Welding Tips and Tricks

Long ago, I learned to do something one could loosely describe as welding. Basic arc/stick welding to start, then at autobody school, gas welding sheet metal. Gas welding I was good it, but when I graduated HS, that all went out the window. Never completed autobody school and no access to any sort of welder after that.

Fast forward 32 years and I'm getting back in the game. Working on my sons 65 Valiant and soon my 70 Cuda vert. Teaching myslf to MIG slowly. Mostly building heavier things like a welding table, modifying heavier gauge parts etc. I need lots of practice to I'm looking for things to weld/make/modify all around the house

Almost bought an AHP 201XD last year and I'm glad I waited. Nothing wrong with the AHP, but after seeing the Primeweld 225, I'm shocked they can offer it at the price they do with the accessories, so PW it is. Been wanting to learn TIG for a LONG time. My new PW 225 shows up this Thursday and I'm almost giddy.

Largest project to date is of course my bench/table. Next biggest will be a Chassis jig for my vert. Hopefully lots of little junk in between and beyond.

Anyway, that's me.

-=C

Welcome to the forum and the Primeweld club!

DavidR8 wrote:Welcome to the forum and the Primeweld club!

Thanks David, looking forward to making some stuff!

Well, after a late truck and a day delay, my welder shows up today. I'm going to waste a bunch of materials this weekend playing around.

Going to stop at the supply place and get some tungsten and filler rod. I plan on doing the "normal" stuff like mild steel, aluminum and stainless. Any suggestions as far as basic materials for a beginner?

Tungsten is 3/32 Blue (2% lanthanated)
#8, #12 cup, maybe also a #5. Stubby gas lenses for the #8 or greater cups. A standard collet body works perfectly for the #5.

I keep stock of 3/32 and 1/8" 4943 aluminum filler, don't waste too much time with 1/16" ally.
1/16, 3/32 and 1/8" ER70-S2 filler
308L in 3/32

Scrap material!

That ought to empty the bank account pretty well for this weekend

cj737 wrote:Tungsten is 3/32 Blue (2% lanthanated)
#8, #12 cup, maybe also a #5. Stubby gas lenses for the #8 or greater cups. A standard collet body works perfectly for the #5.

I keep stock of 3/32 and 1/8" 4943 aluminum filler, don't waste too much time with 1/16" ally.
1/16, 3/32 and 1/8" ER70-S2 filler
308L in 3/32

Scrap material!

That ought to empty the bank account pretty well for this weekend

Thanks! , I'll see what kind of damage i can do to my wallet later.

-C