New to welding - help

**ManDownUnder** · 15th February 2007, 10:55

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** · 15th February 2007, 10:57

Originally Posted by 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

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.

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** · 15th February 2007, 10:59

Originally Posted by 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

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** · 15th February 2007, 11:04

Originally Posted by nigelp

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** · 15th February 2007, 11:07

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

**nigelp** · 15th February 2007, 11:14

Originally Posted by ManDownUnder

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** · 15th February 2007, 11:49

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** · 15th February 2007, 12:29

Originally Posted by 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.

I have just heard back from CPIT. Apparently the course started last night (great timing

) 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** · 15th February 2007, 13:24

Originally Posted by nigelp

Any others keen to join in?

I've got another, maybe one other.

**Teflon** · 15th February 2007, 20:56

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.