I wish I could weld

[Shield Arc]

sdef on this wave break at Pier 66 down town Seattle. I fired 12 welders for a he!! of a lot less than what that welder did to you. First order of wire for this project was 3,500- pounds.

 

[shadetree]

Agree, but get a good textbook too. The problem with videos is that they provide snippets of good information but generally fail to go over theory and safety in an organized manner. I bought several welding books but find that just one is head and shoulders above the others as an organized text with clear photographs, specific exercises at each level and is clearly written. That text is Welding Principles and Applications by Larry Jeffus. It is in the seventh or eighth edition now but I am very happy with the sixth edition I got used from Amazon. You get what you pay for, this is not a cheap book but used (about $25) is is a great deal. It is used in vocational ed programs and is so well done that you could literally teach yourself to weld and also understand safety etc. It isn't an industry reference manual, it's a well thought out textbook. The author taught welding for many decades.

I got two copies used from Amazon (one for the summer place) and paid about $25 each. Well worth it. Welding: Principles and Applications: Larry Jeffus: 978141852751: Amazon.com: Books

My copy arrived in today's mail. I used your link and got the "Sixth Edition". Saved several dollars from what the 7th seemed to be going for. How is the best way to tackle this? Start at page 1 and go from there or just try and answer questions as they come up?

Let's name the club. I'll throw out:

"WHERE's THE PUDDLE".

Who will count the votes?

 

[2458n]

I solved the where is the puddle question by getting a lighter shade of filter. Neighbor gave me a old helmet he had from work. Could not see s*** when striking a arc. He had worked at the tank plant in Lima Ohio. Now weld with a 10 and can "see".

 

[IslandTractor]

My copy arrived in today's mail. I used your link and got the "Sixth Edition". Saved several dollars from what the 7th seemed to be going for. How is the best way to tackle this? Start at page 1 and go from there or just try and answer questions as they come up? Let's name the club. I'll throw out: "WHERE's THE PUDDLE". Who will count the votes?

If you have no welding experience I'd suggest starting with chapter 1. If you are brushing up then skim. I didn't do all the exercises but I think they are very useful if you don't have someone to watch you weld and give you feedback.

Rule 1: The puddle is tough to see without cheaters.

Rule 2: Until you see and control the puddle you ain't welding, you're probably glue gunning.

 

[shadetree]

Name the club

1) "Newbie Old Guy Welding Club"
2) “The Over The Hill Cheaters Welding Society”
3) "WHERE's THE PUDDLE"
4) “Old Puddle Seekers”
5) “Over The Hill Newbie Welding Club”

suggest a better name

 

[BigBoyToys]

I need "cheaters" so I'm in!!!
I'll take a stab at it..."Grumpy Old Metal Melters".

 

[Sodo]

Grumpy Un-couth Metal Melters = GUMM

dadgummit!


"Dad you have a big chunk of food in your teeth." (Dad hands dentures to kid) "Here you pick it out I'm busy. And don't eat it that's part of MY lunch."

 

[BigBoyToys]

Grumpy Un-couth Metal Melters = GUMM

add "Society" and we can be members of "GUMMS" :laughing:

 

[Eric Salop]

I thought I better have another try at the stick welding game. My first mini project is to reinforce a wooden carry box with steel, which gives me plenty of chance to practice butt joints.




Actually, if truth be told, I spent a lot more time with the angle grinder, removing slag holes and starting again, than I did melting metal. I seem to be able to make two types of slag :-

Bad slag - This stuff just doesn't want to come away. When part of it finally does, it will almost certainly be covering something very ugly underneath.

Good slag - This is almost self peeling, needing only a gentle push to reveal something underneath that almost looks like a proper weld.

Now I need to figure out how to make more good slag than bad - or buy another pack of grinding discs

 

[prichard]

My welder will be here next week. I hope I look as good as you starting out.

Anyone have thoughts on acquiring steel to burn? I hate to spend a bunch of money on stock just to burn up.