Just bought a new welder!

[Shield Arc]

When building things, sometimes you don't get to pick the direction you want to travel. Working in a corner, sometimes arc blow will give you problems, changing direction of travel could help.

When Mig welding aluminum, you really want to push for your direction of travel. Need to get the gas coverage out in front of you. Then again when you're building things, that's not always possible.

 

[vulcancowboy]

Mig has a huge advantage over self shielded flux core with really thin material, say auto body work.
Hobart's 21-B, Lincoln's NR-212, and NR-211 are very good self shielded flux core wires. Good thing to remember, anything that produces slag you should drag. If you are right handed, start your weld on the far left, and travel to your right.

Thanks SA, it's good to have someone like you who really knows welding and is willing to help us noobs!

 

[vulcancowboy]

Made some sparks with my new Hobart today! Butt-welded some old mower blades together just as a test. Obviously, I need a lot of practice, but so far I'm happy!
:dance1: :dance1:



I'm going to keep my eyes open for a used cylinder so that I can try some gas welding. Thanks again for all the good advice.

 

[CDN Farm Boy]

Like SA says, it shouldn't make a difference. Perhaps you were using too much torch ANGLE when pushing?

Try it again. Easier to see going right to left pushing for me. I'm right handed.

Terry

Could have been too much, can't remember as it was years ago. The diagram SA posted is helpful. I'll give it a try again sometime.

Thanks

 

[dragoneggs]

Thanks SA, it's good to have someone like you who really knows welding and is willing to help us noobs!

You can say that again... a double post would have been appropriate here! :laughing::laughing:

 

[dzljon]

Glad to see you are picking up the torch and making sparks, I would recommend using the new machine to fabricate a good welding/fabrication table.

 

[vulcancowboy]

Glad to see you are picking up the torch and making sparks, I would recommend using the new machine to fabricate a good welding/fabrication table.

Agree, is 3/8" thick enough for the top, or do I need to go to 1/2"?

 

[dzljon]

3/8 will be fine imo

 

[CDN Farm Boy]

Agree, is 3/8" thick enough for the top, or do I need to go to 1/2"?

The heavier the better for the top. A good welding table is something you only build once. Mine is 1/2" to line up flush with cutting grates on the last third of the table. The difference in cost between the 3/8 and 1/2" is minimal but significantly more durable. I'd have gone with 1" plate if I could have found a decent chunk

 

[Big Barn]

The heavier the better for the top. A good welding table is something you only build once. Mine is 1/2" to line up flush with cutting grates on the last third of the table. The difference in cost between the 3/8 and 1/2" is minimal but significantly more durable. I'd have gone with 1" plate if I could have found a decent chunk

I agree. Use as heavy as you can afford. The 4x8' sheet of 3/8" I used was $220 a couple of years ago. I think 1/2" was about $100 more. My logic at the time was whenever I had a project that required 3/8" I would pull the top off my welding table, use it and replace it with 1/2"or heavier.

Terry