[cali4lyf]

I would like to learn just enough to do my own Low-Low related jobs for now. What would be the best rig to start with and some practice projects to try on that will help me aquire skills. I'm not trying to wrap frames or nuthin now, just basic repairs and minor fabs. I have no clue as to go with gas, wire, etc.

Thanx

[Unity_Jon]

Try and get the most powerfull mig you can, as you can always turn the power down for thin metal but once its maxxed out you can't do anything about it, about 150amp is suitable for most jobs upto about 6mm thick (quater plate - frame wrap ?)

work out where you'll be doing most of your work, if you'll be using outside in the open try and get a 'gasless' mig, their not actually gas less, the gas is in the mig wire so it doesn't get blown away from the work area by wind etc. If you'll be using it inside a garage then a standard mig with a gas bottle will be fine, although gasless is less hassle.

The gas creates a shroud of carbon dioxide around the work area which works as a FLUX, gass less migs have the flux in the wire (different wire for both types)

start by welding together any old scraps of metal you have lying around, practice makes perfect.

The mig should be set up so that it sounds like bacon sizzling when you're welding, you'll need to adjust the speed of the wire feed and the amount of power to get it just right.

Never try to weld dirty metal, it sucks and you'll get burnt.

[DRLOWZ]

I like it when your using the stick welder and it keeps sticking to the metal, that pisses me off more than anything..

[Unity_Jon]

Does this sound familiar ? :

Tap the stick on the metal then stick the stick to the metal, snap it off, Tap the stick on the metal then stick the stick to the metal, snap it off,Tap the stick on the metal then stick the stick to the metal, snap it off,Tap the stick on the metal then stick the stick to the metal, snap it off,Tap the stick on the metal then stick the stick to the metal, snap it off
Pack it up and grab a beer.

Arc welding is ok for chassis stuff but its way too powerfull for bodywork etc, wouldn't bother with an Arc welder even though they are cheap, MIG's have improved so much and can weld much thicker metal than before and are much cheaper now.

[cali4lyf]

Thank for the clear advice Unity, you have pointed me in the right direction.

You wouldn't happen to know of a model no# or brand name of a decent entry level mig I should start looking for.

Thanx again!!

[Unity_Jon]

Not sure what brand names you get over there but look for anything rated at 150+ AMPS and you should be fine.

[ August 14, 2002: Message edited by: Unity_Jon ]</p>

[rlowride]

man, if you wanted to get into it cheaply to see if you want to try it or just to get profeciant without a big ass wad of cash...... Super wal-marts carry 2 Cambell- Hausfield welders. one is small and gasless, the other is a bit larger and is set up for using with gas. of course the bottle and gauge are seperate... the small one is just under 200, the larger one, which i thing you could do most metal work jobs with 1/4 is 279.00 it comes with a mask and a wire brush/ hammer combo.
if you are wanting to learn and do simple plating. i would try it out, if you didnt want to spend 700 bucks on a millermatic or lincoln welder your first time out...just to see if you can do it..

[cali4lyf]

Thanx Rick!

I'm going to look into those units!!

[quote]Originally posted by Unity_Jon:
<strong>Try and get the most powerfull mig you can, as you can always turn the power down for thin metal but once its maxxed out you can't do anything about it, about 150amp is suitable for most jobs upto about 6mm thick (quater plate - frame wrap ?)

work out where you'll be doing most of your work, if you'll be using outside in the open try and get a 'gasless' mig, their not actually gas less, the gas is in the mig wire so it doesn't get blown away from the work area by wind etc. If you'll be using it inside a garage then a standard mig with a gas bottle will be fine, although gasless is less hassle.

The gas creates a shroud of carbon dioxide around the work area which works as a FLUX, gass less migs have the flux in the wire (different wire for both types)

start by welding together any old scraps of metal you have lying around, practice makes perfect.

The mig should be set up so that it sounds like bacon sizzling when you're welding, you'll need to adjust the speed of the wire feed and the amount of power to get it just right.

Never try to weld dirty metal, it sucks and you'll get burnt.</strong><hr></blockquote>

its suppose to sound like frying eggs get it right j/p jon

dont weld painted surfaces either or u will be sick for days!!! i prefer arc to mig

[juandik]

sick from the stick? try drinkin milk.

try and look for a weld class at your local adult education center they offer them. always good to have a teacher to point you in the right direction.

good luck on your project!