Welding Tips and Tricks

What sort of material would you suggest for a first timer to use? I've seen people on here saying rebar and round stock, etc. I don't have any metal just lying around except for my motorcycle frame and I'm certainly not learning on it!

I'd say 11 AWG (1/8") plate to start. That's about the thickness of a bike frame.

Runnerg.

It looks like you are looking to practice on carbon steel.

Any carbon steel is fine to practice on.

The more variety of wall thicknesses the better.
You will choose the electrode diameter and amperage in relationship to the thickness of the metal you weld.

The cleaner the metal, the cleaner the weld.
Weld some rusty pieces.
Weld some more after brushing or grinding them clean.
Compare the difference when using different classes of electrodes.
Note how the pieces become distorted due to the welding, etc..

For example, repairing an old wheel barrel will give ya practice.
For example, weld up some saw horses. You will need them to fabrication work.

Alexa

Thanks guys! I have a few pieces of fender left, so I'm going to try some of the techniques I've seen in your beginner videos (making "e"'s) This place is great! I feel like I can walk into Airgas without being a complete idiot now...