Welding Tips and Tricks

I've tried my hand briefly with mig, stick and tig over the years, but recently have been working at getting a garage setup for some light fab and repair work. Inherited a HD Smith torch and have a cheap dc flux core wire welder. I will be upgrading as I'm able. Looking at doing aluminum boat repairs and making accessories and mods. Also the same for ATV's and hunting equipment. The possibilities are endless with the right tools, just gotta get my girl to see it that way...

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk

Welcome. Repairing or fab'ing aluminum anything isn't cheap. Repairing isn't as much as fab'ing, but you still need a serious machine whether it be MIG or TIG.

Oscar wrote:Welcome. Repairing or fab'ing aluminum anything isn't cheap. Repairing isn't as much as fab'ing, but you still need a serious machine whether it be MIG or TIG.

From what I've learned, you are right. Still, I'm gonna try my hand with my Smith torch setup. I've acquired a set of welding tips for it and researched the materials needed to do it. I have the flux and wire to give it a try. I just need to get some scrap material and see if I can put it all together. Old school style.

If I can do it, and get pretty good, switching to a tig would be a pretty easy change once I can afford it.

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk

IF it were me, I'd forget about the torch unless you are cutting Go for teh ACDC machine as soon as your people approve you. Good luck

I'll admit that it's taking some effort and the learning curve is steep, but I'm pretty satisfied with these torch welds. This is a mitered corner on 1" square 1/16" thick 6061. The outside of the corner doesn't look as good-too much heat in the center and it dipped inward, but didn't open. I'm wanting to swap the wood framework in my job boat decks with this type of material to lighten my boat. Still need more practice, but it's looking like I may be able to do it.

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk