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[tidla]

When can you call yourself a welder?

When you're coded http://www.hgcodedwelding.com/Articles/how-do-we-define-coded-welding-or-code-welding

And for the rest of us welding rusty wrecks theres..

[minifreek]

Yes I do still suffer from light sensativity, even after 30 years...

I bought mu MIG 2nd hand, with a spool of rusty wire, no gas bottle or connection for it... Had to buy the bottle and regulator, new tips and gas shield as it was bodged together, but it still worked, and the Miggy passed its MoT which was a bonus.. LOL

I still use my ARC welder but on the thicker metals, and tend to use the MIG for the thinner stuff... Its a lot easier to use the MIG than the ARC...

[omega3000]

How you getting on with that Pug door Mr weborinio 

[Webby the Bear]

How you getting on with that Pug door Mr weborinio 

Not done any more on the door cos its so thin.

Currently working on 2.5 - 3mm stuff to get used to it, then going to see if I can replicate my new skills on the thinner stuff 

[symes]

How you getting on with that Pug door Mr weborinio 

Not done any more on the door cos its so thin.

Currently working on 2.5 - 3mm stuff to get used to it, then going to see if I can replicate my new skills on the thinner stuff 

do small spots--called stitch welds---less heat build up----go and give it a try mate

[minifreek]

Yep I agree, short bursts and time inbetween to give the metal a chance to shrink back...

[Webby the Bear]

Next welding installment to come on Thursday

Am I right in thinking that you want the maximum power possible without obviously burning through the metal? Therefore you should try the highest setting, if it burns through drop down a setting. If it doesnt burn through thats the correct setting..... then just adjust your wire speed?

[Kevin Wood]

With a bit of experience you will know what settings will be a good starting point and be able to tweak it from there.

Having a scrap bit of metal the same thickness as the type you intend to weld certainly helps at first!

[minifreek]

What I do (right or wrong) is to set-up on the lowest possible setting until I start to get good penetration and the weld 'sticks' to the metal...

If I find it's just blowing holes into the sheet, I dial it back 1 setting...

The wire speed is dependant on the speed of your hand I find... It may not be the correct way of doing it but thats how I find the correct settngs for mine when I do some welding...

[Webby the Bear]

Thanks boys.

MF, seems like you do exactly what i was thinking..... just you start from the lowest first and work up 

ive no idea but the tinternet seems to suggest that starting off higher is better because you dont end up with a clogged tip.

i dunno though. i suppose you want the highest setting without burning through cos you need the penetration.

[Spireite]

Have you thought of attending a college course or a coded welding training firm?

Least you'll be taught properly and the pros can talk you through it.

They can then check the quality of your weld for penetration and strength.

welding sheet metal is an artform.

Try looking up alloy tig welding, the pool of weld is hardly noticable.

Maybe even take a look down your local bodyshop and have a word with the guys down there.

Better than becoming disheartened because you covered your car door with bird shit.

[Webby the Bear]

Thanks Spireite.

I have considered it. but to be honest i have all the scrap in the world in my yard lol and i'm happy to keep on doing it by myself.

you guys are helping me understand what i'm doing which is great

and hopefully with a bit more practise i can do ok.

to be honest i dont think im doing too bad at the moment. just need to practise practise practise

[symes]

Webby try low wire speed and mid setting for amps then take from there-  but ensure you got a clean earth point too 

[Webby the Bear]

Thanks Symes.

for 2.5mm got it set up on max setting (2 MAX) and wire speed 4.5. seems to be doing well

i take it i could strike an arc and adjust the wire speed WHILST i'm welding? that may help really fine tune it

welding again tomorow. can not wait!!!

[Webby the Bear]

Ps, just a word on TIG welding...

I've been reading about it to determine the differences between it and MIG. It appears that TIG can be used on anything so steel, stainless steel, alluminium, brass etc. it also is much better for welding really thin steel. but downside is it takes longer to weld. is that about the long and short of it?

I've watched someone TIG weld on YT and to be honest i think i'd find it difficult to do it cos you have the torch in one hand (with a non-consumable tip which I found interesting) and the filler wire in the other.

With most things...where there's a will there's a way but it may be a good distance off before i even have a go.