Advice for someone learning to weld?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,677
Likes: 1
From: Potomac Falls VA
Advice for someone learning to weld?
So I recently got my first welder and was wondering if anyone had any tips, tricks, advice for learning. I bought some random steel plates, rods, etc from Home Depot to mess around with. What kind of surface prep is necessary? I would assume at least clen the parts to remove the rust inhibitor/oil on metal?
Thanks
Shane
Thanks
Shane
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,672
Likes: 1
From: New Cumberland PA
I can't tell you how to weld but here are a few other tips. Make sure the area is clear of any combustible material. Sparks can travel several feet. Make sure you have a fire extinguisher and it is readily accessible. Try not to leave the area right after welding. Find something else do just in case something is smoldering and goes unnoticed.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,135
Likes: 2
From: Dayton Oh
My advice is to use a piece of wide bar stock and start practicing laying horizontal weld beads, over and over again. The most common mistake is to move the rod too fast which doesn't allow for good penetration. Welding is more of good hand eye coordination and a touch or feel has nothing to do with it. Practice enough to learn how to watch your puddle of molten steel and did I say to not move the rod too fast.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,342
Likes: 7
From: Connecticut
Originally Posted by Twin_Turbo
What kind of welder? Mig, Tig, Stick ?
Originally Posted by ShaneLU97
I bought some random steel plates, rods
Overhead, Vertical ect:
I know many people that can weld but I only know a couple of excellent Weldors
It takes alot of time especially if you get into the fabrication aspect of welding
Read, read, practice, practice, and if your lucky enough to finda expert weldor .....watch him and pick his brain for all you can get from him
Good luck!
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,944
Likes: 22
From: Yooperville MI
Originally Posted by marshrat99
My advice is to use a piece of wide bar stock and start practicing laying horizontal weld beads, over and over again.
Learning to lay a nice bead that is straight and penetrates well takes practice. Find a good book on welding practices, you'll probably read it once and never look at it again but it contains some good info that you'll remember. Practice on 1/8" and 3/16" steel which is the thickest you'll find on most cars. Then apply some of that knowledge to sheet metal as well. Practice welding pieces of 16, 18, 20 guage sheetmetal together. Knowing how to weld sheet metal and control heat is invaluable when working on cars even Vettes.Keep in mind when welding on or near cars, welding spatter or sparks will damage glass, causes pits that are too deep to remove. So spend a few bucks and buy a good welding blanket or a couple small ones. They are invaluable to protect your work area. Also follow personal safety rules and don't pretend to be cool like guys on TV welding with eyes shut (at least until you are familiar with welding).
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Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
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From: Here to make friends
St. Jude Donor '11, '16-'17
You'd be amazed at what you learn in a class at your local community college. I know how (or thought I did) to weld and took a few classes. It made a huge difference to learn what actually takes place during the welding process. I also got to play with TIG torches and plasma cutters. 
Drifting
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,480
Likes: 2
From: Circleville Ohio
Vader vette
My dad was A welder Mostly Arc He showed me several times make small circles leave what looks like lava in ripples and move all over when welding (Tack it here tack it there tack it a couple of places other wise the metal will turn/Twist and you will not be happy. what kind of welder ?