Welding Camp

[Jonnie Fraz]

I wanted to start this to try to answer some welding questions that I have run across.
Please guys feel free to add to this if you feel the need. I know that there are some very skilled welders here on Zilvia.

My first little welding project is a Silvia fender that somone cut the lip in order to roll it. This would not be so bad if they used snips to do this, but a grinder was used to cut the fender lip.
To get started I am useing a Millermatic 200 heat setting low #2, wire speed about 20%, 100% co2 sheilding gas. When welding body panels you must do "stich" welding, or a series of small tacks. Also when doing this move around to minimize warpage.
What the lip looked like when I started. A series of small cuts aprox 1in apart.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v635/Fraz-Man-One/Welding-pic-1.jpg
I have also built a spoon made from some copper tube that I flattened out. The spoon is for backing up the weld to pull heat away and minimize burn through.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v635/Fraz-Man-One/welding-pic-2.jpg
When using the spoon, just hold it tight to the back side of the gap and tack away. The copper pulls the heat away fast and will not stick to the weld.
As you can see first I sanded the paint and dirt away from the joints to be welded before I got started.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v635/Fraz-Man-One/welding-pic-3.jpg
Also you should see how I moved around the lip not welding too much in one area.
This is after a bunch of small stiches around the lip. You may have to quench the copper spoon after a few spot welds, it will start to heat up therefore minimizing its abillity to pull heat away.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v635/Fraz-Man-One/welding-pic4.jpg
Now the lip is ready for the sander.
Hope this helped

[Jung918]

I just started welding this week. I have only done it twice so far and I didn't think it would be this difficult. I would like to see the outcome of the fender you are doing.

Also , if you could give me any pointers.

I am using this bad boy.
http://www.kang.tv/james_files/misc/weld1a.jpg

My first attempt. I was going too fast.
http://www.kang.tv/james_files/misc/weld2a.jpg
http://www.kang.tv/james_files/misc/weld3a.jpg

My Second attempt.
http://www.kang.tv/james_files/misc/weld4a.jpg
http://www.kang.tv/james_files/misc/weld5a.jpg

[MOUNTAINGARAGE]

you should have saved your money for a TIG. But hey, A good MIG welder is better than none at all.

I suggest getting the gas kit. The argon keeps the spatter down to a minimum.

Keep practicing. Read. Get a video. :rawk:

[theicecreamdan]

why does everybody say that noobs should get wait and get a TIG,,, those home depot lincolns are great for getting started. Why would you want to invest thousands into something that you might not really get into?

[Jonnie Fraz]

I just started welding this week. I have only done it twice so far and I didn't think it would be this difficult. I would like to see the outcome of the fender you are doing.

Also , if you could give me any pointers.



Looks like you are getting it. Like Mountaingarage said practice, practice, practice. when you practice try to use metals simular to what you realy want welded up. I do suggest to get a gas kit for your welder. Flux cores have thier place cutom fab is not it. You will find it is easier with hard wire and gas.
As far as gas I like 100% co2, it's cheep and has great penitration. Another thing I suggest is a good welding hood, auto shade if you can afford it. It is amazing what will hapen when you can see. Truly I do not think you made a bad choise in welders, we have one at the shop for small jobs where we can only use 110v.
Keep going soon you will be teaching others.

[mjjstang]

70 amp arc is where its at.

[Team Rootbeer]

to the original poster, add about 25% argon to that mix, you will be pleased with the results...

also, for welding sheet metal, like body panels and such, it helps to run a bit hot so you get on and off quick, and there is hardly any buildup when you stitch......just remember to cool each time you weld with an air nozzle or wet rag.......

[Jung918]

It is alot harder then it looks. I'm using the mig because that is what is available at the shop I work at. That is all just scrap pieces of metal and they don't really deal with any sheet metals.

What do people use to stitch weld the chassis?

[Draginzuzu]

Im also getting into welding on my own. Trying to do my own intercooler piping. So mig you guys suggest running it with gas. What mix or type of gas? All piping is steel. What technique do you guys suggest for good penetration.

[IGSDann]

I bought one from a guy I worked with a while ago. $30 bucks for a Craftsman MIG with a broken wire speed control. Good enough to start with. Good for real basic stuff. I managed to weld in some body stuff for my AllTrac, weld some exhaust tubing, and last night I cut out the bent part of my tie rod and welded in some steel tubing in it's place. A cheap MIG is a great tool and has alot more uses than you'ld think at first. Build off of it at least.

[Team Rootbeer]

What do people use to stitch weld the chassis?

MIG, its just a long series of tack welds, very easy to do.....

[Jonnie Fraz]

Im also getting into welding on my own. Trying to do my own intercooler piping. So mig you guys suggest running it with gas. What mix or type of gas? All piping is steel. What technique do you guys suggest for good penetration.
Hey, I like 100% co2 I have gotten used to it, I think that it has great penitration and the welds look nice and flat. I have heard real good things about a 75%co2-25%argon mix, it is supposed to have great weld characteristics, but personally I can not say for sure.
On your tubing make sure you spend some time fitting to get nice joints. Tack your tubing together and make sure it fits before welding it up. As for penitration strait welding will give better pen than stich, usually. If you have some spare tube, practice until you get the results you like.