Welding ?

lbkthree · October 22, 2012

FYI, Hobart and Miller are both ITW. Miller doesn't necessarily run Hobart.

hockeypro1411 · October 22, 2012

Getting scrap metal would be mostly what I would have to line up. I know where I can get everything else. Now being able to purchase a welder that would take a little funding but I wouldn't need too big of machine. One thing I'd like to try is to make some side steps for my truck. I wouldn't mind the extra weight of some rugged steps. My original steps were good but I'd like have some that could really take a pounding or at least a tree stump like the last steps didn't.

I actually weld for a living (Union Pipefitter), but I also enjoy it as a hobby. I was bored one Sunday and decided to fab up some steps for my truck out of 3/8" by 2" flat stock and some 1 1/4" studs and nuts that somehow ended up in my lunch bucket.. ANYWAY..

Beginning of layout..

Turned that stuff into two of these..

I actually ended up welding another plate across the backside and blew a few holes in them to allow for a bolt up installation versus a permanent welding scenario..

I took these today inbetween rain drops so the quality is lacking a little, but you get the idea..

Welding is a great hobby to get into. Besides these steps, I've also fabbed up some brackets to switch the crappy stock recovery hooks over to some 3/4" shackles as well as new mounts for the brushguard. I'll save you the eyesores and get some pictures of those when it's not so gloomy

lbkthree · October 23, 2012

I made a badass bumper for my K5. I'll have to dig up some pictures.

lbkthree · October 23, 2012

Blue2500CC · October 24, 2012

Sweet projects guys!

Haven't had the time to fire the 190 up yet. Hopefully this w/e.

Chris

kstruckcountry · October 24, 2012

Well you've prolly all seen this header trailer I made... but just for good measure, I'll post it again!

6Sixathome · October 25, 2012

In a previous life (journeyman pipe fitter/welder) we used to use Miller Dialarc 250's in the fab shanty and in the 'field' we would use Lincoln Rangers. Both of these would stick/tig very well. Used to have lots of fun with the guy welding with another machine like switching polarity or turning the heat way up or down, lol that was fun. Oh ya, had it done to me too.

hockeypro1411 · October 27, 2012

In a previous life (journeyman pipe fitter/welder) we used to use Miller Dialarc 250's in the fab shanty and in the 'field' we would use Lincoln Rangers. Both of these would stick/tig very well. Used to have lots of fun with the guy welding with another machine like switching polarity or turning the heat way up or down, lol that was fun. Oh ya, had it done to me too.

What local were you out of?

6Sixathome · October 27, 2012

Merit shop, great money, NO travel. I tried the local once years ago, sat the bench for months-no work so I said forget it, I had a family, bills, etc, you know the story. Been out the trade for 8 1/2 years now due to a business opportunity.....work for yourself or work for someone else-hmmmmmmmmmm, lol the only welding I do now is to fix broken stuff around the shop with a Lincoln wire feeder 225, it's an nice welding machine.

yukon25008.1 · October 27, 2012

What type of welder/welding is good for a first timer.. Ive never welded..wish i would have gotten in to it and learned..

So if i was going to go out tomorow and buy what what should it be.. not looking for the easiest or cheapest, Jusst maybe something thats forgiving and will work.

kstruckcountry · October 27, 2012

If you're not looking for the cheapest, Miller 252

TimmyG · October 28, 2012

Lincoln 140

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hockeypro1411 · October 28, 2012

What type of welder/welding is good for a first timer.. Ive never welded..wish i would have gotten in to it and learned..

So if i was going to go out tomorow and buy what what should it be.. not looking for the easiest or cheapest, Jusst maybe something thats forgiving and will work.

There's three basic welding processes; stick, MIG, and TIG. MIG and TIG will require a shielding gas, whereas stick welding will not. Decide what process you'd like to learn first and then do some machine shopping! Any machine that can be used for stick welding can also be used for TIG, but there's just an endless variety of machines and combinations of machines out there to choose from!

yukon25008.1 · October 28, 2012

Ok..So what do you reccomend for a begginer? Whats the most forgiving or easiest to learn hands on with, Ive seen mig and stick being done before but never tried myself, would i be ok with the mig "wire" welding..how do you figure out the settings or adjustments?

6Sixathome · October 29, 2012

Ok..So what do you reccomend for a begginer? Whats the most forgiving or easiest to learn hands on with, Ive seen mig and stick being done before but never tried myself, would i be ok with the mig "wire" welding..how do you figure out the settings or adjustments?

The best thing for you is going to be a MIG welder, one with a shielding gas like hockeypro1411 suggested. They make flux core wire but for a beginner you'll be better off with a good (Miller or Lincoln) wire feeder with a shielding gas. As far as heat and wire feeding adjustments, I would start the heat kind of hot and the wire feed a little slow and then go from there. You want the wire to penetrate the steel without gouging out the sides so get the heat, wire feed figured out and them work on your speed or movement. Try and get some 1/4" thick at least steel and just down some beed. The two most common ways to weld are to make a 'Z' and a 'C' pattern. Once you get comfortable with that take two pieces of steel and weld them together. Good luck.