I want to get a mig welder soon to do some projects, but I have no idea what I'm doing. I have never touched or used a welder before in my life. The closest thing that comes close to welding that I have done is soldering.

I know there are a few people on this board that do their own welding, so if you have any tips, or any links to some good DIY sites, much would be appreciated.

Thanks!!

 

http://groups.google.com/groups?hl=e...oining.welding

 

sup eric!!! damn somebody better buy u a wheel barrel to lug around those GIANT ***** you have. WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?!?!?!

 

hahahaha... you'll just have to wait and see (evil grin)

Actually, I'm not doing anything special. I'm just bored and want to weld stuff

 

oh ok!!!

 

So, I'm checkin out that list, cool digs. I also want to get into a bit of welding...manifolds, chargepipes, intercoolertanks...anyway...I know there are a variety of different types of welding...which are good for which? I was thinking of an inexpensive arc welding rig...how tough are these welds? I guess they aren't really load bearing...

 

I wouldn't relay on instructions you read to teach you much. You should try to find someone local that does welding and slip them a few bucks to get some tips. It will be much easier that way. Mostly you'll need practice, but if you're practicing the wrong things it isn't goign to help much. Best of luck.

 

just dont start out practicing on Aluminum! start out on 1/4" C1008 steel, anything thinner you will probably melt. it is important to clean surfaces extremely well before welding and if necessary preparing joints by bevelling, sanding, grinding.
make sure you are in a well ventiallted area, remember the shielding gas displaces the oxygen you need to breath. also as a beginner you should go and buy a quality mask that has auto dimming so you can keep your eyes on the workpiece.

 

If never did any welding, don't start doing anything on your car!! Welding is more of an art than a science. It takes a lot of time, practice, and technique!! Even after you practice for a while, and can make a nice looking weld, it will be weak! A proper weld is suppose to be stronger that the actual metal being welded. There is no way to test your welds for strenght unless you buy a tensile tester as well. And it will take you a LONG time, with lots of trial and error, before you can make a proper weld!

Trust me!! If you don't know what you are doing, leave it to the Pros!

 

It's not that hard.