welding guidelines

[cardude]

I am a welding newby (but I got big aspirations!!)

I finally got my welder working, its small and cheap but was free. Anyhow I was going to do some patches on the floor where there are some rust holes (mainly where the firewall / step panel hits the main floor). the welder does 30/75A switchable and has a variable wire feed speed knob.

I intend on practicing first, but is there any suggestions you can give with this given the welder I have, I would appreciate it.

 

[ForceFed70]

At this point my only suggestion is to get a gas setup(if you don't already). The "flux core" stuff sucks ballz.

 

[cardude]

got a 40 cu ft bottle of 75/25. regualtor and all is new as well. had a guy test drive it before I put out the $$ on the bottle and gas, and he said it was a good little welder for what it was.... I was not able to hang around while he tested it out though, but at least it works good.

 

[Hack]

You could probably download a manual from one of the major welder manufacturers. Try to find the manual for your welder online. I have a Hobart, and the manual gives all the information you need to get going. It shows what the weld should look like, how much gas flow you need, and the settings and wire thickness for different material thicknesses. It also gives tips on how to hold the handle, etc. A manual is probably all you need.

I got a Haynes welding manual, but I've found the manual that came with my welder is better, and it's all I really look at now.

 

[UNVMATT]

MIG welding isnt that hard. Buy a welding book and it will give you the info needed for technique and even for setting up your welder.