Welding

[Mr Lefty]

I could care less what they look like. just as long as they're strong.

I think the hobby shop on base will give me a place to practice

Originally Posted by TIGGER

Not hard at all. Welding is one of those things that are incredibly easy on paper but is difficult in practice. The best advice that I can give you is to either buy a small, cheap welder and practice, take a class or borrow a welder...

I could explain the theory of welding but you really need to get the stinger in your hands and go for it! There are innumerable videos and books on the subject. You may even be able to get someone from the motor pool to help you out.

cool thanks...

[Cutty72]

Originally Posted by eBBs15

I could care less what they look like. just as long as they're strong.

I think the hobby shop on base will give me a place to practice

That's a great place to start.

First, just start making beads on a single piece of metal, to get the feel for it, and how it needs to flow to be smooth.
After you have that down, then you can move on to trying to make two pieces of metal stick together.

[Amber Lamps]

Originally Posted by Cutty72

That's a great place to start.

First, just start making beads on a single piece of metal, to get the feel for it, and how it needs to flow to be smooth.
After you have that down, then you can move on to trying to make two pieces of metal stick together.

Exactly how I learned! FWIW I've seen welders for well under$100 that would be good for practice and small projects. I didn't bother to look at Derf's chart but I'd imagine that it deals with wattage/amp/metal thickness and possibly ac vs dc welding. Good luck bro! Oh and get a decent helmet, gloves and always wear long sleeves...I can post pics if you want. Nasty!

[Mr Lefty]

Originally Posted by TIGGER

Exactly how I learned! FWIW I've seen welders for well under$100 that would be good for practice and small projects. I didn't bother to look at Derf's chart but I'd imagine that it deals with wattage/amp/metal thickness and possibly ac vs dc welding. Good luck bro! Oh and get a decent helmet, gloves and always wear long sleeves...I can post pics if you want. Nasty!

oh trust me, I've seen what slag does to unprotected skin...

[derf]

Originally Posted by eBBs15

oh trust me, I've seen what slag does to unprotected skin...

I got a great mask from harbor freight, on of the auto darkening ones, there truly is nothing better. I also usually wear an old BDU shirt and a pair of gloves.

[Amber Lamps]

Originally Posted by derf

I got a great mask from harbor freight, on of the auto darkening ones, there truly is nothing better. I also usually wear an old BDU shirt and a pair of gloves.

Yep $39.99 auto darkening ftw! hell, I saw a welder at Walmart. Buy it, practice with it for a month or two and return it. Otherwise, hf has some pretty good deals on small welders.