New to Welding, need some easy starter project ideas?

When I say new, I mean I have taken it out of the box and I have seen people weld before. I got this for Christmas:

I am only wanting to learn basic welding, I don't have plans to become a fabricator and doing anything great with the skill, it is just something I want to learn and do. I have done basic research on the how-to and things to know, and any advice would be welcomed, but most of all, any ideas of things to build that would be useful. I have looked at a few things to try (workbench, dolly, kayak rack, etc.) but just wanted to see if there is anything that would be really neat and simple to start with? Oh and if you have done it, maybe your write up and plans would be great.

Thanks!

Oh, and anyone in the DFW area know of any cheap places to buy steel?

 

build a basic 3x6 welding bench.

 

a cart for the welder.

 

This is what came up most when I searched and seems most obvious. The biggest problem is I already have a nice work bench and don't have room for another. I know a bigger table would better for welding, but just don't think I have the room.

Thanks, I may still try it.

 

I did find a write up on a dolly that I want to try. The welder itself is pretty small (about the size of a small tool box) so it won't need a cart. The dolly though could be very useful, I don't have one and always have to borrow one. This is up there as one of things to try, it does seem though it would be a little tough to start with.

Thank you.

 

You should just get some scrap steel and start practicing. That's how I learned. Flux core is a little tougher than welding with gas IMO but again, that's what I learned on.

 

I definitely plan on practicing first, but I am too eager so I won't do much before wanting to jump in. I literally have never welded so I figure three or four practice pieces of scrap before I turn pro!

 

steve o, have you ever done any sort of rack or anything for your bikes? Not that I am at that level, just curious.

 

If you have a bulk junk night go around and find broken bed frames..perfect to learn welding on.

 

Good idea. I'll have to start trash diving, the first Monday of the month is bulk.

 

Turn pro? There is ALOT of need to knows about welding. How to set amperage, proper pass techniques, proper penetration, how to use different rods. And btw, if you are flux core welding, be careful. That stuff gets HOT!! I have seen people's masks melt and set fire before. Ain't like MIG welding.

 

Actually yes, I built a rack for my DR650. Using some scrap flat stock we had laying around and my parent's miller 140 running flux core.



ugly welds, they got ground down.




all done


Took about 2 hours. The hardest part is getting everything symetrical and bent correctly.

 

Bed bars/bed racks, welder carts, tables/benches, it really only stops where your imagination does. This spring I'll hopefully be building up a bed rack that'll be able to mount two bikes, a spare, hi-lift, and might have some built in tool boxes as well.

 

Sorry, I am quite the sarcastic one, in no way what so ever do I think I will be pro or even capable. I may have to hang up the shield and gloves after one practice.

 

Looks good.

 

I'm hoping to get a new job soon that will require some welding/fabbing. I am as big a newb as they come to welding. As you stated there is a lot to be learned. I don't have the time or means for schooling, so I ordered one of these to familiarize my self to metal fusion.

$19 Audel Welding Pocket Reference

http://www.amazon.com/Welding-Pocket-Reference-Technical-Trades/dp/0764588095/ref=tmm_other_title_0


Tons of straight-forward, practical info and worth every penny.

 

Don't know why I haven't thought of this, because I have been wanting some for a while now, then just as I was looking at steve o's post, it came to mind. Thanks, that may be what I start with. I like the rack with tool box combo, I may start working on a plan, but keep me posted on how yours goes. Thanks.

 

Besides basic safety precautions, any other safety advice so I don't burn myself or anything else down. I do still have to pick up gloves, is there anything that is better than the next for flux core welding (and can you get them at Home Depot/Lowes)?

 

When my late Grandpa retired he made windmills out of bedframes among other stuff. The windmills were @ 6ft tall and he sold 2-3 a yr in front of his house .

 

I always just wear an old sweat shirt (COTTON, NOT NYLON), some thick welding gloves and a hood. Yeah I get burned pretty often but its not too bad. A pair of leather boots are nice too.