Anything welding

These welds are the top of this vertical piece I made running in front of the door. Because the double cab is so long, it really seems like it needs all the bracing that can fit, while still having all the doors open.

 

All advice is sought and appreciated. Feel free to DM.

So, I've been reading this thread, reading other material, and watching videos. I'm hoping to pick up two or three overtime shifts in the next couple of weeks and intend to purchase a welding setup.
I will be new to welding and a multi-process will not be in my budget as I will have to have the 240v run as well. I know there are strong recommendations to start with stick. I don't like buying something that I may have to upgrade shortly and space is a premium in my garage. I'm thinking a MIG unit and avoid TIG/Multiprocess for a couple years and some experience is gained.
The usual issue with me, is I research and always move up in price/quality and features. I am currently leaning toward the Hobart 210MVP. While it's more than I wanted to spend, I can start off at 115v and upgrade my electrical at a later time thus deferring a substantial expense. This seams like a reasonable idea to me.
The Miller jacket looks good. Are there any recommendations on gloves and an auto darkening hood that is reasonably priced?

Thank you,

Steve

 

I'm so jealous of your achievements! I really do have to get off my fat a$$ and get back in the shop. -5C ( 23F ) makes it tough some nights. At least I don't live in Newfoundland at the moment.....

 

The 210mvp is a good machine. A bit heavy since it’s a transformer vs chip.

 

I second this.

I also want to mention that transformer (heavier) machines are not a negative. Much less electronic parts equals a very reliable unit. welders live in dirty dusty environments. Those circuit boards do not like this.

Heavier is good.

Make sure that you go all in and get the cover gas. It will make the learning curve much less sever.

Get it and of course, you must post pics.

 

Plan on running the 75/25.
Thank you for the advice!
I look forward to posting up the practice welds and the great advice that will come from you all!

 

You can`t go wrong with the Hobart machines .

Good starter machine

 

I have the Hobart 210mvp and its been a great machine. About the only thing i didnt care for was the ground clamp but thats easily change able.

For gloves I use Tillman ones. I use both their Mig and Tig gloves. I like to use the Tig ones for fit up and times more dexterity and then Mig for just welding.

As for hoods.....try to go to a welding store and see if they have ones you can try on. I have used an Antra Auto Darkening (like 50 bucks on Amazon). Its worked just fine. A lot of people also use the harbor freight ones and dont have complaints. They work great for the hobby guy. But once you get a nicer hood youll love it. But you can do that later.

 

Thank you very much. I appreciate it!

 

I gave up on welding gloves. There to thick and bulky. A good pair of hd leather gloves has served me well and still allows a lot of movement and protection

 

This.

 

I got half of the "x" brace done. I'm going to fab up the other upper half of the x and then cut the cage off to hoist it up and fully weld the cab, and then finish the X to the frame. The rear of my frame is boxed with 1/8" but I plated that with another 3/16" where the cage welds to.

 

Nice!

 

Try these. They’re fleece lined and do well to protect from heat from the arc and weld puddle. They only come in one size though and for reference I wear a large in most gloves and these are perfect and slightly roomy. If you have small hands they might still feel a little clumsy. I used to wear these but I kept burning through the knuckles. Now I only wear these for fit up and or sparkless jobs.

 

I recently got hooked on Youngstown leather gloves that are FR and Kevlar lined. Protects the knuckles/hands from the heat and super flexible to work in

 

Unless I get into serious welding .052 wire rebuilding buckets I just use my normal work gloves Tilman 1470.

The worse thing you can do is pick up Hot metal burns the glove and makes them so hard you can`t feel anything.

One of the first lesson you learn in school

 

I like these!
https://www.princessauto.com/en/detail/large-yellow-tail-welding-gloves/A-p8271918e

really soft leather, allows for a lot of movement. I love how smooth they feel when I put them on.

Speaking of welding. Guess who got off his duff and welded some stuff! Just some tacks for fitment, but it was good to be back in the shop again. I forgot how warm I get when I'm bending tube manually

 

Welded a thick washer on the end of an axle for a disc I’m working on.

 

Just got done with a prototype for the powdercoater. They want to burn off some fixtures and be able to use the forklift to get it in and out of the oven.

It had it all, horizontal, vertical, top, and overhead welds. Fun!