What can I practice welding on? I have all the right gear (My grandfather also got me an auto darkening helmet, a welding mat, an extra 2lb spool of Fluxcore wire, welding gloves, and a few contact tips) so what can I pratice on? Any tips would be appreciated. I also watched Youtube videos so I think I know what to do. Thanks!!!
Just got a Welder!!!
- Thread starter JoeyMitch
- Start date
Get some scrap steel and start welding stuff together. It doesnt have to be pretty or look like art. The best thing about it is that you are doing it! Have fun, and ask away. I dont post much on here and usually lurk but your enthusiasm for your new welder can be easily heard in your post.
Have fun with it!!!!
Have fun with it!!!!
e30bradley
Well-known member
heavier is easier because you won't 'blow through' as easy. Practice setting up the machine and keeping your hand steady, try to weld straight beads. Harder than I thought it would be when I started but now I can weld straight..most of the time. make sure to clean the metal first, use a grinder with a twisted wire wheel. You need good electrical connections at both the ground and the wire.
goodysgotacuda
Well-known member
nice, stick with it, teaching myself how to weld is one of the best things I've done in quite awhile!
twohaggard
Well-known member
Bed frames are very easy to come by, easy to clean before you weld on them and u can build alllll kinds of stuff out of them!
Hghgrad
Well-known member
Yes, find an old bed frame that somebody is throwing out and build yourself a cart for that welder. Always a great first project.
brianpgriset
Well-known member
1/8" is very common for practice. Bed frames are usually right at that too. Look up some you tube videos, this should help some seeing someone else control a weld puddle. Welding tips and tricks (Jody) has very good videos.
machine_punk
Well-known member
I started teaching myself to weld recently (Oxy-Acetylene). I stopped by my local scrap dealer and picked up some steel strapping (I think 3/16") to cut into coupons for practice. I cut them into 6-inch lengths for this. Practice with the pieces flat first, then move on to harder positions.
Plenty of stuff on YouTube. Also check out the welding DVD's at Northern Tools (something mountain). I have to OA version. If the flux core is similar, then it is definitely worth the $20ish for the DVD.
Have fun! You won't regret learning to weld.
Kev
Plenty of stuff on YouTube. Also check out the welding DVD's at Northern Tools (something mountain). I have to OA version. If the flux core is similar, then it is definitely worth the $20ish for the DVD.
Have fun! You won't regret learning to weld.
Kev
1967lemans
Well-known member
Educate yourself on weld defects. Learn what they are and how to avoid them. undercut, cold roll, slag entrapment, and porosity just to name a few. You'll hear "watch the puddle" over and over. Even then beginners still have a habit of looking at the arc. once you get it down, build yourself a cart and a table!
dwp99
Well-known member
You're getting a lot of good information here but one thing I think you might want to start off with is a piece if 1/4" flat about 4" wide and say 12" long clean the surface well with a grinder or wire brush.
Start on one end and start laying beads. One after another from side to side. Practice, practice, practice. You'll learn how close to keep the tip from the surface of the metal. What angle and how fast to move the gun. when you get the piece of metal filled with beads, start over again and stack them up on the first layer.
I've heard that the flux core wire that you get from Harbor Freight is not the best quality so don't get discouraged if things don't look good. Right now you are learning control of the gun and how the welder performs.
One other thing, weld in a well ventilated area. keep from breathing the fumes. you can use a fan with the flux core wire but if you switch to using solid wire with a gas bottle you'll need to come up with a different way to vent the fumes.
Have fun and ask questions. Welding can be very enjoyable and the things you can create are endless.
Start on one end and start laying beads. One after another from side to side. Practice, practice, practice. You'll learn how close to keep the tip from the surface of the metal. What angle and how fast to move the gun. when you get the piece of metal filled with beads, start over again and stack them up on the first layer.
I've heard that the flux core wire that you get from Harbor Freight is not the best quality so don't get discouraged if things don't look good. Right now you are learning control of the gun and how the welder performs.
One other thing, weld in a well ventilated area. keep from breathing the fumes. you can use a fan with the flux core wire but if you switch to using solid wire with a gas bottle you'll need to come up with a different way to vent the fumes.
Have fun and ask questions. Welding can be very enjoyable and the things you can create are endless.
ZRX61
Well-known member
First get a 6in square of 1/2in plate & just run beads until it's covered (not forgetting to wire brush between passes)... when it's covered, turn the plate 90deg & runs more beads. By the time it's about 1in thick you should have got the hang of that part 
racingtadpole
Well-known member
Go to weldingtipsandtricks.com and watch the mig videos. You only have a 90 amp welder so its pointless practicing on anything thicker than 1/8", you wont be able to get it hot enough to run decent beads.
shurik06_83
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 1, 2012
- Messages
- 136
toss the flux core stuff in the trash and see if u can convert ur rig to mig
some are easy and all you need is bottle with shield gas, some machines u will need a conversion kit
but once you try with gas the welds will look clean they wont splatter all over
and u will see your self getting better
with flux it will look really bad and u will get fed up and give up
flux i use outside in the wind where shield gas wont work and the piece i am doing has to stick together but doesn't have to look nice
some are easy and all you need is bottle with shield gas, some machines u will need a conversion kit
but once you try with gas the welds will look clean they wont splatter all over
and u will see your self getting better
with flux it will look really bad and u will get fed up and give up
flux i use outside in the wind where shield gas wont work and the piece i am doing has to stick together but doesn't have to look nice
I like what these two posts had to say.
Learn to recognize bad welds.
Practice your beads on a flat surface before trying to weld joints, crawl before you walk.
Also you should absolutely read up on the dangers of welding, not trying to be scary but it can (especially flux core) pose a health risk if you are careless. Proper ventilation and eye protection is essential also welding certain materials such as galvanized is a no no.
dwp99
Well-known member
JoeyMitch
Here's your welder in action
and as you can see it's doing a pretty good job.
Here's your welder in action
sharkytm
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Whack it with a hammer... or cut it in half and look at the penetration.
A strong weld will not always look pretty, and pretty welds will not always be strong.
A strong weld will not always look pretty, and pretty welds will not always be strong.
Sounds simple enough!!!!
R.Anderson
Well-known member
If you can find someone that can show/teach you first hand. You can also post pictures of your welds on here and go from there.
Here is a website that has great videos and tips that can help:
http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/
Here is a website that has great videos and tips that can help:
http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/
subarub4
Well-known member
My father was a wielder but passed before he could teach me having said that I have the 90A wielder as well but for what I was going to use it for it's too strong for stuff like sheet metal and stuff..
I'm not sure if I should look at getting the mig wielder version... Is having gas going to make it that much neater looking? I had all kinds of splatter.
having said that I have the 90A wielder as well but for what I was going to use it for it's too strong for stuff like sheet metal and stuff..I'm not sure if I should look at getting the mig wielder version... Is having gas going to make it that much neater looking? I had all kinds of splatter.
R.Anderson
Well-known member
You can weld sheet metal with MIG. Just convert the machine and use .023 diameter wire and 75CO@/25Ar gas mix.
rjwilliams
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 4, 2012
- Messages
- 137
I thought people said that there was too much carbon or something in old bed frames and not to use them.
goodysgotacuda
Well-known member
I've used them for various unimportant ****...they are right on dealing with it. The bedframes I messed with would tear up a HSS bit or sawzall blade in a hurry if you let it.
subarub4
Well-known member
Wondering how you convert? lets make it simple
for a new wielder would I be better off having the flux or getting a mig or converting? I know how to work in electronics so that's not an issue.. I would of picked the mig up but did not have a 240V outlet however my generator I will be getting does.Displaced Hokie
Well-known member
Slow down! Remember, you are on GJ and no tool is good enough for anyone! When I saw your post I was just waiting to see who would be the first **** to tell you to scrap your machine, give up, buy a true MIG, or do something else. 
I'm 39, have a 225 amp 220v stick welder, and I just bought the same welder you have. It's a good machine that works well. In my extensive research before buying, the only "mandatory" mod it needs is better wire. The HF wire spatters a lot. I bought a roll of .030 Lincoln flux-core wire from Lowe's and some Lincoln tips before I ever used it. Less than @$20 total.
I'm pleased at how it works, but I need to practice too. I'm an awesome stick welder, but the "auto feed" of any MIG takes time for me to adjust to. Take your time, and you will get it! Just find as much scrap metal as you can and practice sticking it together and then trying to break it apart. Remember, the metal must be CLEAN, so a good wire brush, brush on a drill, or wire wheel is in your future.
Enjoy!!!!
I'm 39, have a 225 amp 220v stick welder, and I just bought the same welder you have. It's a good machine that works well. In my extensive research before buying, the only "mandatory" mod it needs is better wire. The HF wire spatters a lot. I bought a roll of .030 Lincoln flux-core wire from Lowe's and some Lincoln tips before I ever used it. Less than @$20 total.
I'm pleased at how it works, but I need to practice too. I'm an awesome stick welder, but the "auto feed" of any MIG takes time for me to adjust to. Take your time, and you will get it! Just find as much scrap metal as you can and practice sticking it together and then trying to break it apart. Remember, the metal must be CLEAN, so a good wire brush, brush on a drill, or wire wheel is in your future.
Enjoy!!!!
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subarub4
Well-known member
Slow down! Remember, you are on GJ and no tool is good enough for anyone! When I saw your post I was just waiting to see who would be the first **** to tell you to scrap your machine, give up, buy a true MIG, or do something else.
I'm 39, have a 225 amp 220v stick welder, and I just bought the same welder you have. It's a good machine that works well. In my extensive research before buying, the only "mandatory" mod it needs is better wire. The HF wire spatters a lot. I bought a roll of .030 Lincoln flux-core wire from Lowe's and some Lincoln tips before I ever used it. Less than @$20 total.
I'm pleased at how it works, but I need to practice too. I'm an awesome stick welder, but the "auto feed" of any MIG takes time for me to adjust to. Take your time, and you will get it! Just find as much scrap metal as you can and practice sticking it together and then trying to break it apart. Remember, the metal must be CLEAN, so a good wire brush, brush on a drill, or wire wheel is in your future.
Enjoy!!!!
Yeah I notice that a lot on some sites, but here is the thing for stuff like exhausts and body panels I can't use this.. I tried on some scrap exhaust and had lots of burn holes.
from what I hear 30 A is more suited for stuff like this? I noticed the stick wielders go down much lower. I will have to try some other wire but I need something that uses less power.
e-tek
Well-known member
WOW - what a GREAT Granfather - make sure you tell him!!!
I love this forum when the guys with experience share it and no-one distracts from the question at hand. TONS of great info here - couldn't add any if I wanted!
I love this forum when the guys with experience share it and no-one distracts from the question at hand. TONS of great info here - couldn't add any if I wanted!
R.Anderson
Well-known member
Slow down! Remember, you are on GJ and no tool is good enough for anyone! When I saw your post I was just waiting to see who would be the first **** to tell you to scrap your machine, give up, buy a true MIG, or do something else.
I'm 39, have a 225 amp 220v stick welder, and I just bought the same welder you have. It's a good machine that works well. In my extensive research before buying, the only "mandatory" mod it needs is better wire. The HF wire spatters a lot. I bought a roll of .030 Lincoln flux-core wire from Lowe's and some Lincoln tips before I ever used it. Less than @$20 total.
I'm pleased at how it works, but I need to practice too. I'm an awesome stick welder, but the "auto feed" of any MIG takes time for me to adjust to. Take your time, and you will get it! Just find as much scrap metal as you can and practice sticking it together and then trying to break it apart. Remember, the metal must be CLEAN, so a good wire brush, brush on a drill, or wire wheel is in your future.
Enjoy!!!!
There is no need to be calling people dicks. If you read his post you would know what he was asking about.
I'm just giving the info on what he needs or needs to do on welding sheet metal.
Whats sad is a member that calls people names that are offering help.
There is no need for that.
R.Anderson
Well-known member
Wondering how you convert? lets make it simple
Post on what machine you have so I can research it to see what is needed.
subarub4
Well-known member
I have this one
http://www.harborfreight.com/welding/mig-flux-welders/90-amp-flux-wire-welder-68887-8494.html
but the older version that was blue but I can't see any real difference with the new black one, sorry my welder is at another location right now.
scrappy600
Well-known member
R.Anderson
Well-known member
Looks like they made this welder just for flux core. Never seen these ones before, Ill have ta stop by harbor freight to get a better look at it. Its the gun and cable I'm worried about. I don't know if it is a regular MIG gun with a special flux nozzle on it and all you need is a copper gas shield nozzle and a conversion kit. I was thinking you have a MIG welder they sold with flux core wire and all that you needed was gas bottle regulator hose and maybe a solenoid and fittings to convert (conversion kit minus the bottle).
Conversion can be done, but the parts, time, and modification that would be needed may out weigh buying a MIG machine.
They do make MIG units that run off 120vac.
Running welders off generators is ok but make sure the watt rating is more than enough on the generator to run the welder.
e-tek
Well-known member
Slow down! Remember, you are on GJ and no tool is good enough for anyone! When I saw your post I was just waiting to see who would be the first **** to tell you to scrap your machine, give up, buy a true MIG, or do something else.
But it didn't happen - did it? Looks like YOU were the only one to bring it up....
R.Anderson
Well-known member
On your unit is there a gas hose that runs to the gun and is there a copper nozzle?
1967lemans
Well-known member
The reason these little machines produce so much spatter is because they are an AC output machine. A few people have converted the older blue units to DC. IMHO you'd be better off just buy a mig up front if that is what you desire.
R.Anderson
Well-known member
Didn't know that the HF welder was ac output, should of known that there was no rectifier I looked at the schematic when I was looking to see if there was a solenoid built in. No rectifier makes it cheaper to sell.
Rectifier would also be needed to convert to dc.
I would have to agree with buying a MIG unit, unless your up for a challenge/project.
racingtadpole
Well-known member
WHY?
I used to weld car panels with my little machine using fluxcore (it can run both) many moons ago when I didnt have gas and regulators. If thats what you want to do, get some thin flux wire, some scrap car panels, and practise until you are good at it, and the reality is most car panel repair is only tack welding anyway.
skyking
Well-known member
I have been welding for 54 years ( started at 8)
I would tell you to move up to a 140a machine. Miller ,Hobart .Lincoln.
Easier to learn on and more versatile.You are going to want to weld larger metal at times .The little machine you have has a very low duty cycle and probably puts out 60A at best.
Flux core was developed primarily for welding in the wind or a breeze. It does produce a crapier looking weld,but just as strong.
Gas welding uses argon or mixed gas to act as a shield of (flux) it produces a much cleaner weld .
Hope this is of some help considering that I am a just "one of those DICKS "
I would tell you to move up to a 140a machine. Miller ,Hobart .Lincoln.
Easier to learn on and more versatile.You are going to want to weld larger metal at times .The little machine you have has a very low duty cycle and probably puts out 60A at best.
Flux core was developed primarily for welding in the wind or a breeze. It does produce a crapier looking weld,but just as strong.
Gas welding uses argon or mixed gas to act as a shield of (flux) it produces a much cleaner weld .
Hope this is of some help considering that I am a just "one of those DICKS "
subarub4
Well-known member
Yes this is the one I have and no it has no type of gas hose what so ever running to the gun.