New to welding - help

[nigelp]

Hi guys

I have brought a cheap second hand welder of a mate (Telwin 140) and the last welding I did was 10 years ago so a bit rusty on it.

Do you know of any good books/resources where I can brush up on the skills?

I have used a MIG welder recently but not the ARC type.

Also, are there any guides out there that not the stick size vs steel thickness/penetration?

Alternatively are there any short courses out there that could be of use to me. I am based in Chch.

I am just wanting to weld a few bits and pieces here and there so not wanting to do anything technical.

TIA

[Kflasher]

I would do a short course as learning at home can be expensive - power/materials. Your tutor will inform you of correct amps vs rods and material thicknes and correct stop and starts etc. Good luck practise will pay off.

[paturoa]

google welding tutorials there are dozens, your local library will have a bunch too.

[caesius]

Does your welder have an amps gauge? What sized rods does it take?

For 2.5mm rods the norm is around 80amps but you'll want more than that to get the job actually done.

[The Pastor]

unitec had a 6-8 week cource costs around 300 bucks - WELL worth it.

This is in auckland... not sure of chch tho...

[B-rad]

Southern Institute of Technology do welding courses out at wigram.

[Teflon]

http://www.weldwell.co.nz/products/electrodes/general_purpose/ph28.htm

Piss easy to weld with.. if you are welding stainless, RSP rods.

[Buster]

Make sure all the surfaces to be welded are clean. Then its just practice.

[geoffm]

http://www.fortunecity.com/village/lind/247/weld_book/toc.htm
http://www.lincolnelectric.com/knowledge/articles/content/arcweldfund.asp
http://www.aussieweld.com.au/arcwelding/
http://www.metalwebnews.com/wc.html

Should get you started

[nigelp]

Thanks for all the info, the welder is adjustable up to 140 amps so reasonably powerful. I have got 2.5 and 3.2mm rods and will only be welding mild steel at this stage.

[JMemonic]

Do a night course at CPIT, they are not that expensive, you will be a bit late to enrol in the first on for this year but you should be able to enrol in the second course. Well worth the effort and you can progress from there.

[nigelp]

Do a night course at CPIT, they are not that expensive, you will be a bit late to enrol in the first on for this year but you should be able to enrol in the second course. Well worth the effort and you can progress from there.

That is the kind of thing I am looking for however it seems the only courses I could find on their website are trade introductory courses, and not home handy man courses. Will keep looking....

[Pixie]

http://eddiem.com/projects/mig/mig.htm

http://www.twi.co.uk/j32k/protected/band_3/jk4.html

[Kwaka14]

if you're using a low powered arc then use the smallest rods you can, they're easier to start and use if you're just starting out IMO

[cowboyz]

coming from the worlds worst welder .. just play with it. I am a self taught welder and it gets better over time. I couldnt give you the numbers game. If you are blowing holes in stuff then turn it down. if its not sticking or arcing then turn it up. cant beat experience.

BTW. there nothing a grinder cant fix

[ManDownUnder]

Hit the weldwell site - there's some really good info there.

Also, hit google videos and search for welding tutorials or something like that. There's a lot of stuff tucked away in there too

[nigelp]

coming from the worlds worst welder .. just play with it. I am a self taught welder and it gets better over time. I couldnt give you the numbers game. If you are blowing holes in stuff then turn it down. if its not sticking or arcing then turn it up. cant beat experience.

BTW. there nothing a grinder cant fix

Once I have had a read of the relevant websites I think it will be time for a play. Will get some scrap metal and start making some works of art.:yes:

I love my grinder too, used is a lot in the past few weeks cleaning up my bike trailer ready for a painting session. Also is great with the cutting wheel attached!

[nigelp]

Hit the weldwell site - there's some really good info there.

Also, hit google videos and search for welding tutorials or something like that. There's a lot of stuff tucked away in there too

Videos, now sounds like my kind of learning!!!

Will have a look at weldwell too! The majority of the websites seem to deal mainly with MIG welder, I believe the hardest thing to do will be "striking the arc"

[ManDownUnder]

Videos, now sounds like my kind of learning!!!

Will have a look at weldwell too! The majority of the websites seem to deal mainly with MIG welder, I believe the hardest thing to do will be "striking the arc"

http://www.weldwell.co.nz/advice/arcinfo.htm

One thing at a time... I came back to welding after a big break too, and striking the arc was the first challenge... closely followed by not blowing holes in things, getting a fillet to actually stick to both srfaces, getting a getting good penetration, good looking weld, and minimising the birdshite/splatter.

One thing at a time - you'll be sweet

[Motu]

Get an auto helmet - striking an arc in the dark is a big hurdle when you are learning.

[nigelp]

http://www.weldwell.co.nz/advice/arcinfo.htm


Thanks, that website seems great and has heaps of info. Have printed out for some weekend ready (if the weather is crap and riding is not an option!!!)

I also like Motu's idea about the auto helmet. Would be useful!

[imdying]

I'm keen to do a welding for beginners course at CPIT or wherever. We should get a group of like minded KBers and join up in the second term/semester/whatever.

[nigelp]

I'm keen to do a welding for beginners course at CPIT or wherever. We should get a group of like minded KBers and join up in the second term/semester/whatever.

I have just heard back from CPIT. Apparently the course started last night (great timing :angry: ) however they have another course starting 18 July til 24 Oct 6-9pm, (Wed nights, 15 weeks). Looks as though the cost will be $250ish. Course is called Arc Welding 1 and they have 8 places available.

Any others keen to join in?

[imdying]

Any others keen to join in?I've got another, maybe one other.

[Teflon]

You shouldn't have any trouble striking a arc using 28's.. beginners may have trouble using low hydrogen rods thou.

Preheating the steel and removing moisture from the rod helps..

You can use a Tig welder to arc weld as well.. i can use 3.2mm rods with the tig hand piece. Most tigs have HF, this makes welding, striking a arc easier for beginners.

[trumpy]

.......... and removing moisture from the rod helps..

Keep your rods in the hotwater cupboard....makes a big difference.

[nigelp]

Keep your rods in the hotwater cupboard....makes a big difference.

Will try that as the rods currently sit on a shelf in the garage, and probably not the dryest of places!