New to Welding, What do I Need?

[RNN14Wolfe]

I'm entirely self taught, Mig, Tig, Arc, etc. I've been a mechanic for 22 years now and sometimes welding just goes with the territory. I say just go for it and keep doing it until you get it right. You've already got a great welder to start with.

I HIGHLY recommend you use shielding gas, and not flux core, that stuff is garbage.

Mig welding is easy once you figure out the voltage and wire speed that best suits what you're trying to weld. You'll get it in no time.

 

[RNN14Wolfe]

Welding galvanized steel won't kill you. It can make you really sick for a few days if you're not careful (commonly called "metal fume fever"), but unless you have other health complications, it is unlikely to be lethal. I'm not saying long term over-exposure won't have some sort of health complications, but for the average hobbyist, its perfectly safe (as safe as welding can be) as long as you take the right precautions (remove coating from the weld joint with wire brush, good ventilation/fume extraction, keep your head out of the plume, etc.)

I'd actually argue that the bigger danger that doesn't get talked about enough is MIG welding stainless steel and the release of hexavalent chromium. That is some really scary stuff. Again, as long as the right precautions are taken, it can be made safe(r) as long as you know what you are doing.

I do agree that taking classes or having a mentor is hugely beneficial when compared to just trying to learn by trial and error on your own.

Metal fume fever is nothing to sneeze at, it basically feels like a hangover x10.

What CAN kill you is using any kind of chlorinated solvents to wipe your metal down with (ie, brake cleaner).

NEVER EVER DO THAT.

Rubbing alcohol or acetone are acceptable.

 

[sberry]

I see the need to learn to weld too and have been thinking a lot about it. Can't do certain projects without it.

One of my main concerns is it seams that everydoby who welds wears glasses. I have good eyesight, and even with the right PPE I fear I'll end up the same way.

You likely wont get tru significant hours welding. A diy type just cant practice that much.

 

[sberry]

Metal fume fever is nothing to sneeze at, it basically feels like a hangover x10.

What CAN kill you is using any kind of chlorinated solvents to wipe your metal down with (ie, brake cleaner).

NEVER EVER DO THAT.

Rubbing alcohol or acetone are acceptable.

A little long gone brakleen wont hurt anything. It should be used outdoor or ventilated anyway, it is super fine and goes everywhere. Welding thru grease is nasty.

 

[RNN14Wolfe]

A little long gone brakleen wont hurt anything. It should be used outdoor or ventilated anyway, it is super fine and goes everywhere. Welding thru grease is nasty.

If burn something that's had chlorinated solvents on it, you're effectively creating something similar to mustard gas.

 

[sberry]

No it wont. Its all evaporated and long gone. At one point they had a problem with this when they used it in bulk, had liquids sitting around and air full of vapors.
I believe some of it is listed as zero residue and there is no warning on the can. If it was deadly there certainly would be a caution label.

 

[MarkG]

I HIGHLY recommend you use shielding gas, and not flux core, that stuff is garbage.

Not if you use good wire, good prep, use it skillfully and are using the right polarity! Hobart flux-core wire is great stuff and can make beautiful welds and you can weld thicker material safely with flux core, all other things being equal. Go straight in or with a slight drag angle and don't hang back in the puddle too much or it WILL get ugly.

If appearance is critical-----sure, then use solid wire and gas, but it's very possible to make strong, decent-looking welds with flux core.

 

[RNN14Wolfe]

Not if you use good wire, good prep, use it skillfully and are using the right polarity! Hobart flux-core wire is great stuff and can make beautiful welds and you can weld thicker material safely with flux core, all other things being equal. Go straight in or with a slight drag angle and don't hang back in the puddle too much or it WILL get ugly.

If appearance is critical-----sure, then use solid wire and gas, but it's very possible to make strong, decent-looking welds with flux core.

Oh, yea, for sure, it'll stick 2 piece of metal together just fine, but yea, it's ugly.

Cosmetics are always a concern of mine, welding is 50% of my job.

 

[joe49]

You sound like you have no experience with good wire and machines to do a good job

 

[bdbecker]

Metal fume fever is nothing to sneeze at, it basically feels like a hangover x10...

I know - got it at my first welding job. Spent one day in bed convinced I was going to die, and it took 2 or 3 more days to feel completely normal again. Once was enough to learn my lesson, now I don't take any chances.

-----

A little long gone brakleen wont hurt anything. It should be used outdoor or ventilated anyway, it is super fine and goes everywhere. Welding thru grease is nasty.

Yeah, but why risk it at all when there are a dozen other ways to clean without chlorine?

 

[sberry]

There is only risk if there is risk.

 

[MarkG]

Oh, yea, for sure, it'll stick 2 piece of metal together just fine, but yea, it's ugly.

Cosmetics are always a concern of mine, welding is 50% of my job.

Here you go----2-pass, uphill flux-core wire with Hobart Handler 140. OF COURSE solid wire is going to be a little cleaner/smoother, but with the right machine, wire, and experience, flux core can make pretty nice welds welds. Hobart flux core is very nice and smooth running.

 

[jhn9840]

MarkG, very nice looking weave.

jhn9840
John

 

[GaryM909]

Make sure you keep your bare skin covered. Protection from the uv rays. Cotton or denim works fine.


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[MarkG]

MarkG, very nice looking weave.

jhn9840
John

Thanks, John!

 

[HotRodHudson]

Well, I finally pulled everything together & got to melting some steel. These aren’t the prettiest but what the heck it’s my 1st time pulling the welders trigger just minutes ago.

The best part was my 16 y/o daughter also gave it a go and I think her’s looked even better than mine.

Loved making this memory!!!

My first two attempts:


My daughter:


Her first welding:







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