WELDING TECHNIQUES

I like keeping it nice and straight and let the weld bury its self into the metal.

My girl just bought me a Hobart 140 for X-Mas. After reading this I want to rip it out of the box and go practice now.
Does the machine have anything to do with the weld? I know its about the heat but I wanted to know if some machines give off more heat then others. I guess temp control and speed are the biggest factors to start off.

henry youngs looks good but aint strong too bad its all spot welded!!

Umm ya, pretty sure he TIG welded those buddy....

Originally posted by UnusualFabrication



Umm ya, pretty sure he TIG welded those buddy....

he's got mig'd pics in his second post....

gotcha, didn't see that in the second post. I still don't think that its going to fall apart though......

Originally posted by drupru22



My girl just bought me a Hobart 140 for X-Mas. After reading this I want to rip it out of the box and go practice now. Does the machine have anything to do with the weld? I know its about the heat but I wanted to know if some machines give off more heat then others. I guess temp control and speed are the biggest factors to start off.

I just got the same one. I am still learning how to weld, but it is easy ass hell to use.

Edited: 11/30/2007 8:46:35 AM by drupru22

Cody make sure to put some tips on here if you find any out with that welder. I unfortunately will have to wait till after X-Mas. But its well worth the wait.I have another ? though. Is it easier to learn technique with a 220 or a standard 120? I'm guessing a 220 since it would probably flow better but thats just a guess.

Edited: 11/30/2007 9:25:54 AM by iLLblazer

120 is fine to learn with but if you are planning to do any frame and suspension work, make sure you have it on a 20A breaker and its the only thing running on that breaker. If you need to use an extension cord, keep it as short as possible and its not a bad idea to have one made out of a heavy gauge wire. You need all the power you can get using a smaller welder for structural stuff.Also prep is key with a smaller welder. Bevel all your edges and go slow with lots of heat.Once you use a 220, you will realize how much 110 sucks. I use a 220 at the shop but we only have a 110 at buddies working on his truck. I hate going from one to the other.

I got to use one of the new Miller 252s the other day at school. Nicest machine I've ever used, even compared to the 251 I used the next day. Definitely the machine I'll be looking to get when I get my own shop.

Edited: 11/30/2007 10:16:50 AM by snicker2938

I have the lincoln 175 pro mig welder that runs on 220. I luv it. Almost nothing you cant do with it. Weld up to 1/2 inch thick metal and it penatrates very good with no problem. My buddy who is one of the top welders for a big oil field company, used it and was so impressed he bought one of his own.