JimRB
Veteran Member
Sometimes bracing tools or blocks or two handed welding can make a world of difference. I have been known to weld some pretty ugly beads because I can't move my hand smoothly. Bracing off makes a world of difference for me.
New To Using MIG
- Thread starter bindian
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OP
bindian
Super Member
Exactly. You can't judge a person's skills by a few paragraphs. So why do it?:confused3:
Brandi
OP
bindian
Super Member
Jim,
You are so right. My tool box at work has more hand made tools and objects to assist doing other jobs, then store bought tools. Special tools that took hours to make, then use it once for 5 minutes in your lifetime. They are priceless when used. My favorite and cheapest is an old golf ball and wheel bearing that I use to form flanges around lightning holes in web repairs.
I brace my welding hand over my free hand.
hugs, Brandi
Fallon
Super Member
Because some new welder might not consider the ramifications of welding on a trailer. So trying to share some information in a thread who's title indicates somebody is new to welding to help keep people safe. Granted I may have mistakenly misinterpreted being new to MIG as being new to welding in general.
There is a wide range of skills here & generally this forum is a place of learning. I never meant my comments as a personal attack at all. Just trying to keep with the spirit of the forum. The Internet in general really sucks for context & ease of miscommunication.
OP
bindian
Super Member
So it wasn't just jumping on the girl that was new to MIG welding? You have to understand, I get it all the time. Like when there is a new auto parts guy at the parts counter. They think I am a dumb blond when I say I need some wheel bearings..........then they ask what make and model even after I quote them the part numbers, .....so they can look them up. Only to find out the numbers I quoted was correct. Or wear one of my aircraft mechanic shirts into the store and the name matches my id......then they ask..........what's an A&P Mechanic.
You might want to check some of the threads someone has, to get an idea of their background, before telling them what not to do. For me, you can do a quick search in the ...........Member of the Month section of this forum.
hugs, Brandi
DaveK OR
Silver Member
YouTube is a great resource for learning how to weld with MIG. There are also several other websites that have how-to videos, including some that teach you how things can go wrong. Gas-shielded MIG is probably the easiest, as long as you can set up away from any breeze. Flux-core is often better in the field, as you don't worry so much about wind blowing away the shielding gas. One thing about flux-core is that you need to try and do the work in one pass. It doesn't work so well with multiple-pass welding techniques. Flux-core is also messier than gas-shielded, as there's a lot more spatter to deal with.
OP
bindian
Super Member
I like this one........... Welding Tips and Tricks - TIG, MIG, Stick and a pantload of other info
hugs, Brandi
DaveK OR
Silver Member
Don't be afraid to weld galvanized. Just use a GOOD particulate respirator to be safe with the fumes, unless you can be positive that ventilation is carrying it away from your breathing zone. If you do get a dose of it, it isn't likely to do more than make you feel deathly ill (like the flu) for a day, unless you have underlying issues that compound the problem. Drinking milk will help minimize the effects of zinc fumes.
You can usually weld through galvanizing if you use flux-core, but grinding it off first is far better. With gas-shielded solid wire, you really need to grind the zinc off around the weld.
You can usually weld through galvanizing if you use flux-core, but grinding it off first is far better. With gas-shielded solid wire, you really need to grind the zinc off around the weld.
Fallon
Super Member
Nope, I'd have posted exactly the same reply to anybody who indicated they were a new welder & might weld on a trailer. I do admit to being an arrogant *** on many occasions & speaking down to people, especially in my IT field, but pretty sure I do it to men & women equally. I apologise if if I came across as chauvinistic or what not. It's not really feasible to research the background of every poster you reply to.
And I wasn't trying to say don't do it. Just make sure you have the proper skill before doing it where it can hurt others on road going gear.
Shield Arc
Super Member
Brandi I had a "girl" welder work for me for years! On bigger jobs when we had to have less experienced "guy" welders, and I was too busy Deana would help these "guys" set their welders, and help them get started. Deana ended up teaching welding for the union apprenticeship!:cool2:
OP
bindian
Super Member
Like the old saying goes............"Behind every good Man is a Woman".
hugs, Brandi
RedNeckGeek
Super Member
- Joined
- Jan 1, 2011
- Messages
- 8,753
- Location
- Butte County & Orcutt, California
- Tractor
- Kubota M62, Kubota L3240D HST (SOLD!), Kubota RTV900
Good advise about being careful when making weld repairs to road going machinery. I'm not the best weldor in the world, but I routinely show my appreciation for my neighbors letting me borrow their trailers by making various repairs to them. Last one in got a new wiring harness for the emergency brake and a lot of straightening and welding on the fenders. Both repairs were carefully examined and tested to make sure they were sound and worked as intended, a final step that all too many so called professionals frequently leave off. Checking my work also goes a long way to helping me sleep at night, especially after those trailers go back to their owners.:2cents:
OP
bindian
Super Member
One thing I do know is to double check my work. Being an aircraft mechanic all my life has taught me that. Often we double check each others work, before calling an inspector. Even on cabin stuff, as we don't like to get gate calls (10 minutes before a flight) about something cosmetic.
hugs, Brandi
