Re: Welding, what do you know?

Posted by shinyribs on
URL: http://vintage-and-classic-hondas.81.s1.nabble.com/Welding-what-do-you-know-tp3416351p3416439.html

I learned to weld when i was 13 years old.I put a set of motor mount in a truck that are still there.Anyone can do it!We had an old Craftsman buzz box(stick welder)that my Mom had bought my Pops for a Christmas present.Once you learn to weld with that machine,you can use any of them! I would be glad to help you with any particular questions that you may come up with.I hate to say this next part,but it is true:If you want to learn to weld,you really need to just go for it.It is so hard to explain what you hear-see-feel when welding and relay that to someone else.Practice really does make perfect.The main thing is to have a good machine and properly sized.A novice can weld good with a great welder,but may have issues with a not so great welder.An experienced welder can work through the problems that a lesser quality machine will create.
   Any mechanic is only as good as his or her tools.
   In my opinion,unless your are going to need to be welding outside alot,or need to burn through a rusty piece of metal,i would stay away from stick welders.They can and will produce excellent welds,as good as any other machine,but are the hardest to learn on.Also,the rods for them are real sensitive to moisture.You have to store them in special containers away from ANY humidity or they are junk.It just drives cost up for the already expensive rods.
  A MIG is the easiest to use by far.Pull the trigger and go.I would recommend using a MIG that uses shielding gas.The flux core machines are ok for alot of stuff,but the gas machines will work for anything.That gives you the expense of either buying or leasing the cylinder for the shielding gas,though.Im not sure what they sell/lease for now.I bought my last cylinder about 7-8 years ago for $200.I weld more than most DIYer's,probably got it on at least 5 days a week.I usually fill my cylinder 4 or 5 times a year at $37 per bottle.I have a big bottle.Its 4 feet tall.A mig does not like wind!!!It will blow the sheidling gas away and cause some nasty welds.They are best used indoors.Even a slight breeze will bite you in the butt.That is one place where a stick shines.
   A mig that uses flux core wire cannot use gas.A gas MIG can use flux core wire if you really need to go outdoors.It will give you some "dirt" in your welds using flux core,but it is very usable.
  Unless you really want to weld a lot of aluminum or stainless steel,there is no need to invest in a TIG welder.The only reason i have one is because of stupid race engines with aluminum heads.When a connecting rod or valve comes loose and tears up a head you can either buy a new head($1500+) or weld
it up.My tig has saved me from buying 2 pairs of heads,and i have fixed over 1/2 a dozen for other racers.It has paid for itself at best.
  You CAN weld aluminum with a stick or a MIG,too.Doing it with a stick takes some real finesse and ALOT of high dollar rods.Using a MIG on aluminum is not bad at all,but i dont like it for internal engine components,but that is just MY OPINION.


   But for most people a Mig will do it all.A 240v welder is much "cleaner" welding than a 120v.Im not going to argue with anyone on that,its just basic science.You can usually get a good 240v Mig,that uses gas,and will weld up to 3/8" steel easily for about $6-700.That is what i would recommend for anyone that wants to do their own welding.It will handle anything from the gas tank on your bike to the frame rails on your truck
    Dont count out "cheap"welders.If you are not using it every day at full capacity,you dont need an industrial duty machine.And watch your local stores for clearances.I got my Hobart 240 at Northern Hydraulics for $250 because it was the display model and was missing the regulators.I picked up a set of regulators at a welding shop(used set they weren't using because that particular welder died
) for $25.I also bought the "Northern" brand plasma cutter from them.It is over 2 years old now and hasn't given any issues.It is a good machine.
   One thing to remember when buying "off-brand" machines.MAKE SURE YOU CAN BUY CONSUMABLES FOR THEM!!!I have known people to buy dirt cheap welders and years later cannot find new tips for it,rendering it useless.Some thing to check on before you break out you cash.
  Might not be cheap,but gives you alot of freedom in your shop.Hey,which would you rather have?A flat screen TV,a weekend at the beach...or your own welder?