I want to learn how to weld

[threedogs]

Great skill to have, Do you have a project in mind or just want to learn.
MIG very versitile as you can weld car panels together. Know one guy who
welded a razor blade to an alloy coke can, Don't worry about position welds
just stick to a 1/4 inch fillet weld. remember to tack your job together then weld
the job will get bloody hot wear gloves,learn the fancy stuff later . grab 2 bits put them 90 degrees and go,go,go
Keep any kiddies well clear too , flash bloody hurts

[rkinsey]

Great skill to have, Do you have a project in mind or just want to learn.

Thanks Threedogs. It was a combination of a few things really and started with the passing of my stepfather last year who I consider to be one of my best mates and a bloke who was very knowledgable about everything and dindt mind passing on his wealth of information to anyone who took the time to listen. He never learnt to weld either.

So I decided to make sure I did. That and I like to make things that are useful and not just go and buy them off of the shelf.

I want to fix the trailer that has been in my backyard for the past 7 or so years and I havnt been able to use it. I want to make a custom Roof cage for the 'Trol. Looks like my son wants to get a 4WD for his first car so we have a few years and want to get one that we both can work on. He is 14.

Cheers,

Rob

[wildgu6]

Good work fellas with all the advice and tuition for Rob,
I to started to learn the basics in my younger years from a top welder that worked with me, but young and dumb and full of..... energy, i didnt follow through with it and regret it now.
He use to tell me Pete learn it mate, you'll have it for life and hahaha never be out of work, people are always looking for welders.
Go for it Rob and Top stuff Steve, your a champ

[threedogs]

Little tip when working or re-coing the trailer, turn it upside down thats how you build them and way easier setting up draw bars etc this way.
tape measure and string line is your friend here
Best advice of all no matter how good a welder you are you will never, ever , be able to weld RUST

[Richo460]

as a boilermaker i would reccomend doing a TAFE course.
50% of welding is getting the welder set right, make sure you have the polarity set right.
If there was one piece of advice i could give is to make sure the steel you are welding is CLEAN.

[P4trol]

Some great tips for beginners here. I decided to do a course a while ago... They seem to be few and far between here.

Heaps of people I meet always say 'oh yes, I have a tig/mig/electric, or I'm a qualified boiler maker... But when you actually want to do or fix something...

So forgot about it for the last month or so, until repco had a $99.00 special in their catalogue. Maybe.





Tipsy-tap

[NissanGQ4.2]

I cant wait to be in a position to help someone on here. Anyone got any computer problems they need fixing? Home or business.

Oh the list goes on and on, where do I start *L*

I taught myself to stick-weld, practice makes perfect, we had a stick welder at work and plenty of scrap steel so I thought why not, was not part of my job to learn, but something I wanted to try. Haven't welded anything in years so it would be interesting 2 know if I can still do it.

Lucky you have a local forum member nearby willing to teach you for a beer or 2

[rkinsey]

Boys, this is what this forum is all about, community.

I have already spoken to Steve and we will get together in the next few weeks, even if it is only to have a beer or three.

Todd, if you need a hand with your PCs, mate, I recon a beer or three should see em right....... PM me and we can get together.

I thank everyone for their input on this topic. When I get the trailer fixed while I am learning I will upload some pics and hopefully can inspire someone else to have a go.

Cheers,

Rob

[threedogs]

Couple of pics of my trailer build up, Might be of help
Bit of a pain flipping it overbut a few spare tyres help

[the ferret]

Just get ya self a little Transarc junior, a packet of general purpose 2.5mm rods, a good auto darkening mask, some gloves, a chipping hammer, wire brush, some scrap steel and avago mate.
Remember, that you can not weld over slag, it must be removed.
If you were over here, I'd have ya up and running in an hour.
A mig is good for most jobs but not all, but then there is bottle rental etc, etc, and gas costs.
I can't use a mig on all of my work so stick it is.
Cheers, the ferret.

EDIT this will get you started http://youtu.be/ecIhcIP1QGQ