Welding 101..

[HawK5]

Hey Guys,
I’ve always wanted to learn how to weld, but never got around to it. The Jimmy has enough light fab needs that it probably would make sense for me to start diving into it. Welding anti wrap bar, rock sliders; off road bumpers, etc. I’m not looking to get into serious Fab, I don’t have the space and tools, but more like buy prefab parts that need to be welded on.

Was thinking of starting with a Harbor Freight $150 120v 125 amp flux welder

https://www.harborfreight.com/welding/welders/mig-flux-welders/easy-flux-125-amp-welder-57861.html

Right now, most of what I’m welding won’t be seen.. I also don’t have a ton of cash to throw at this skillset right now. What else would I need or should I consider? Helmet, gloves, some of the magnetic adjustable holders..

Thanks for any advice you guys can offer.

 

[Bent77]

Welding on a budget is fine, but like any tools, better tools better outcome

flux core is difficult for sheet metal, but can be done

So the items that you want to weld up are higher stress type items, and a weld failure can be epic and bad. So for Something like the bumper, that you will pull on, you have to make sure that you get proper penetration
Flux core taps out on that at about 3/16" plate
those welders are also low duty cycle, and will require cooling time between burns to allow full amperage to the plate

If you have 220V in your work space, a used lincoln stick welder may be a better idea for heavier structural items


A cheap Jackson helmet is fine. Stick with welding and reward yourself with better equipment as you go



Two biggest things:
Clean your work piece like your life depends on it
Practice, Practice, Practice

 

[sweetk30]

lincoln / miller / hobart / weldmark also all make real solid 110 volt units and setup for gas welding . keep a eye out on fb market place . spend more now and get the rewards of a better job .

i welded up the k30 frame in my budget beater plow truck page #2 build with a lincoln 140c unit and gas just to prove a point to all the haters out there local and internet . she is still going strong to this day .

 

[Wes Harden]

Yeah find a better unit used, it's a buyers market right now.

My brother scored this Lincoln ac/dc stick welder for $160 2 weeks ago. 70 80s vintage and cables were much newer. Had to pick it up with an engine hoist.

 

[HankScorpio]

I ran a 110/220v Lincoln unit for years. Mostly on 110v with flux core. Not great for sheet metal but workable. Did lots of repairs, bumpers, seat mounts and suspension brackets.. Weld slow, let some heat soak in on the thick stuff and weld 2 passes.
Practice as much as you can. Buy good welding wire, it helps on a cheaper machine.
A flap disc to knock down the high spots makes your welds look a bunch better than they are, especially after paint.

There are things you can do to make parts stronger. Don't just weld a tow point to the front of a bumper and weld around it. Cut a slot and stick the tow point through the bumper and weld both sides. Add gussets, etc. to your parts.

My preference is skip the arc. Yes, its good for thick stuff, but as a novice your welds are going to look ugly and you will burn holes through stuff. Make your goal to get a good 220v mig on gas someday and skip the arc all together. I haven't used mine in a decade or more.

Lincoln 220v arc tombstone. $100 new 25 years ago. Hate it, but it gets the job done. Rod stuck next to burn hole is my specialty.
Lincoln 110/220v was from home depot years ago for $500. Still have it and use it outside on flux core.
Hobart 220v mig, used, like new, $500, ArCO2 gas.
Lincoln 220v Tig, used, $400, straight Ar gas.

Gas and cylinders are a whole other game with surprising cost. Stick with flux while you learn. When you switch to gas your welds will all of a sudden look 50% better.

 

[kennyw]

I would make sure your first welder is used if you plan to upgrade it later and ask the seller to show it works while you are picking it up. But, buy a set of gloves and welding hood new and make sure they will last a bit.

Here is a $40 Lincoln welder in Monroe: https://www.facebook.com/share/1T5GUHTT5P/
Here is a $50 flux core HF mig welder in Stanwood: https://www.facebook.com/share/1GcNGwcs1K/

 

[kennyw]

After that, find scrap metal to practice on before you do anything you care about. It is going to take some practice to get to the point you have stuff stay together without blowing holes in it. I always have scrap metal around my property if you need some.