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Started By
Message
Any advice for someone new to welding
Posted on 10/14/24 at 12:20 pm
Posted on 10/14/24 at 12:20 pm
Hi folks,
I have been contemplating learning to weld for a while now. Figured it would be a useful skill to have as an attempted DIYer.
Harbor Freight had a sale last week and one day they had their Titanium Flux Core welder on sale for $99 so I took the plunge and bought it.
I bought a couple of steel bars from Lowes and unboxed everything yesterday. I've watched a few youtube videos, but figured I might get some advice here.
I basically just spent yesterday trying to lay down a good weld in a line on the steel bar, not trying to join 2 pieces together or anything.
I also bough a helmet from Amazon that is powered by a battery. I basically did all my testing yesterday with the helmet on full dark power (trying not to ruin my eyes before I even get the thing dirty, lol).
Anyway, my results were that I need a lot more work. I got the wire stuck a few times and had to use my pliers to cut it loose. Not sure if I was simply getting too close to the bar or not. I also really can't see where I'm trying to weld too well. Not sure if that is simply the darkness settings on my helmet or my location. I was in my detach garage away from the doors, and working on a shelf with a overhead shelf, so not much natural lighting. I would prefer to work outdoors, but not sure if you are supposed to or if it's windy, if that is a good idea.
I'm also trying some of the various techniques I've read about (i.e. welding in a circular pattern, draw and pause, etc), but I think my biggest issue is a consistent distance and steadiness with my hands.
Anyway, looking for any advice for someone just starting out. I will say that most of the YouTube videos are complimentary of this little welder, and I think for someone like me it will be find till I learn better how to use it.
I have been contemplating learning to weld for a while now. Figured it would be a useful skill to have as an attempted DIYer.
Harbor Freight had a sale last week and one day they had their Titanium Flux Core welder on sale for $99 so I took the plunge and bought it.
I bought a couple of steel bars from Lowes and unboxed everything yesterday. I've watched a few youtube videos, but figured I might get some advice here.
I basically just spent yesterday trying to lay down a good weld in a line on the steel bar, not trying to join 2 pieces together or anything.
I also bough a helmet from Amazon that is powered by a battery. I basically did all my testing yesterday with the helmet on full dark power (trying not to ruin my eyes before I even get the thing dirty, lol).
Anyway, my results were that I need a lot more work. I got the wire stuck a few times and had to use my pliers to cut it loose. Not sure if I was simply getting too close to the bar or not. I also really can't see where I'm trying to weld too well. Not sure if that is simply the darkness settings on my helmet or my location. I was in my detach garage away from the doors, and working on a shelf with a overhead shelf, so not much natural lighting. I would prefer to work outdoors, but not sure if you are supposed to or if it's windy, if that is a good idea.
I'm also trying some of the various techniques I've read about (i.e. welding in a circular pattern, draw and pause, etc), but I think my biggest issue is a consistent distance and steadiness with my hands.
Anyway, looking for any advice for someone just starting out. I will say that most of the YouTube videos are complimentary of this little welder, and I think for someone like me it will be find till I learn better how to use it.
13
Posted on 10/14/24 at 12:24 pm to kywildcatfanone
welding is 95 % technique and 5 % book learning. I tried several different machines and my welds were always leaker than a sieve.
Posted on 10/14/24 at 1:07 pm to kywildcatfanone
Set your lense to about shade 10 to start. What kind of wire are you running? The first step to even laying just a flat bead on a plate is proper metal prep/cleaning and then machine settings. Without either one of them you are pissing in the wind.
Posted on 10/14/24 at 1:25 pm to kywildcatfanone
quote:
also trying some of the various techniques I've read about (i.e. welding in a circular pattern, draw and pause, etc), but I think my biggest issue is a consistent distance and steadiness with my hands.
Yoy are right. With flux core wire flat on mild steel, just drag it for now.
Burn a bunch of wire. It's easiest if somebody who knows shows you what to do and can tell you what youre doing wrong, but just drag it and burn wire.
I think what took me the longest was learning to watch the puddle.
Posted on 10/14/24 at 1:59 pm to kywildcatfanone
I bought a welding. book from Lowe’s that is very informative. I could burn rods but this book has really been informative. It discusses machine settings, torch settings and all different methods and tips.
It’s fun reading and I recommend it to anyone. You will enjoy it.
It’s fun reading and I recommend it to anyone. You will enjoy it.
Posted on 10/14/24 at 2:06 pm to Wildman 22
quote:
Set your lense to about shade 10 to start.
On this helmet that is the darkest shade, so I am going to back it down a bit tomorrow when I try some more.
quote:YESWELDER Flux Core Gasless Mig Wire, Mild Steel E71TGS .030-Diameter from Amazon
What kind of wire are you running?
quote:
The first step to even laying just a flat bead on a plate is proper metal prep/cleaning and then machine settings.
Yeah, that is basically what I am doing. I think I need more than one day of practice
Posted on 10/14/24 at 2:08 pm to DownshiftAndFloorIt
quote:
drag it and burn wire. I think what took me the longest was learning to watch the puddle.
Makes sense. I think practice is going to be key here. Keeping a consistent drag will help.
Posted on 10/14/24 at 2:18 pm to kywildcatfanone
Gasless flux core wire tends to make sub par welds on most budget machines as the amperage is usually pretty low on those. Not saying you can’t make decent welds with them but it can definitely be more finicky than a stronger machine running solid wire with shield gas. Good luck and keep practicing I’m fairly novice myself. I just started dabbling with aluminum and it’s been frustrating to say the least.
Posted on 10/14/24 at 2:18 pm to kywildcatfanone
When it sounds like bacon frying, you got it.
Posted on 10/14/24 at 2:33 pm to Deek
quote:. That would be for short arc, not necessarily flux core.
When it sounds like bacon frying, you got it.
Posted on 10/14/24 at 2:43 pm to bayoudude
quote:
dabbling with aluminum
Make it clean
Go really hot and really fast
Budget flux core machines are indeed tough to make pretty welds with.
Posted on 10/14/24 at 2:53 pm to kywildcatfanone
I was a fabricator for 15 years so here is my spill.
That model welder you have doesn't have a shielding gas so everything you weld will have to be very clean, you want it to be shining.
If its a mig wire you want to come out of the puddle and back into, if its fluxed core wire you will want to stay barely ahead of the puddle. Also, don't be a weld by numbers guy. Go by sight and sound. You want a steady buzzing sound and your puddle to stay nice and bright.
I always used a shade 9 lens in the shop and a shade 11 when i was out in the sun. Maybe your lens is a little to dark.
As far as wire getting stuck and how far it should stick out. Short answer is about 3/8" I use some needle nose pliers to cut the wire, The cutters are closer to one side of the pliers, so i put the side that doesnt have the cutters against the nozzle and cut the wire. That leaves the wire sticking out 3/8" and its perfect.
One other tip I can give is to make sure you have a good ground. I would take off the spring ground it comes with and use a cheap c-clamp with the ground wire bolted to it for a clamp, thats what we did in the fab yard. Also, when you going to tack 2 parts together, make sure you hit the part that is grounded first.
Safety tip, wear some wrap around safety glasses under your shield, sometimes bbs get around the back of your shield. It will also protect you against flash burns to your eyes, I got 2 flashes in my life, both times I wasn't wearing glasses.
That model welder you have doesn't have a shielding gas so everything you weld will have to be very clean, you want it to be shining.
If its a mig wire you want to come out of the puddle and back into, if its fluxed core wire you will want to stay barely ahead of the puddle. Also, don't be a weld by numbers guy. Go by sight and sound. You want a steady buzzing sound and your puddle to stay nice and bright.
I always used a shade 9 lens in the shop and a shade 11 when i was out in the sun. Maybe your lens is a little to dark.
As far as wire getting stuck and how far it should stick out. Short answer is about 3/8" I use some needle nose pliers to cut the wire, The cutters are closer to one side of the pliers, so i put the side that doesnt have the cutters against the nozzle and cut the wire. That leaves the wire sticking out 3/8" and its perfect.
One other tip I can give is to make sure you have a good ground. I would take off the spring ground it comes with and use a cheap c-clamp with the ground wire bolted to it for a clamp, thats what we did in the fab yard. Also, when you going to tack 2 parts together, make sure you hit the part that is grounded first.
Safety tip, wear some wrap around safety glasses under your shield, sometimes bbs get around the back of your shield. It will also protect you against flash burns to your eyes, I got 2 flashes in my life, both times I wasn't wearing glasses.
Posted on 10/14/24 at 3:15 pm to Deek
quote:
When it sounds like bacon frying, you got it.
And if it SMELLS like bacon frying then YOU are on fire
#burninrodsandbangingbroads
Posted on 10/14/24 at 3:45 pm to kywildcatfanone
IMO, which probably isn't worth much, welding is one of those things you're either good at or you aren't. My oldest son went to welding school after spending four years of HS learning to weld. He's a fair welder.
My youngest, did two years of HS welding and is a damned welding artist.
Of course it all depends on what you're welding and whether you're being paid to do so or you're just keeping things fixed and running around your place.
My youngest, did two years of HS welding and is a damned welding artist.
Of course it all depends on what you're welding and whether you're being paid to do so or you're just keeping things fixed and running around your place.
This post was edited on 10/14/24 at 3:46 pm
Posted on 10/14/24 at 3:47 pm to kywildcatfanone
Learn to get your settings right. Amperage and speed and listen to the sound it makes when you get it all right. This takes some practice but it is worth it unless you want to a LOT of time with a grinder trying to make things look decent.
I can't stress this enough unless you want your welds to look like a dirt dobber did it.
I can't stress this enough unless you want your welds to look like a dirt dobber did it.
Posted on 10/14/24 at 3:52 pm to kywildcatfanone
I tig/stick and mig weld, don't let anybody tell you that little titanium flux core welder won't work for a beginner. I bought one out of curiosity and use that thing all the time for little projects. That's a fantastic little welder and I have no problem getting great penetration on ¼" metal in 1 pass and even ½" on multiple passes.
For every 1 minute of laying a bead you'll spend 5 minutes prepping your metal. Make sure you're using the right wire for the tip that's on that torch. If the tip is .030, use .030 wire. Same for .035. Make sure you've got good tension on your spool but not too much. Me personally I take the plastic tip off since you're not using gas. It makes it easier to see your weld and you can get into tighter spaces. Of course if you touch your work piece to the tip it will momentarily stick to the metal, but it's a much better welding experience imo.
Get good quality flux core wire, make sure you're not using an extension cord and if you are make sure it's not too long and not some little tiny guage.
As for welding hoods, if you buy crappy hoods you'll get crappy results. Harbor freight sells some really nice quality hoods. For fluxcore I wouldn't shade over 11 unless you like it darker.
Prep prep prep your metal, set your welder up correctly and practice. It's not a long learning curve for homeowner projects to mig/fluxcore weld until you get into Tig welding. Now that's a rabbit hole of obsession to get into if there ever was one.
Eta, I also changed out the grounding clamp on mine. The one that came with it was subpar. As the fabricator above said, if your ground is bad you'll never get a good weld. I would bookmark his post because it's all sound advice.
For every 1 minute of laying a bead you'll spend 5 minutes prepping your metal. Make sure you're using the right wire for the tip that's on that torch. If the tip is .030, use .030 wire. Same for .035. Make sure you've got good tension on your spool but not too much. Me personally I take the plastic tip off since you're not using gas. It makes it easier to see your weld and you can get into tighter spaces. Of course if you touch your work piece to the tip it will momentarily stick to the metal, but it's a much better welding experience imo.
Get good quality flux core wire, make sure you're not using an extension cord and if you are make sure it's not too long and not some little tiny guage.
As for welding hoods, if you buy crappy hoods you'll get crappy results. Harbor freight sells some really nice quality hoods. For fluxcore I wouldn't shade over 11 unless you like it darker.
Prep prep prep your metal, set your welder up correctly and practice. It's not a long learning curve for homeowner projects to mig/fluxcore weld until you get into Tig welding. Now that's a rabbit hole of obsession to get into if there ever was one.
Eta, I also changed out the grounding clamp on mine. The one that came with it was subpar. As the fabricator above said, if your ground is bad you'll never get a good weld. I would bookmark his post because it's all sound advice.
This post was edited on 10/14/24 at 4:14 pm
Posted on 10/14/24 at 4:26 pm to kywildcatfanone
All of the above and
Use your propane torch to preheat.
Use your propane torch to preheat.
Posted on 10/14/24 at 4:32 pm to Beer did clam
I took 2 semesters of welding courses at our local technical college. Pretty cheap and it taught me a lot. Teacher was an awesome welder.
Posted on 10/14/24 at 5:55 pm to kywildcatfanone
Wear sleeves, keep a fan running, buy extra tips and more wire than you think you'll need. My forney won't spin the 10 lb. rolls so do some research on your model or stick with 1-2 lb rolls.
These guys covered it all, just takes time and practice. An 8 hour day of practice with your machine will put you in a whole different category than you're in now. Speed wise I'm normally between 4-6 but I'm using using it for 1/4" plate. Your mileage will vary. Welding is addicting. I learned on stick and bought mig since I can use it at the house, it really is like a hot glue gun for metal. My little 110 mig has handled everything I've thrown at it from garden projects, bbq, trailer, mufflers, repairing bed frames....its a nice tool to have in your back pocket.
Don't spend too long trying to get perfect on plate. Tack some short (6") pieces at 90° and try to make a full pass, in the gap without sticking or going outside the line. Do it again. See if you can beat it apart with a 2 lb maul.
These guys covered it all, just takes time and practice. An 8 hour day of practice with your machine will put you in a whole different category than you're in now. Speed wise I'm normally between 4-6 but I'm using using it for 1/4" plate. Your mileage will vary. Welding is addicting. I learned on stick and bought mig since I can use it at the house, it really is like a hot glue gun for metal. My little 110 mig has handled everything I've thrown at it from garden projects, bbq, trailer, mufflers, repairing bed frames....its a nice tool to have in your back pocket.
Don't spend too long trying to get perfect on plate. Tack some short (6") pieces at 90° and try to make a full pass, in the gap without sticking or going outside the line. Do it again. See if you can beat it apart with a 2 lb maul.
Posted on 10/14/24 at 6:27 pm to mudshuvl05
quote:
don't let anybody tell you that little titanium flux core welder won't work for a beginner. I bought one out of curiosity and use that thing all the time for little projects. That's a fantastic little welder and I have no problem getting great penetration on ¼" metal in 1 pass and even ½" on multiple passes.
Yeah, it's funny I was thinking about a small welder and saw a few videos on it, and they were all impressed. Then the next day I got the one day sale for $99 and felt like I had to buy it.
Looking forward to learning on it.
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