Beginner Welder. My Very First Time Welding.

[Vtec?lol]

So I really want to dig into the e30 a little deeper and become a complete DIY'er. But you can't gain that title without knowing how to join metal. I've compiled a list of trades/skills required to completely rebuild a car and the only one not checked off was welding.

So I headed to different shops around town and what do you know... Every welder here is an arrogant douche. "if you don't know anything about it, just let the pro's do it". It took days of stopping by places on my way to places to finally yield valuable information and tips.

I was told to go to my local HF and pick up a 90amp 110v flux core mig and start practicing.
so....
Ladies and women, I present to you my very first welds.


That was my first attempt on some 8th inch... After about 30min of getting metal everywhere I finally applied the technique and had a basic understanding on how to control the molten puddle.

My apologies for the mess. Please remember I am a beginner. :P



And here's me getting the hang of things..



And a failed attempt to over-lap...


...and last but not least, a pleasant present. I was actually thinking of blunt while doing this.



Please , post up some beginner welds so I can compare lol. Tips and tricks are appreciated as well as flaming.

Cheers!

[Vtec?lol]

btw, the Harbor Freight welder isn't all that bad. Great for beginning but way too much splatter. Can't wait to move on to gas to clean things up and reduce flux smoke.

[5Toes]

I hope to one day follow in these footsteps

Looking good

[Vtec?lol]

Go get one and start now! They can be had for $90 bux. Well worth it imo

[jaywood]

Looks pretty good!

Here's some of my better mig welds on thick steel

[E30 Wagen]

Not bad for your first time. I think your wire speed is too high. I weld with Miller gas welders at work but I've been wanting to pick up something cheap for home use and to get more experience with different types. Mig welding really is very easy. Tig welding isn't hard either.

[Vtec?lol]

Jaywoodm That's pretty neat work man! What's your setup?

Wagen, I'm having a little trouble getting used to it. Wire speed is an issue as well as vertical joints.
I'm thinking of snatching a cheap tig as well for aluminum.

[mikeedler]

looks o.k. for your first try.
doesn't seem like it is going to be a strong weld though. not enough heat. it takes alot of time and practice. I am also self taught and def. no professional.. but you will figure it out. the hard thing is welding old not so clean metal- like repairing exhaust!

[MikeDE]

I'm thinking of snatching a cheap tig as well for aluminum.

Buy a nice one you can grow into.

[scottinAZ]

I also have a flux core wire feed, but am much better with oxy-acetylene. they both have their place,wire feed for sheetmetal, its easier to control the heat and therefore warpage, but I prefer the versatility of gas for many things, such as cutting, bending, and of course a bit of welding thrown in there

[mrsleeve]

<------------------- Is a welding inspector and Level 2 Non destructive testing Tech, I keep welders honest and look at and through welds for a living.


Vtech: Looks like a 1st timer, and to be honest looks like shit, may or may not hold. Excessive metal build up/not enough metal, and not enough penetration (like mike said not enough heat.) Not trying to be mean at all here, but those are welds I would not even want on my gates in my farm fence. But for someone just jumping in with no instruction or any related experience you could have done much worse.

Jaywoods look very nice, you see how the heat affected zone along each side of his welds is nice and even, and the weld it self is nice and even thats what you should be shooting for. Other the than the little pin holes on the peek of each ridge on his top pic.

But at least now you have a starting point, welding is not hard but there is plenty of technique and science to it. My suggestion is go to you local trade school or CC. and take a welding class to get you the basics and keep practicing at home. You will out grow that 110v Fulx really fast you need a 220v a real GMAW machine (Gas shielded welder) asap. You live in Huston home of the oil industry you ought to be able to find a welding class with ease down there.


Edit: I will say I have seen worse on occasion form "professional" welders.

[Brandon12V]

while on topic, anybody have shots of cold roll steel sheet metal(IE .22-.24 gauge) welding with a flux core? thinking about picking one up but my buddy has a 220 at my disposal.

[BigD]

Once you get gas, it'll make a massive difference. Here's my first attempt. It's a cheat though, because the owner of the welder helped me figure out the heat and speed settings. Welder was a Lincoln 180 amp (I'm sold). Top right bead is my first ever, left of it is my 2nd, then he had me join the two plates below. Not pretty by any means but a lot easier than I thought it could be.

[Vtec?lol]

great info.
Mr.sleeve, thanks for pointing that out. Someone also suggest heating the metal up first with a torch and then tackling it.

I'm going to finish this exhaust and see how it holds. After that I may be taking it back for a gas 220v.

[Pantless Spency]

Nice! I'm taking a welding course at my cc this semester.