The Last Bass Outpost

Main Forums => The Outpost Cafe => Topic started by: Lightyear on July 20, 2013, 03:40:19 PM

Title: Anybody a welder?
Post by: Lightyear on July 20, 2013, 03:40:19 PM: I've just picked up a little 70 amp stick welder. I'm welding up a gift for one of my customers, out of 3/8" and 1/4" round, mild, bar stock and it is not going as well as I would like. My expectations were very low and, needless to say, I've underwhelmed myself :sad:

If anyone has any tips I'd appreciate it.
Title: Re: Anybody a welder?
Post by: the mojo hobo on July 20, 2013, 04:47:33 PM: I used to weld when I worked on a farm in a previous life. (early '70s) Keep the stick moving and practice a lot. Practice running beads on flat bar stock, then try joining flat pieces together. Cut your pieces so they come together without spaces. You can fill a space with a weld, but it's not easy for a beginner. And tack a peice on two or more sides and then go back and weld it or the heat from the welder will push it onto an angle.

Good Luck.
Title: Re: Anybody a welder?
Post by: Denis on July 20, 2013, 07:00:57 PM: A few years ago I took a welding class and had a blast. Unfortunately, stick welding was completely beyond me and I finally told the instructor, "Trying to teach me stick welding is a colossal waste of your time."

Now oxyacetylene was a different story. Totally made sense to me and brazing with gas was a breeze.

In any case, practice as mentioned, and you'll at least have fun!
Title: Re: Anybody a welder?
Post by: Lightyear on July 20, 2013, 08:52:05 PM: Thanks guys - I got the project finished but it's not pretty. I ordered some 1/16" 6013 EZ rods when I ordered the welder - supposedly easier to draw an arc. I go those to arc just fine but they're messy to say the least. After I had pretty much killed the entire package I tried the 1/8" rods and got those to arc, finally, - these made a much neater weld but still beyond ugly. But you're right - after 25 rods burnt I got a little better - at this rate in 200 more I may have something that's presentable :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Anybody a welder?
Post by: Highlander on July 21, 2013, 01:17:07 AM: You know the rules ... pictures ... :popcorn:

(revenge is a dish best served at high ampage...) ;D

Did welding as part of my apprenticeship ... mid seventies and managed to avoid it since...
Title: Re: Anybody a welder?
Post by: Lightyear on July 21, 2013, 12:15:56 PM: Geez Kenny, I'd have to set up a photo sharing account - finally :-[
Title: Re: Anybody a welder?
Post by: Pilgrim on July 21, 2013, 01:20:56 PM: Unfortunately, there's no substitute for lots of practice...works for welding, too.
Title: Re: Anybody a welder?
Post by: Highlander on July 21, 2013, 04:00:55 PM: Quote from: Lightyear on July 21, 2013, 12:15:56 PM
Geez Kenny, I'd have to set up a photo sharing account - finally :-[

;D