Becoming a better welder...

[Bird76Mojo]

I always found that the reflective (gold) welding hood lenses helped quite a bit, but they're very costly. Also, the Philips Safety Arc (or whatever they're called now) brand are crap. They create a lengthening visual effect on the arc which is very distracting.

https://www.harrisweldingsupplies.com/harris-shade-9-welding-helmet-gold-filter-plate-lens-4-5-x-5-25/?_vsrefdom=adwords&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIsq3wq5bv4wIVjMDACh2CEwYoEAQYCyABEgLQk_D_BwE

 

[Shran]

Lighting makes a huge difference, I usually have a LED flashlight or two focused on the spot I'm welding if it's indoors.

Now that you're running gas, you'll never want to go back to flux core. I keep a small roll of it on hand for emergencies but I hope I never have to use it.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Lighting makes a huge difference, I usually have a LED flashlight or two focused on the spot I'm welding if it's indoors.

Now that you're running gas, you'll never want to go back to flux core. I keep a small roll of it on hand for emergencies but I hope I never have to use it.

Amen... solid wire and shielding gas is the only way I ever want to weld.

I bought a small roll of flux core to mess with when I first bought the machine. It came off and will now be for that emergency you speak of. I'm actually thinking about picking up another 55 cf tank... just in case I run out... I can just connect the next one. Honestly... two of the 55 cf tanks filled would be cheaper then the 80 cf tank I priced locally.

I can see way better this way... I have also been using a 100 watt bulb to put some light on the subject. I'm bummed though... I broke my dedicated reading glasses back when I first got the welder. I have another pair of single vision normal glasses in the exact frames I bought when I got my readers and I plan to change lenses. Trouble is... I don't remember where I put them. I'm off work today I need to go on a mission to find them.

 

[Shran]

I'm pretty sure I have an 80cf tank. Cost me right around $300 to buy it, full, from Matheson... and it's like $30-40, IIRC, to have it filled with 75/25.

80cf lasts me quite a while. I weld a good bit and I only fill maybe once a year. That equates out to probably one tank per two 10lb rolls of wire. I have the gas set as low as possible, somewhere around 10psi.

 

[Uncle Gump]

I think the 80 cf tank was short of $300 but not by a bunch. That is why I jumped at a 55 ct for $102. I was quoted $16 to exchange. All I know is I'm happy to have it. For as much as i will use it... the 55 cf tank may last me a year. I think my Hobart manual suggested to regulate the gas @20psi. I would hate to think I'm using twice as much as I need... I should probably research this a little and see what I can find.

 

[Shran]

You kinda have to play with the gas. 10psi is a happy place for me, however, my buddy has the same welder and runs around 20-25. Sometimes if I get porosity issues and I've done my part with prep work I will bump the gas up... also if you have any air movement in the shop, you may need to run higher pressure too so it doesn't get blown off your weld as fast.

$102 is a great deal for that tank. I probably would have gone that route too.

 

[lvwill]

has anyone tried weldfabulous.com?
i need to bigger cylinder and found this.

125 cu/ft 75% Argon 25% CO2 Welding Gas Cylinder Tank CGA 580 - FULL

125 cu/ft 75% Argon 25% CO2 Gas Cylinder Tank CGA 580 - FULL. Meets DOT regulations stamped on tank. Got questions on gas cylinders and welding supplies, call us at Weldfabulous.

weldfabulous.com

gotta call praxair and see if they will refill or exchange.

 

[Uncle Gump]

I would be curious what it costs to ship it...

 

[Bird76Mojo]

I would be curious what it costs to ship it...

They have free shipping.

 

[lvwill]

Finally got some time to call around and it's actually cheaper here in Vegas to get it local. 300.00 out the door for a full 125 CF cylinder and 50.00 for exchange.

 

[Shran]

That's not bad. 125cf would last me quite a while.

I like dealing with Matheson because I technically own the tank but never have to have it inspected... I just exchange it for a full one. Some of the other welding shops will fill cheaper but they make you "rent" the tank from them.

 

[lvwill]

Exactly. I will own the tank not interested in the rental crap. I'm sure this will last me 9-12 months so 50 for the exchange isn't bad.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Yeah... I didn't feel bad buying the 55cf tank for the price I paid. I'm gonna wait and see how long it lasts... but I have a feeling I will just end up with two 55cf tanks. 110cf of 75/25 for $204... it seems like a no brainer.

My next order of business is to find a reasonable steel supplier. I found a guy on craigslist selling full sheets of stainless but in the background of the pictures I could see racks of all different metal stuff. So I dropped him an email and said I didn't need sheets of stainless but asked him if he might be able to help me out with some square tube to build a tire carrier and some scrap pieces to practice with my new welder. He replied... I have everything you need and to bring a bucket for some scrap. He did say he was headed camping for the weekend but to stop and see him on Monday. Bingo... at least I can get what I need to build my carrier and see how his prices are.