Learning to WELD!

[bimmer1980]

Post a pic once you have it up and running!

Keep in mind you might be charged an inspection fee on the outdated tank. I have a couple of spares that I bought in that state... I got estimates of $20 to $40. Although that might be waived if you buy enough consumables....

I will eventually set one of my tanks with pure argon so I can operate the spool gun for aluminum. In the interim, by tank of argon/co2 is working well for steel with the Hobart Beta-MIG 250...

It's wonderful having the capability of welding...

 

[Farmallgray]

have been using my AHP for several years

got a lot of features miller and Lincoln, have

stick welding is lacking 3 main features, hot start, **,***

use another welder for stick only, AHP does stick weld, but..

Charl

What does **,*** mean?

I got my Alhpa tig about a month ago but I haven't tried the stick function.
Will it be as good or better than my old Lincoln AC225 stick? I really hate AC stick welding.

 

[bczygan]

Just brought a tank of Argon home.

$70 for the T size (330CF) tank of Argon, $25 for the cert (Date was in the 50's I think) and $10 for a cap.

Got it at a mom and pop store.

Now to clear out the garage and hook it up and try it!!!

Bill

 

[bczygan]

Now I need a tungsten grinder...

Bill

 

[matt_i]

Now I need a tungsten grinder...

Bill

Wait? Just a bench grinder with a fresh wheel won't do?

 

[Craptain]

Wait? Just a bench grinder with a fresh wheel won't do? [emoji481]

For most general purposes, yes. But really for quality work a dedicated wheel is needed.

Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk

 

[sberry]

I aint on a nuke, most of the time flip a 4 1/2 over and use near the center of the wheel, spin it with fingers.

 

[bczygan]

For most general purposes, yes. But really for quality work a dedicated wheel is needed.

Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk

And that's the reason I like TIG the best.

The chance to go all OCD and be particular.

Has anyone used the Eastwood Tungsten Grinder? $89

https://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-tungsten-grinder-57555.html?SRCCODE=TXT00020&gclid=CjwKCAiAmO3gBRBBEiwA8d0Q4qSVttXOHPw2Y0yIsegm2st-JBvbNlUm6WuF_qjkDz3X6VZCBgjtbRoCC5QQAvD_BwE

Bill

 

[WunTon]

I've been considering this grinder for a bit now myself. It requires a rotary tool to use but I am just using that as a reason to add to my Milwaukee M12 line!

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/183295893621

 

[sberry]

Learn some basics, do it simple before buying every tool ever invented. I been at this a while, dont have one, not going to get it either. It doesnt count to have 4 machines if none work. Doesnt count to want to be perfect if you never do any real work.

 

[bczygan]

Learn some basics, do it simple before buying every tool ever invented. I been at this a while, dont have one, not going to get it either. It doesnt count to have 4 machines if none work. Doesnt count to want to be perfect if you never do any real work.

Sberry,

I've been trying to think of "Real Work" that might need to be done around the house, and haven't been able to come up with much. Any one have any ideas?

Maybe a HD welding cart or 2. Or some mobile bases for some of my machines. Or even a welding table. I'll have to go through the "Show us your welding projects" thread for ideas. But none of those are urgent needs, and I have lots of other priorities.

Have learned some basics at school. This will allow me to practice some more and get more proficient.

None of my tools have to "Pay for themselves" with work. Some do, but most don't. A lot of them sit there with "potential" that will only be realized if some need comes up. This isn't a business, like you operate. It's just fun time.

Bill

 

[sberry]

All this takes over the "other priorities".

 

[sberry]

It doesnt have to pay but its an expense. It
Very similar to compulsive gambler, while one might not drink the symptoms are the same. Place is falling apart, cant afford it, reall work being ignored, **** piling up, concern about profeciency for something with no use. Hoarding.

 

[bczygan]

It doesnt have to pay but its an expense. It
Very similar to compulsive gambler, while one might not drink the symptoms are the same. Place is falling apart, cant afford it, reall work being ignored, **** piling up, concern about profeciency for something with no use. Hoarding.

All true.

But it makes me happy.

And it gives me incentive to organize.

Today I'm working on the garage and basement to make a workspace for the new welder. 2 of the welders that won't be used, have been put in storage, and another one will be. Will leave me with the MIG and TIG/Stick.

Setting up some shelving in the basement, that I got free.

Bill

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

It doesnt have to pay but its an expense. It
Very similar to compulsive gambler, while one might not drink the symptoms are the same. Place is falling apart, cant afford it, reall work being ignored, **** piling up, concern about profeciency for something with no use. Hoarding.

Can't that be said for just about every hobby? If the guy likes welding, or even likes to collect welders, who cares if it makes him happy? I hardly equate learning to weld to drinking or gambling.

 

[bczygan]

Can't that be said for just about every hobby? If the guy likes welding, or even likes to collect welders, who cares if it makes him happy? I hardly equate learning to weld to drinking or gambling.

Well, you really can. Especially if you ignore other things in life that should be done, like I do. It's like any addiction, including spending too much time on the net. Yes, I am a hoarder, and I hoard tools, along with other things. We don't have a house full of 100 cats, like some do, but we do have too much stuff, and my favorite thing to http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6420205&postcount=203hoard is tools. This forum hasn't slowed me down any!!! It's fed my addiction really well. Does it matter if we hoard things we like? It's not bothering anyone but us. When I get a new tool, I have to make space for it and move things around. So?

Got all the shelving inside and am moving it into the basement.

Bill

 

[sberry]

I like Bill. But the happiness is obviously short term and has to be leading to stress instead of giving accomplishment. How many years can you organize and how many machines can you collect and put in to storage without ever running a bead?
Bill is a poster child for a 140 feeder, before he uses it is trying to upgrade to a 210. Build a few things with what he has, just piling it all up isn't a hobby, its compulsive.
I really should know better than to think pointing out the obvious will help break a life long habit.
I have a cousin that lives near him just the opposite, wanted a welder, looked a little and found a used/new 140 with a full bottle and 1/2 the 2# spool of wire ran thru it, all the fixins, 150$. He has enough stuff he could use a small machine,,,, he will never buy another. He gets a 30$ grinder that will last longer than he can use it, he will get 1. He has air comp he bought used, in perfect shape, does not need rebuild and a collection of parts more than its worth, he quit looking for them when he got it.

 

[bczygan]

I like Bill. But the happiness is obviously short term and has to be leading to stress instead of giving accomplishment. How many years can you organize and how many machines can you collect and put in to storage without ever running a bead?
Bill is a poster child for a 140 feeder, before he uses it is trying to upgrade to a 210. Build a few things with what he has, just piling it all up isn't a hobby, its compulsive.
I really should know better than to think pointing out the obvious will help break a life long habit.
I have a cousin that lives near him just the opposite, wanted a welder, looked a little and found a used/new 140 with a full bottle and 1/2 the 2# spool of wire ran thru it, all the fixins, 150$. He has enough stuff he could use a small machine,,,, he will never buy another. He gets a 30$ grinder that will last longer than he can use it, he will get 1. He has air comp he bought used, in perfect shape, does not need rebuild and a collection of parts more than its worth, he quit looking for them when he got it.

I call guys like that, "Normal People". And you are right. The rush of the good deal and acquiring something is 80% of the fun. I tend to go with what a fellow GJ member said.....

"Always good to keep hoards of stuff, you never know."

PS, Found a source for maybe a cheap or free used handheld tungsten grinder.

Maybe my hobby is really seeing how much stuff I can fit in a house.

Bill

 

[ez-duzit]

...How many years can you organize and how many machines can you collect...

Forever. And until you run out of space.

As a boat builder my shop is always a work in progress, as am I. And, at 75-years old, I'm still developing new capabilities and learning new skills. A few years ago I bought a milling machine and a metal lathe for $2,000, and have been teaching myself to be a machinist. They have more than paid for themselves and I'm getting interesting jobs because of them, and this is keeping me excited to continue producing. Shortly after buying those machines I bought a tig welder (Miller Dynasty 200dx) and I'm learning to make money with that too. Mostly I have been tacking my fabrications together for finishing by a master welder.

Here's a photo (taken last week) of me installing some parts (I made on the mill) on the 281' yacht which belongs to the owners of Walmart. Plus a photo of a spindle sander I just picked up yesterday to replace the little Ryobi benchtop unit I've been using. Continuing to improve my shop and my own abilities makes me happy.

 

[bczygan]

So I'm talking to the seller of Tungsten grinders and he mentions that they sometimes have a promotion where owners trade in their old grinders for a discount on a new one.

I asked what they do with the old ones. He said sometimes they are broken, but he doesn't know. He will check it out.

I just got an email.

He's sending me one of the old hand grinders!

I will certainly buy replacement wheels from them.




Bill

 

[sberry]

As a boat builder my shop is always a work in progress, as am I. And, at 75-years old, I'm still developing new capabilities and learning new skills. A few years ago I bought a milling machine and a metal lathe for $2,000, and have been teaching myself to be a machinist. They have more than paid for themselves and I'm getting interesting jobs because of them, and this is keeping me excited to continue producing. Shortly after buying those machines I bought a tig welder (Miller Dynasty 200dx) and I'm learning to make money with that too.

Good plan. Got real work.

 

[ez-duzit]

Real work is important. Practice is important. But it can be done while you're producing something worthwhile.

 

[bczygan]

Real work is important. Practice is important. But it can be done while you're producing something worthwhile.

I'm thinking of things.

Maybe some things to hang and organize tools.

Did a bracket for a motor starter for the compressor and a 3rd hand.

I need a welder cart that is stronger than the HF ones since I have T size cylinders.

I'll think of more.

Bill

 

[brownbagg]

the tombstone is the one you need to keep

 

[bczygan]

the tombstone is the one you need to keep

OK..........You talked me into it!


See how easy that was!!!


Bill

 

[bczygan]

Started clearing the garage so I can set up the welder. Still need to move the side by side fridge to get the cylinder into the garage.

But right now I'm at the hospital. My stepson is in the ICU. Stable but unresponsive. Pancreatic cancer. He missed a Dr's appointment and his Dr. called the cops who found him.

Had seizures and threw up and aspirated some. Got infection and collapsed lung.

So no welding tonight.

Bill

 

[matt_i]

My 0.002 is better to have a 4.5" angle grinder than a tungsten grinder.

Get a 4x6 horizontal saw and some steel stock, need some round, some flat, and some square or rectangle tube.

Make some custom bracketry to store stuff up high on the garage walls.

The tough part is stopping to clean and spray paint it before putting it into use

 

[bczygan]

My 0.002 is better to have a 4.5" angle grinder than a tungsten grinder.

Get a 4x6 horizontal saw and some steel stock, need some round, some flat, and some square or rectangle tube.

Make some custom bracketry to store stuff up high on the garage walls.

The tough part is stopping to clean and spray paint it before putting it into use

I have the horizontal bandsaw. Need stock!!!!!

Bill

 

[sberry]

Diy should be a scrap/reuse/repurpose guy. I rarely actually buy steel for common jobs, I collect appliance sheet, all kinds of stuff out there for free. People give me stuff too. Doesnt mean I wont buy new but its rare I have to. I "process" it so it stores.

 

[bczygan]

Back from the hospital. It was 1 1/2 hours away in Lapeer, MI.

Bushed, but still want to work on setting it up.

Or maybe just watch welding videos.

Bill

 

[bczygan]

IT WELDS!!!

Using it on 120V for now. It melts metal. Doing steel. Going to try aluminum. I need more filler rod!

Bill

 

[bczygan]

First learning experience.......

Tried aluminum.


Forgot to turn on the gas.....!!!

Bill

 

[bczygan]

Oh man!

I got pulse adjusted and it makes stack of dimes just as pretty as you please!!!

I LOVE this welder!

Right now I'm ignoring Julie, who wants me to help wrap Christmas gifts for the grandchildren.

Bill

 

[bczygan]

Some beads from the AHP:

Bill

 

[bczygan]

How many times in a row........I ask you........can a person goober up his tungsten?


Because he forgot to turn the gas on!

Bill

 

[Farmallgray]

Oh man!

I got pulse adjusted and it makes stack of dimes just as pretty as you please!!!

I LOVE this welder!

Right now I'm ignoring Julie, who wants me to help wrap Christmas gifts for the grandchildren.

Bill

Do you mind sharing what settings you used? I was experimenting with the pulse on mine and wasn't having much luck. I was just trying to run beads on 16ga aluminum and I was burning the edges away. I figured maybe
I should try a 1/16 tungsten instead of the 3/32.

 

[bczygan]

Do you mind sharing what settings you used? I was experimenting with the pulse on mine and wasn't having much luck. I was just trying to run beads on 16ga aluminum and I was burning the edges away. I figured maybe
I should try a 1/16 tungsten instead of the 3/32.

First, I was hooked up to 120V, so the markings on the dial don't match, since the max amps are around 140. You set the amps by the display.

Everything depends on the metal thickness of metal and type of joint and size of bead you want. I used 80A for main amps to start with.

I set the pulse freq. to the low pulse setting and to the lowest setting on the inner dial which is .5, or sometimes 1. That way I can follow the pulse with my movement and dipping. I use it like a metronome.

I set the main amps so it is hot enough to sufficiently melt and spread the puddle just enough, but not too much before I dip and move on. Start and end amps at 40 or so.

Pulse (Low) amps at 45%.

Pulse time on at 50%

AC freq. 120 Hz.

AC balance no more than 35% for 3/32 tungsten or it can get to hot. Actually, you get adequate cleaning with it set all the way down.

Post flow at 6 or 7 seconds, more if you run real hot.

I used these as a base and played around with them.

Go here:

Bill

 

[bczygan]

First, I was hooked up to 120V, so the markings on the dial don't match, since the max amps are around 140. You set the amps by the display.

Everything depends on the metal thickness of metal and type of joint and size of bead you want. I used 80A for main amps to start with.

I set the pulse freq. to the low pulse setting and to the lowest setting on the inner dial which is .5, or sometimes 1. That way I can follow the pulse with my movement and dipping. I use it like a metronome.

I set the main amps so it is hot enough to sufficiently melt and spread the puddle just enough, but not too much before I dip and move on. Start and end amps at 40 or so.

Pulse (Low) amps at 45%.

Pulse time on at 50%

AC freq. 120 Hz.

AC balance no more than 35% for 3/32 tungsten or it can get to hot. Actually, you get adequate cleaning with it set all the way down.

Post flow at 6 or 7 seconds, more if you run real hot.

I used these as a base and played around with them.

Go here:

Bill

So what I am doing, is setting as many things to a good standard setting, as I can, so the only variables left, are heat and travel speed.

Bill

 

[danielbuck]

How many times in a row........I ask you........can a person goober up his tungsten?


Because he forgot to turn the gas on!

Bill

not familiar with the machine that you have, does it have pre-purge? You can hear the gas hiss on the brief pre-purge before striking the arc. If you don't hear it, don't start.

 

[bczygan]

not familiar with the machine that you have, does it have pre-purge? You can hear the gas hiss on the brief pre-purge before striking the arc. If you don't hear it, don't start.

I think it has a preset pre-purge, but it is too short to hear.

I knew something was bad wrong. It just took a couple of times for my mind to connect the right dots.

I'm going to post a big sign, "Turn on the gas!"

Bill