My 'new' welding table and first welding project

[dragoneggs]

I recently bought a Miller 211 Mig and and picked up a Harbor Freight Welder cabinet that I really like. Now the story gets a little interesting as I went to the local dump and recycle station in hopes of finding some scrap to practice on. Well, I did go dumpster diving in the metal scrap bin and pulled out a beat up Craftsman rollaway tool chest!!! The casters were shot and I replaced with HF swivels w/locks. I tore apart the drawers and bent the slides and guides back into working order and then had a revelation! :lightbulb: This will be my welding table. I bought a 2ft by 4ft by 1/2in steel plate and tacked onto the top of the tool chest.
:cool2:

So, time for my first project after very little practicing... I know, I know... I bought some square tube and started welding up a frame for our new greenhouse workbench. worked out great!


I don't want to show any hi-res close ups of my welds as they are horrible looking but here is my 10ft long by 30in wide by 36in high potting bench frame.

 

[weldingisfun]

There is nothing wrong with your welds. Looks good. Hope you get a lot of use out of everything.

 

[square1]

I don't want to show any hi-res close ups of my welds as they are horrible looking

meh, a little spot putty, a little paint...

 

[Shield Arc]

There is nothing wrong with your welds.

Who am I to judge, but the one weld I can see, is to cold, and he didn't wrap the corner. But I'm new to this, and learning all the time.

 

[AaronS]

Great idea on using the tool chest for your table! I like!

 

[k0ua]

I would say you really lucked out on the cabinet/welding table.:thumbsup:

 

[ThomasH]

You learn by doing and getting help. So your first welds aren't the best, but you do have to start somewhere. If the table works for you, then they are strong enough. In the spirit of helping you, if I were you I would post pictures, and I bet you would get helpful feedback. Well, most of the time anyway...

 

[dragoneggs]

Who am I to judge, but the one weld I can see, is to cold, and he didn't wrap the corner. But I'm new to this, and learning all the time.

Yeah my big problem I think was starting on thin gauge material. The tube is square 1-1/4in section, 16gauge. I was easily getting burn through especially trying to weld an edge to mid section.

 

[Shield Arc]

One of the biggest problems with Mig welders is guys run them to cold. Cold lap is a big issue with Mig welders. Personally I'd rather see a little undercut than cold lap. At least with undercut you know you have penetration. With cold lap you have no idea how bad it is, because you can't see through the weld. Mig welders are notorious for cold lap welds. The weld looks great but it's useless:thumbdown:.

 

[dragoneggs]

I need to pay you a visit Shield Arc! There must be a trick to find the happy balance of no cold lap and burning through on thin gauge. I suppose it is easier on thicker material. Time to go back to the garage and practice.