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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,511
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Joined: May 2012
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Tony, I'm still mad at Scott for saying I can't wear my flip flops. The nerve of some people. I've done the funny dance with tennis shoes as Scott mentioned, no fun having a big blister between the toes! For me, knowing my welding would be on the DIY side opposed to particular projects, I've always used flux core. Argon is certainly preferred but for me I've done as much welding outdoors as in so it's worked best for me. Not the prettiest welds but effective none the less, and up to 1/4" with my Lincoln Electric MIG. Also handy to have and easy to make is a welding cart like this one. Mine is similar to this one although it didn't turn out as square : On to another note: No (combustible) lighters or books of matches in the pockets! Especially shirt pockets and could be equally dangerous in pants pockets. Consider the consequences of each. Get a Zippo if you're used to carrying a lighter in your pocket.
Last edited by Lovnlivin; 01/12/17 03:28 PM.
Keith - Still Lovin Livin https://youtu.be/o-R41Rfx0k0(a short video tribute to the PB members we met on our 5 week fishing adventure) Formerly: 2ac LMB,HSB,BG,HBG,RES
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Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 425
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Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 425 |
I'm a welding instructor and all that has been said is good advice. Aluminum isn't that bad if you have the right alloy wire. 100% argon for aluminum. 75/25 for mild steel. There is one called trigas that has helium added. Helium is for welding stainless. Its not nearly as nice as 75/25 on mild steel though. Spool guns are the best for aluminum if all you have is a MIG. You have to have a high freq tig to weld aluminum. If you will be cutting alot of thick metal I would invest in a chop saw blade with carbide teeth...they will last alot longer. If you will be cutting every once in a while and nothing thicker than 1/4" I would just use abrasive discs. Reason is lots of thick cutting you'll pay for a carbide tip blade pretty quick...but ever so often and stuff under 1/4" you'll have to do alot of cutting to go through a bunch of the abrasive discs. If you have any questions about using the machine just pm me and see if I can help out. Quick startup tip on your mig. Take your heat and multiply by 10 and start there. Normally you will turn your wire speed up a bit from there but to start out that will keep you from building up to much filler. Also migs like clean metal...a little oil residue and such won't hurt anything alot...BUT...the cleaner the metal the easier it is for the welder to mig. Even taking a flap wheel and cleaning the mill scale...(gray color) off the metal and making it shiny will make it easier on you. Anyhow, holler at me if you have any questions. Have fun!!
Last edited by peachgrower; 01/12/17 04:00 PM.
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,322 Likes: 306
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Joined: Feb 2011
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Guys, I just can't say thank you enough. As I said, I'm fine with a stick, but my wife told me some things just need to be square.
I've been cleaning and cutting tubing today, and snrub please re-remind me to wait for painted steel next time. Keith, thanks but I'll blow myself up at some point. It's inevitable.
peachgrower, thanks for the tips. I bought the Miller 215, because it's very portable, and can do mig, tig, and stick. I doubt I'll ever need the 120, but that is an option too. There are always small stick welds that are remote, so this rig and my generator will at least keep me from having to borrow my neighbor's Bobcat.
AL
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Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 425
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Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 425 |
We have quite a few of the multi process style machines at the school. I don't think you can go wrong with a miller. They make great machines. Although I will say that miller and hobart come down the same line and get different metal and faces at the end. I know many have their own opinions on brands... I like miller for mig and lincoln for stick...although I use a miller trailblazer at my other job (diesel mech) to stick...and we have a miller 252 for mig and a 30amp spool gun for aluminum. I think you'll love the machine, its nice to have one that can do it all.
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Joined: Nov 2016
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Joined: Nov 2016
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CAUTION: be careful what you use to clean metal. Some solvents will turn into deadly gasses when vaporized. And I do mean DEADLY. Please research what you use before using "any old solvent or cleaner". For a reference, search on the use of Brake Fluid as a solvent for cleaning welds. People have died from this and there is NO CURE. Another resource for you would be WeldingWeb.com. I am a hobby welder but found lots of great advice from professionals on the WeldingWeb forum (including the warning about what solvents to use).
The gasses you use depends on the metal you are welding. For general welding of ferrous metal, the 75/25 mix is great. Not so for Aluminum or Stainless. For Aluminum, you would likely want to invest in a Spool Gun but not all welders support them.
A good grinder with a wire wheel is a great tool to have for MIG. Your welds will improve dramatically the cleaner you can get your welding surface. Stick welding is a bit more forgiving when it comes to rusted/painted surfaces. A 6011 rod will almost weld water to rusty steel.......OK I am exaggerating just a little bit.
I would also have to agree with sticking with the composite blades in the chop saw. Just be aware that they could break up so keep the shields on the saw and your eyes. I like the full face shield when grinding or cutting.
Be safe and have fun.
Born city. Love country.
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Joined: Nov 2016
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Joined: Nov 2016
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FireisHot, I am jealous of your welder. Nice.
Last edited by Charles Anderson; 01/13/17 02:06 PM.
Born city. Love country.
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,322 Likes: 306
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So one more question. Do you guys put your ponytails up in a bun when you weld?
Not that I set my hair on fire this morning, I just want to know for those that are uncomfortable asking, or are not sure what that foul odor lingering around their noggin is.
AL
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,186 Likes: 44
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,186 Likes: 44 |
No,
Oh wait, I don't have one, never mind.
I did burn the hair on my arm once cooking burgers and steaks on a grill, does that count?
Brian
The one thing is the one thing A dry fly catches no fish Try not to be THAT 10%
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,058 Likes: 7
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Joined: Jun 2012
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I have caught a few shirts on fire. Not knowing until it gets really hot or you catch a strange smell.
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 6,088 Likes: 96
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 6,088 Likes: 96 |
That reminds me of an important safety tip.
Don't wear bluejeans with frayed leg bottoms or otherwise frayed holes in them while welding.
Don't ask me how I know.
And don't lean a tractor muffler pipe end up against your chest while acetelene welding on the body part of it while wearing cotton coveralls.
Come to think of it, I learned more in high school than I thought.
John
I subscribe to Pond Boss Magazine
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,322 Likes: 306
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Joined: Feb 2011
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Yeah, I may to rethink the sandals.
Finishing up my mig 101 project, and it turned out well. I'm losing 4 carts, and picking up one shelf unit that will hold all my power tools, chop saws, and misc. fasteners. It's square, so my wife will like it.
You guys feel free to post anything you may have, the thread belongs to everybody. I'm learning, and seeing other projects helps.
AL
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 6,980 Likes: 15
Ambassador Lunker
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Ambassador Lunker
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 6,980 Likes: 15 |
I love how leather gloves will insulate your hands, right up until they suddenly won't....and then you can't get em' off fast enough.
"Forget pounds and ounces, I'm figuring displacement!"
If we accept that: MBG(+)FGSF(=)HBG(F1) And we surmise that: BG(>)HBG(F1) while GSF(<)HBG(F1) Would it hold true that: HBG(F1)(+)AM500(x)q.d.(=)1.5lbGRWT? PB answer: It depends.
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 16,068 Likes: 280
Moderator Lunker
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Moderator Lunker
Joined: Jan 2006
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Shave and use the "no bill" cap, long britches, and shirt. You haven't really enjoyed cutting/welding until a BB hits you.
It's not about the fish. It's about the pond. Take care of the pond and the fish will be fine. PB subscriber since before it was in color.
Without a sense of urgency, Nothing ever gets done.
Boy, if I say "sic em", you'd better look for something to bite. Sam Shelley Rancher and Farmer Muleshoe Texas 1892-1985 RIP
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,099 Likes: 23
Ambassador Field Correspondent Hall of Fame Lunker
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Ambassador Field Correspondent Hall of Fame Lunker
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,099 Likes: 23 |
So one more question. Do you guys put your ponytails up in a bun when you weld?
Not that I set my hair on fire this morning, I just want to know for those that are uncomfortable asking, or are not sure what that foul odor lingering around their noggin is. Gee, thanks Al! You with a man bun just cost me my appetite!
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,322 Likes: 306
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,322 Likes: 306 |
Rex, I'm glad to hear it. If you thought it looked good, I might worry. Flattered, but I'd worry none the less.
AL
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Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,958 Likes: 188
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Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,958 Likes: 188 |
I have caught a few shirts on fire. Not knowing until it gets really hot or you catch a strange smell. there ain't nothing like the smell of cotton burning. Have had many worn pant cuffs catch on fire over the years.
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 997 Likes: 57
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 997 Likes: 57 |
If possible don't weld sitting down. You haven't lived until you have weld slag go through your jeans......roll around big John and settle next to the twins......while 14' in the air beating on yourself like a maniac......er, but I wouldn't know about such things.
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Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 3,668 Likes: 57
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Joined: Sep 2014
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Now that is funny Tbar
Do not judge me by the politicians in my City, State or Federal Government.
Tracy
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 997 Likes: 57
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Joined: Jan 2015
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This is my stick welding rig.
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,322 Likes: 306
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Posts: 5,322 Likes: 306 |
Now that's cool! I would have never thought to do that.
AL
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Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,958 Likes: 188
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Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,958 Likes: 188 |
If possible don't weld sitting down. You haven't lived until you have weld slag go through your jeans......roll around big John and settle next to the twins......while 14' in the air beating on yourself like a maniac......er, but I wouldn't know about such things. T been there and for sure done that..... that will definitely get your attention pronto
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 16,068 Likes: 280
Moderator Lunker
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Moderator Lunker
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 16,068 Likes: 280 |
A BB on your bald spot can be unforgettable. Wear a cap.
It's not about the fish. It's about the pond. Take care of the pond and the fish will be fine. PB subscriber since before it was in color.
Without a sense of urgency, Nothing ever gets done.
Boy, if I say "sic em", you'd better look for something to bite. Sam Shelley Rancher and Farmer Muleshoe Texas 1892-1985 RIP
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,322 Likes: 306
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,322 Likes: 306 |
I'm looking at installing new shop lights, because I need something brighter than florescents. LEDs, or is there a better option?
AL
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 6,088 Likes: 96
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 6,088 Likes: 96 |
If possible don't weld sitting down. You haven't lived until you have weld slag go through your jeans......roll around big John and settle next to the twins......while 14' in the air beating on yourself like a maniac......er, but I wouldn't know about such things. You can also get a sunburn on the inside of your legs. Surprising how much UV can get through faded jeans.
John
I subscribe to Pond Boss Magazine
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,713 Likes: 35
Administrator Lunker
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Administrator Lunker
Joined: Dec 2004
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I cut off my 3 year long ponytail so my welding helmet would fit again. Priorities.
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Moderated by Bill Cody, Bruce Condello, catmandoo, Chris Steelman, Dave Davidson1, esshup, ewest, FireIsHot, Omaha, Sunil, teehjaeh57
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BG sex?
by tim k - 05/12/24 07:01 AM
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