First time welding

[kevinwak]

I all. I just purchased my first welder this week. A Lincoln MigPak 180. I haven't really ever welded except for once or twice in high school shop class. It has been something I have wanted to try for a long time, and I have a small list of projects that I am hoping I can tackle. I am working the weekend, but excited for Monday when I am able to try it out! I know there will be a steep learning curve for me at first. Sent from my iPhone using TractorByNet

 

[Shield Arc]

I know there will be a steep learning curve for me at first.

Not really Mig is the easiest process to learn.
Start watching Jody's videos. Jody probably forgot more about welding than we'll ever learn.
https://www.youtube.com/user/weldingtipsandtricks

 

[kevinwak]

Not really Mig is the easiest process to learn. Start watching Jody's videos. Jody probably forgot more about welding than we'll ever learn. https://www.youtube.com/user/weldingtipsandtricks

Cool, thanks for the link. There are thousands of welding videos on you tube, and they appear to all have different techniques. Good to have one that is recommended, because I don't know enough to weed out who is giving good advice and who is giving bad.

I have been an avid woodworker since about six years old, even went to trade school for fine furniture making one year. Due to pursuing that background welding and metal work is something that is so foreign to me, and it has scared me to try for years. In everything I did woodworking I would use the equipment and make jigs to hold workpieces and tools, I did very very little freehand. I think I am worried because welding is mostly freehand.

 

[BigTruckMan]

Here are some helpful tricks. One is to keep a very slow speed .you want to move your wrist very slowing in a weaving motion, Also make sure that you have the right speed and amperage setting ,speed makes the most difference in all the types of welding. The manual that came with your welder should tell you the right speed/amperage settings . And make sure the metal that you are welding is clean, no paint , grease or oil . Another trick is to rest your left hand on something and use your right to do the welding. if you have any questions I'll be glad to answer them.

 

[troutsqueezer]

It's not rocket surgery but yes, it is fun.

 

[Shield Arc]

I have been an avid woodworker since about six years old, even went to trade school for fine furniture making one year. Due to pursuing that background welding and metal work is something that is so foreign to me, and it has scared me to try for years. In everything I did woodworking I would use the equipment and make jigs to hold workpieces and tools, I did very very little freehand. I think I am worried because welding is mostly freehand.

Oh trust me, working with steel is a he!! of a lot easier than working with wood.
Steel has no personality, you can make it do what ever you want.

 

[Mysfyt]

The welding teacher I had in high school encouraged us to play with the settings on the machines. Said that is the way you learn how to troubleshoot your own welds. Was the best teacher I ever had!

 

[Shield Arc]

The best way to learn how to weld:
Learn how to read the puddle.
Learn what it takes to make corrections to the puddle.
Do not depend on the gauges! Depend on your knowledge.

 

[k0ua]

Cool, thanks for the link. There are thousands of welding videos on you tube, and they appear to all have different techniques. Good to have one that is recommended, because I don't know enough to weed out who is giving good advice and who is giving bad.

I have been an avid woodworker since about six years old, even went to trade school for fine furniture making one year. Due to pursuing that background welding and metal work is something that is so foreign to me, and it has scared me to try for years. In everything I did woodworking I would use the equipment and make jigs to hold workpieces and tools, I did very very little freehand. I think I am worried because welding is mostly freehand.

Another vote for Jody's videos. I have learned quite a bit from that fella. Always good to go watch again for a refresher on some techniques.

 

[Big Barn]

Yet another vote for Jody. Totally knowledgeable and an easy to follow teacher.

Terry