first welder

[lil_Blue_Ford]

I have a set of torches (which I got first) and a Lincoln AC-225 (220 volt AC stick welder). I picked up the stick welder for around $100, got a pile of rods with it too off of Craigslist.

But I've discovered that stick welding takes some practice. A lot of practice in my case.

The first welding I learned how to do was with a torch set though. Oxy-Act. Never practiced, just gave it a try one day, figured I had a pretty good idea of how to do it and the welds didn't come out half bad. My first bead I laid down didn't penetrate quite enough so I heated and worked the weld again. The second bead I did came out a bit nicer. Then I didn't touch the torches again for awhile until I was working on fixing the ladder rack on my truck. Laid four short beads that were picture-perfect (a lil wide, but there wasn't really any way to help that). Then I laid three vertical beads that came out fairly nice. But I've had experienced welders that have scratched their heads and said that they thought torch welding was the hardest to learn.

Nice thing is with the torch, I can switch tips and cut through steel, although now I have a dedicated Oxy-Propane rig for cutting.

 

[snomaker321]

ok so it looks like 220v stick or 110or220v mig. what are the pros and cons of each? i.e. what will i be able to weld, how much does it cost, etc. I dont want to get one just to soon realize I need the other for something I want to do.

a few thinks im looking at doing
- repairing and reinforcing a go kart roll cage. it did its job but i dont trust it anymore
- body work. i have one rust spot in particular that has gotten pretty big and i want to fix it right, so that means cut it out and weld in some new metal.

 

[Hopman]

A good idea would to be to talk to someone at the local welder's supply shop. Seeing as you live in Mass, talk to the guys at Airgas or even somewhere like NH Tool Outlet in Manchester, NH.
Another tip is DO NOT skimp of the safety gear, like helmets, gloves, and jackets. It's your skin. You'll be kicking yourself if you cheap out. Look at it as an investment that will last you a while. Get the best you can afford.
When you get a helmet, grab a second one in case you have a friend who wants to watch and learn. They'll thank you later.

 

[snomaker321]

A good idea would to be to talk to someone at the local welder's supply shop. Seeing as you live in Mass, talk to the guys at Airgas or even somewhere like NH Tool Outlet in Manchester, NH.
Another tip is DO NOT skimp of the safety gear, like helmets, gloves, and jackets. It's your skin. You'll be kicking yourself if you cheap out. Look at it as an investment that will last you a while. Get the best you can afford.
When you get a helmet, grab a second one in case you have a friend who wants to watch and learn. They'll thank you later.

talking to someone at welder's supply shop is a great idea. i didnt think of that. As for cost, I was thinking of asking for one for Christmas so I dont want to ask for something ridiculous but I want something I can actually use.

Funny you should mention a friend, one of my friends wants to learn how to weld too.

 

[scotts90ranger]

a 110 mig would do your gokart frame and body work just fine

frames are only 1/8" plate, they aren't that thick or specialized metal...

 

[snomaker321]

a 110 mig would do your gokart frame and body work just fine

frames are only 1/8" plate, they aren't that thick or specialized metal...

wow frames are really that thin? i imagined them thicker, or maybe i just think 1/8" is alot smaller than it really is.

Right now im looking at this one
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200306073_200306073

weld up to 1/4". what could i ever need to weld that is bigger than this? Do you guys think this is a good choice? thanks for the help