Ha LAM i'm officially a welder now

[OCMerrill]

Flux core has it place. That's every place outside with even a whisper of wind. We weld repair almost daily. Gates, pool fences, sliding entry gates, etc. Not me so much these days thanks to a couple of my employees.

I have taught many to see what your not seeing. I have 4 machines but my Hobart is in my garage and doesn't see much use as its a dedicated GAS machine. The rest are Lincoln and they are generally 140, 110v flux machines because Generators power them mostly. So many pool fences or wrought iron fencing is on a slope and nowhere near the trucks.

 

[lbhsbz]

Flux core has it place. That's every place outside with even a whisper of wind. We weld repair almost daily. Gates, pool fences, sliding entry gates, etc. Not me so much these days thanks to a couple of my employees.

I have taught many to see what your not seeing. I have 4 machines but my Hobart is in my garage and doesn't see much use as its a dedicated GAS machine. The rest are Lincoln and they are generally 140, 110v flux machines because Generators power them mostly. So many pool fences or wrought iron fencing is on a slope and nowhere near the trucks.

110V machines are great.

I learned on an old 120A 240V craftsman stick welder my grandpa handed down.....built a shitty '23 t-bucket roadster with it. Then "moved up" to a harbor freight flux core 110V wire feeder (flux core) ....and it was a great machine within it's capabilities. That was back when they were still made in Italy. It quit one day and I moved up to a lincoln SP135 w/ gas....built a couple race cars with that one. Then moved up to an SP175 (or the home depot equivilent...HD3200 or something). I needed to do some fence work out front and a harbor freight 110V wire feeder was cheaper than an extension cord, so I bought one. It was a lemon. Wouldn't weld for shit....took me 3 exchanges to get a good one, but when I got it, it welded great. I also have an older TA185 tig machine, which is pretty limited on power, but does what I need it to do. I've been looking for a deal on a name brand (lincoln/miller/hobart) 110V mig, but everyone thinks they're made of gold. I think I paid $400 for mine new at Home Depot back in 2000 or so....figure a used one should be 1/2 of that, but they're not lol.

Flux core has it's place, as does MIG, as does TIG, stick, etc.... There is no "one size fits all", but for general shit, a 110V MIG is as close as it gets.

 

[OCMerrill]

110V machines are great.

I learned on an old 120A 240V craftsman stick welder my grandpa handed down.....built a shitty '23 t-bucket roadster with it. Then "moved up" to a harbor freight flux core 110V wire feeder (flux core) ....and it was a great machine within it's capabilities. That was back when they were still made in Italy. It quit one day and I moved up to a lincoln SP135 w/ gas....built a couple race cars with that one. Then moved up to an SP175 (or the home depot equivilent...HD3200 or something). I needed to do some fence work out front and a harbor freight 110V wire feeder was cheaper than an extension cord, so I bought one. It was a lemon. Wouldn't weld for shit....took me 3 exchanges to get a good one, but when I got it, it welded great. I also have an older TA185 tig machine, which is pretty limited on power, but does what I need it to do. I've been looking for a deal on a name brand (lincoln/miller/hobart) 110V mig, but everyone thinks they're made of gold. I think I paid $400 for mine new at Home Depot back in 2000 or so....figure a used one should be 1/2 of that, but they're not lol.

Flux core has it's place, as does MIG, as does TIG, stick, etc.... There is no "one size fits all", but for general shit, a 110V MIG is as close as it gets.

I still have the original Lincoln Mig 100 I bought 25 years ago. That 110v sucker draws 25 amps and must have thousands of hrs. on it. Takes a clever Gen to keep it happy.

My Hobart is dual 120/240. Right now set up for 240. Purchased it 8 years ago and taught my son to weld with it at 13. This was on MIX and when he went into the field to weld some railings with flux... I realized we should have started with that first. How frustrated he was at first.

 

[rrrr]

As @rrrr mentioned, keep the feed straight with mild curves. Also, the "drag" on your spool can play a roll. A big spool will have inertia, and want to continue spinning when the feed wheels stop.

I forgot about setting the spool retaining nut and spring to provide a little resistance. It shouldn't be freewheeling, just tight enough to stop it when the trigger on the gun is released.

 

[wzuber]

One more thing not yet mentioned....the liner in the welding lead. It needs to match the size wire being used just as the contact tip.
As has been stated, read the owners manual for all that type info. As well, remove the contact tip when "re-wiring" the lead from the spooling nest at the drive rollers as Icky stated. Buy a bunch of contact tips ( bag of 10, 25 etc.) They, along with with the gas nozzles are "consumables". Clean the weld slag off the nozzel/contact tip regularly to help prevent wire feed issues there too. A cheap screw driver works well for that. The tip dip can be helpful when you start running consistent longer duration welds. You'll just want to stick it in hot, shake off the excess and then do a short burn like a tack weld to burn off the waxy material on the wire before re-starting your weld process.
It will feel clumsy at first but give yourself plenty of time to learn the basics and then progress from there. Start by just learning
to make nice individual tack welds so you know you have a good heat setting and feed speed for your wire size and material thickness. If you can get 16 gauge tube or sheet and start there it will give you a good base to work on initially and work up from there. I hope this is of help to you.

 

[Sharky]

I really like your welding cart set-up H20!!!!!!!

The Snap-On cart/box with the tanks on the side & welder sitting on top.

I'm checking out the poor mans choice (Harbor Freight) to maybe do something similar.

Would be nice to keep all the welding equipment centralized/located in one spot.

A drawer for welder equip.

A drawer for PPE (gloves/shields/eye protection).

A drawer for measuring tools.

A drawer for grinders and discs/wheels/wire wheels, etc.

A drawer for clamps, vice grips, magnetic jigs, etc.

I like the tank straps you made.. Curious how you made them?

 

[HNL2LHC]

I think that this is a good time to post this. Let me know if you want help to make you a bike for the next Pub Crawl Dan…..


We could do the chopper like I mad for our son 23ish years ago.

We could do the custom two neck bike. I would not recommend with the RDP group pub crawl. LOL

We could do the hybrid bike shopping cart. This would be great to aid in picking up those RDP members that might not be able to bike on their own.

We could do the old upside down bike. Personally I think that you’d look awesome on one. I did a little Photo Chopping to help you see the vision.

 

[H20 Toie]

I really like your welding cart set-up H20!!!!!!!

The Snap-On cart/box with the tanks on the side & welder sitting on top.

I'm checking out the poor mans choice (Harbor Freight) to maybe do something similar.

Would be nice to keep all the welding equipment centralized/located in one spot.

A drawer for welder equip.

A drawer for PPE (gloves/shields/eye protection).

A drawer for measuring tools.

A drawer for grinders and discs/wheels/wire wheels, etc.

A drawer for clamps, vice grips, magnetic jigs, etc.

I like the tank straps you made.. Curious how you made them?

I think the setup will be sweet when i get it dialed in, glad i didn't sell the tool box now,
The tank brackets are 3D printed, but they are to big for my printer so i had to buy them, found them on etsy.com

 

[Pivot]

Ha. Weldors last night keepin SoCal water supply reliable into the future.

View attachment 1480248 View attachment 1480249 View attachment 1480250 View attachment 1480255 View attachment 1480256

Are they union? Asking for a friend.

I sure don't miss welding inside pipelines.

 

[evantwheeler]

Are they union? Asking for a friend.

I sure don't miss welding inside pipelines.

They are paid prevailing wage, at a minumim . Its not bad inside when you go turn the blower fan up from idle to 2800 and the contractor builds a temp bulkhead so the air goes the right direction in the shutdown pipeline.

Weld smoke:

 

[SoCalDave]

I spent many a hours under a hood with a tig torch in my hand and one foot on the petal. Welded mostly tool steels such as H13, S7, 420 stainless and much more. Haven't picked up a torch in like 5 years now and most likely never will again.
Mig is easy once you figure it out.
Good luck with your splatter Dan.

 

[BHC Vic]

I spent many a hours under a hood with a tig torch in my hand and one foot on the petal. Welded mostly tool steels such as H13, S7, 420 stainless and much more. Haven't picked up a torch in like 5 years now and most likely never will again.
Mig is easy once you figure it out.
Good luck with your splatter Dan.

Spatter

 

[H20 Toie]

Well I learned that you had better pay attention to the thickness of the steel you use
Was practicing on some 1/8 inch and grabbed a piece of 14 gauge without changing settings
Didn’t work so well

 

[monkeyswrench]

Well I learned that you had better pay attention to the thickness of the steel you use
Was practicing on some 1/8 inch and grabbed a piece of 14 gauge without changing settings
Didn’t work so well

It's all part of the learning process. Now, you can use the piece you blew holes through, and play with patching holes.

 

[HNL2LHC]

It's all part of the learning process. Now, you can use the piece you blew holes through, and play with patching holes.

Also just learned how to make hole without breaking out the drill. How about some photos Dan. I am sure that we can give you a few pointers.

 

[H20 Toie]

Also just learned how to make hole without breaking out the drill. How about some photos Dan. I am sure that we can give you a few pointers.

Not yet
Let me get basics a bit then I’ll take pics
Just talked to buddy who gave me some pointers to help with me not twisting my hand as I move

 

[HNL2LHC]

Not yet
Let me get basics a bit then I’ll take pics
Just talked to buddy who gave me some pointers to help with me not twisting my hand as I move

Good to hear that you have someone that can help you. I started welding back in high school in 1980 LOL. The current machines make it so much easier. But a foundation is a must. You are finding the setup and technique will make considerable improvements. Do you have a specific task or goal or you just want to ”weld”. There are so many variables with metals thicknesses and conditions. We used to try it all with many conditions.

All that said it is rather easy…..Burn holes too hot, bird shirt too cold. LOL.

 

[H20 Toie]

Good to hear that you have someone that can help you. I started welding back in high school in 1980 LOL. The current machines make it so much easier. But a foundation is a must. You are finding the setup and technique will make considerable improvements. Do you have a specific task or goal or you just want to ”weld”. There are so many variables with metals thicknesses and conditions. We used to try it all with many conditions.

All that said it is rather easy…..Burn holes too hot, bird shirt too cold. LOL.

Only thing that I have a task for at the moment is making the welding cart
It’s one of those things that I have always wanted to learn but never got around to it
As I am finding out with some of the other tools if you have it things come along
Never had a band saw now don’t know how I lived without it
The mini mill has come in so handy a few times
Stuff that previously I would have had to source out now I just make myself and have fun doing it
Just made some custom brackets for cameras at Wheel of Fortune
And the 3D printer omg the possibilities are endless with that thing
For example there really isn't a good place to put the phone on the Cigarette, so bam made up a couple color coordinated holders .

 

[RichL]

Only thing that I have a task for at the moment is making the welding cart
It’s one of those things that I have always wanted to learn but never got around to it
As I am finding out with some of the other tools if you have it things come along
Never had a band saw now don’t know how I lived without it
The mini mill has come in so handy a few times
Stuff that previously I would have had to source out now I just make myself and have fun doing it
Just made some custom brackets for cameras at Wheel of Fortune
And the 3D printer omg the possibilities are endless with that thing
For example there really isn't a good place to put the phone on the Cigarette, so bam made up a couple color coordinated holders .

Pic of the phone holders?

 

[H20 Toie]

Pic of the phone holders?

Here is the one on passenger side

 

[HNL2LHC]

Only thing that I have a task for at the moment is making the welding cart
It’s one of those things that I have always wanted to learn but never got around to it
As I am finding out with some of the other tools if you have it things come along
Never had a band saw now don’t know how I lived without it
The mini mill has come in so handy a few times
Stuff that previously I would have had to source out now I just make myself and have fun doing it
Just made some custom brackets for cameras at Wheel of Fortune
And the 3D printer omg the possibilities are endless with that thing
For example there really isn't a good place to put the phone on the Cigarette, so bam made up a couple color coordinated holders .

So true Dan. I think 3D printing is a game changer for sure. Can’t wait to see the Welding cart.

 

[bilz]

Is that a harbor freight welding table?

 

[H20 Toie]

Is that a harbor freight welding table?

No but i think there are a lot of rebranded ones out there that are basically the same

 

[RichL]

Here is the one on passenger side
View attachment 1481622

This is an issue I've been trying to solve for the Formula.

 

[BHC Vic]

The apprentices weld 16g to 10g for practice. Don’t focus too much on settings and learn to weld more by feel and sound. I can get in a booth with the settings all jacked up and still go. Of course I’ll fine tune but don’t get stuck on settings. The AWS qualification for light gauge is an 18g sheet to 10g

 

[Kachina26]

https://www.tiktok.com/video/7070270330715131182

 

[Boat211]

Working on the plan to mount to the tool box as we speak,
I just got the tanks today so didn't know what size until now
View attachment 1480258

These are exactly what I need. Glad you posted. I would have never thought of this option.

 

[H20 Toie]

Pic of the phone holders?

Drivers side

 

[mobldj]

of all the thing i could have been in the army when i joined in 1974 i choose welder.welded on the rr after i got out in 77 till retiring in 2002.all the la certs,x ray certified.welding is fun when its in the garage helping a buddy but production and repair on railroad cars....not so much fun.now that i have a icd/defibrillator i cant even strike a arc,guess i might piss my pants from the high energy welding gives off.lol

 

[Your ad here]

Here's a tip and remember it every time you weld. Keep the ground clamp as close as you can to where the weld is taking place. Make a habit of it. Don't think it's good because it's grounded somewhere. Move that ground as close as you can to the weld. The reason why? One day you'll forget and run that current through brake lines or a wiring harness and melt them because there is a "gap" in the metal on the project you're working on and brakes lines and wiring harness make up that gap. I've yet to do it but know a few that have. They had to buy new brake lines or wiring harnesses.

 

[Your ad here]

 

[Eliminator21vdrive]

81 posts and not one picture of a weld?

 

[JayBreww]

81 posts and not one picture of a weld?

He’s a welder not a photographer!

 

[mash on it]

I'm almost ready to have that driveshaft shortened and welded.

Dan'l

 

[Ultra...Good]

He’s a welder not a photographer!

 

[TPC]

Alright then, wifie has the Lincoln Tig set-up for about 90 yards of wrought Iron she needs welded and another day's work of welding on her trailer.
Bring your toothbrush and a sleeping bag, it's going to be a long week.
Then when you get done with that,,, she has this,,,

 

[H20 Toie]

Well I’m learning a lot
Like the fact that spatter goes farther than I thought
That iPhones screens are not spatter resistant
Not a good idea to wear new pair of jeans when practicing
Clean metal makes a big difference
Need to really pay attention to thickness of metal

 

[bilz]

If i need life depending welds, I'll tack it up and take it to one of my welding of buddies.

 

[lbhsbz]

How's your vision? How's your vision through the lens? My welding improved significantly when I got a cheater lens and put on a set of reading glasses under it. Without seeing what the puddle is doing, you're pissing into the wind.

 

[BHC Vic]

Well I’m learning a lot
Like the fact that spatter goes farther than I thought
That iPhones screens are not spatter resistant
Not a good idea to wear new pair of jeans when practicing
Clean metal makes a big difference
Need to really pay attention to thickness of metal
View attachment 1487606

My phone screen is currently cracked so you are correct. Careful w the camera lense too. Jeans ehh it is what it is im pretty blue collar. Clean metal or prep will make all the difference. Metal thickness I weld more by feel then hard settings

 

[wzuber]

Well I’m learning a lot
Like the fact that spatter goes farther than I thought
That iPhones screens are not spatter resistant
Not a good idea to wear new pair of jeans when practicing
Clean metal makes a big difference
Need to really pay attention to thickness of metal
View attachment 1487606

Looking pretty good H20, your making progress. Looks like you need to Turn up your gas flow a bit as well as your voltage.

 

[Backlash]

The best thing you can do is practice, and it looks like that's what you're doing! Once it warms up a little bit, I'm going to get back into it. Thank you for the motivation.

 

[wzuber]

Good to see you progressing.
Now that you have a feel for the process and have developed some rithym keep turning up your heat until you burn thru. Then move your nozzle/ weld puddle a little faster to keep from burning thru. It's just scrap steel. Don't be afraid to make a "mistake". It's all a part of the learning process. You can also move the nozzle in circles, u shape or "J" shape for puddle control and speed.

 

[H20 Toie]

Well I got impatient with practicing , ( I know what a shocker) emptied the tool box, flipped it over and took a saw to it.
fitted the bases. welded end caps on them, then welded in cross

, all I have to say is Thank god for grinders, few finishing touches tomorrow and paint and it will be set

 

[lbhsbz]

Only because I haven't seen one in your pictures, with you grinding and welding in that relatively small area, get a couple fire extinguishers and keep them handy when you're doing hot stuff....it doesn't take much to go up. I also like having a few buckets of water around (they do less damage than extinguishers and are handy to drop a smoldering rag into without making a mess of everything). I've set my shirt on fire grinding before and have started countless little ones if a piece of spatter finds the right thing to land on.....and when finished, hang out in the shop for 10 minutes or so observing and making sure nothing is smoking / smoldering before you lock up for the night.

 

[H20 Toie]

Only because I haven't seen one in your pictures, with you grinding and welding in that relatively small area, get a couple fire extinguishers and keep them handy when you're doing hot stuff....it doesn't take much to go up. I also like having a few buckets of water around (they do less damage than extinguishers and are handy to drop a smoldering rag into without making a mess of everything). I've set my shirt on fire grinding before and have started countless little ones if a piece of spatter finds the right thing to land on.....and when finished, hang out in the shop for 10 minutes or so observing and making sure nothing is smoking / smoldering before you lock up for the night.

Got them all over the place, a couple of the element ones, a fire blanket next to the door plus a water hose right outside, and yes after day like this I hung out after putting stuff away just in case
The yard is all wood chips so I have to be extremely careful

 

[CarolynandBob]

You are either a good welder or a good grinder.

 

[Backlash]

You are either a good welder or a good grinder.

One of these skills is a little easier to master than the other. Hats off to him though, he's building stuff and that's the best way to improve a skill set.

 

[H20 Toie]

Nice new toy as aways Dan. What is next plasma table or CNC?

Damn you must be physic, when you posted this i responded neither, and had no intention of getting one yet here we are a month later and CNC is on the way

 

[H20 Toie]

Well first project done, now no excuse not to practice