SoCal members that know how to weld

One thing that I would love to learn in my life is welding. I think its an awesome skill that can really come in handy. I can figure out how to use other fabrication tools by trial and error (pipe benders, press brakes, etc.) none of that matters if you cant weld the peices together. I dont even know where to begin with welding.

Is there anyone here on tw that would be willing to give me a crash course on welding? Id like to learn mig and/or tig. I have a basis knowledge on how to do it but i lack details like whats the best gas to use for what (argon/helium), amperage needed for material thickness, wire speed (not an issue with tig) what would be a good size welder. would a 110V mig work for 1 3/4 DOM or HREW .120wall or 3/16" plate and 1/4 to 1/2 mounting brackets or would the duty cycle suck too much?

Much appreciated,
Roland

 

bump... anyone?

 

i am not in your area but i am a welder... starting off mig would be the best to learn because you will most likely use that process the most. If you do try TIG argon would be good to use, gas for MIG would be a 75/25 mix. most flip up mig welders will have an amp/wire feed speed/ mateial thickness post on the inside to help you.

 

I'm in the process of learning to weld. My neighbor is a welder and has a busy shop. What I did is buy the welder and supplies and had him set up/dial in the welder and spend a little time showing me how to weld. From there it's just practice mostly. Consider finding a local welder that you could pay for an hour or two of his time to show you the ropes.

I picked up this welder:
http://www.amazon.com/Hobart-500500...1?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1279725808&sr=8-1

does a great job - very good quality. comes with a miller gun and the tank guages. all you need is an argon tank to make it a mig welder. do not buy the tiny hobart one, it's way to small. just get a big tank and get the cart as well.

I've already finished my first welding project and moving onto my second.

 

Would a 140amp welder work for 1/4 plate or .120 wall 1 3/4 pipe?

 

I would suggest going with a 220v Mig welder using the common "steel mix" tank which is as stated before 75% (argon) 25% (carbon dioxide). Make sure you get yourself a good auto shade helmet and an apron to not burn yourself. Lastly just start on your own when welding and check out youtube. If you don't think you want to try it that way then go to a community college, they should have the classes available most of the time.

 

Ok I'm looking at a miller or Lincoln 180A 220V welder. Says it can weld up to half inch. Sounds like that's a good size welder to last me a long time. I've been watching you tube vids. I guess I just have to buy and try. I'll use destruction technique to check my welds make stuff and hammer on it or run it over to check integrity??

 

then you should look at this one. same quality, probably a lot better price. no tax and free shipping to CA.

 

what one?

 

has anyone bought or used a harbor frieght welder? i found a 160A "chicago electric" welder for $100. I know its shitty quality but seems like itd get the job done especially for learning on

 

oops....

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200392663_200392663

here you go... sorry about that

 

if you're getting a wire feed, don't waste your time with their junk. every review i read said the wire feed mechanism didn't work or broke - which makes a wire feed welder basically useless. the good thing is, even if you change your mind later, you can sell it for about the same as you paid for it. i tried to find used ones (and i'm sure i could've eventually found a good deal, but didn't want to wait forever), but all the ones i saw were going too close to retail to bother.

i think tool king often carries some reconditioned ones for good prices.

 

found and bought a decent little lincoln 100hd 120v. i figure itll be fine for welding 120 wall dom or 1/8-3/16 plate with cored wire. Ive been practicing on some scrap 1/8" a36 mild steel and im getting the hang of it...

Ive welded a few pieces together and hammered the living crap out of it and can get the welds to break...

I even welded two pieces together at a 135 and hammered the crap out of it until the surrounding metal gave and it was almost flat except for the weld.

 

This is something I want to learn, and start doing. Thinking bout taking a class at local college....bumper for my class project...