My first welding project

[rockcrawler]

I built a wall rack for my backpack blower. I used 16G 3/4” square tube. Welds look horrible and with the welder turned all the way down, it still burned through a lot. But, it’s complete. I have a ton to learn. I’m using a Hobart Handler 140 with flux core wire.

 

[butchdsd]

Nice project.....well worth the effort....ours is a tripping hazard at best....

 

[royce]

Nice job Sir
You might have an easier time welding with solid wire and shield gas on 16 g material
Royce

 

[rockcrawler]

Nice job Sir
You might have an easier time welding with solid wire and shield gas on 16 g material
Royce

Thank you. I’ve been considering that.

 

[Bodj Built]

Also, 16g is relatively thin and isn't easy to start out with . But it looks good!

 

[rockcrawler]

Thanks. It was fun to build. In hindsight, I wish I would have used 14g or thicker, but I was doing it on the cheap.

 

[Kaizen]

Thanks. It was fun to build. In hindsight, I wish I would have used 14g or thicker, but I was doing it on the cheap.

What size flux core? I only used it on my 110 machine doing heavy stuff so not even sure if they make a .025 but that might help. Maybe tack welds instead of beads as well. each tack overlaps the previous by half.
If you can get good using flux you'll be a master when you get gas and solid going.

 

[rockcrawler]

Currently using .030

 

[The Cobbler]

on lite gauge material you can "pulse" the trigger on and off . not a pretty weld but it helps with burn thru .
nice project, looks good!

 

[nadogail]

No matter what you say, it looks better than my first welding project.

Keep getting better.

 

[Kaizen]

Currently using .030

I was using that for 1/8 to 1/4 inch steel. i found flux kind of explodes when arc starts as compared to solid wire is a softer start so no blow through. i've hear guys say they have done whole car restorations with flux so its possible but not the easiest.

 

[rockcrawler]

Thanks for the info, suggestions and encouragement. I’m assuming it is recommended to use a lighter wire for thinner material so that your not laying down so much?

 

[Terra Nova]

Looks great! Nicely done.

As mentioned by others, 16gauge it tough enough with solid wire and shielding gas. Just did a bunch of it with 0.030 wire and 75/25 gas. It was tough for certain joints. Really easy to get too much heat into the material and then you're welder settings are too hot.

Been meaning to pick up some 0.023 wire and try that out

 

[Kaizen]

Thanks for the info, suggestions and encouragement. I’m assuming it is recommended to use a lighter wire for thinner material so that your not laying down so much?

Yes a smaller bead but also takes less heat to melt it which should help reduce blow through. As i said tack weld it together then add tacks off of those. Finish with a bead over all of that once you clean the metal again. I use this often on old thin auto body metal.

 

[rockcrawler]

Yes a smaller bead but also takes less heat to melt it which should help reduce blow through. As i said tack weld it together then add tacks off of those. Finish with a bead over all of that once you clean the metal again. I use this often on old thin auto body metal.

I’ll try that next time. Thank you.

 

[dalepres]

I was going to mention getting a machine that uses gas instead of flux-core (guess I just did mention it) but your project looks fantastic.

I've watched a lot of videos on the top welding sites on YouTube and one common thing I've learned is that even the best often use a grinder to make things look good. A grinder covers a lot of errors.

Anyway, nice job!

 

[rockcrawler]

I was going to mention getting a machine that uses gas instead of flux-core (guess I just did mention it) but your project looks fantastic.

I've watched a lot of videos on the top welding sites on YouTube and one common thing I've learned is that even the best often use a grinder to make things look good. A grinder covers a lot of errors.

Anyway, nice job!

I’ll have to start looking for a tank soon. My welder (Hobart Handler 140) can use gas or flux.

 

[Copymutt]

I also tend to fab things out of thinner wall steel. A great source for free metal is the back lot of Tractor Supply. Make acquaintance w/ the manager. They place display old shelves and racks w/ the discarded pallets. Making solar wall frames this weekend. Zero cost for the steel.

 

[rockcrawler]

I also tend to fab things out of thinner wall steel. A great source for free metal is the back lot of Tractor Supply. Make acquaintance w/ the manager. They place display old shelves and racks w/ the discarded pallets. Making solar wall frames this weekend. Zero cost for the steel.

Nice. Good idea. Thanks.

 

[nadogail]

My first welding project was a cart to mount my Hobart AC/DC Stickmate Welder on. I used repurposed steel and a short bit of 1" pipe for the handgrip.