First time welding

Posted: 2/4/2017 12:22:45 AM EDT

Tomorrow I'm going to weld for the first time. With the help of a buddy who is an experienced welder, I'm undertaking welding a frame for my smokers (a pair of 22.5 Weber Smokey Mountain's). Using 1" angle for the top to take a drop-in, and 1" square tubing for the legs, cross supports, and base frame.

Wish me luck.

Posted: 2/4/2017 12:30:26 AM EDT

[#1]

Good luck. Sounds like fun. I would love to try welding some time. As well as make a kick ass smoker doing it.

Posted: 2/4/2017 5:17:34 AM EDT

[#2]

Quote History

Quoted:
Good luck. Sounds like fun. I would love to try welding some time. As well as make a kick ass smoker doing it.

View Quote

I could braze great, even weld with a torch and steel rod like a pro. Arc and even wirefeed it was awful. They say you're either a welder or a grinder, I was a grinder. Then I got an autodimming helmet where I could actually see what I was doing. Made learning how to properly weld a lot easier and within weeks I was getting great results. Equipmentwise, that helmet has been the best investment for me when it comes to welding. Oh and patience, that helped a lot.

Posted: 2/14/2017 5:56:35 PM EDT

[#3]

Good luck OP, it great that you have someone knowledgeable to help guide you. My first time was building my smoker (see avatar and I also posted pics here in DIY). It was a learning experience and I definitely need more practice but we all have to start somewhere. I practice my welds on scrap pieces every now and then to try and improve.

Post pics when you get something put together.

Posted: 2/15/2017 2:38:02 PM EDT

[#4]

Quote History

Quoted:
Good luck OP, it great that you have someone knowledgeable to help guide you. My first time was building my smoker (see avatar and I also posted pics here in DIY). It was a learning experience and I definitely need more practice but we all have to start somewhere. I practice my welds on scrap pieces every now and then to try and improve.

Post pics when you get something put together.

View Quote

Well it turns out that I didn't get to weld anything. We got the frame done but because my buddy was on a tight schedule that day he knocked out the welds in no time and I just watched and asked questions.

So anyway, nothing special. Just a cart to hold both my smokers. I threw some plywood in there to make sure everything fit and it did. All my clearances were right-on. Now I just need to find a lighter material for the top and bottom deck. That ply is damn heavy!!

Attached File

Posted: 2/15/2017 2:39:26 PM EDT

[#5]

Second pic didn't load the first time.....

Attached File

Posted: 2/15/2017 4:52:13 PM EDT

[#6]

Looks good, plenty of space on the top to set things down on, cutting board, pans etc. Will your setup be stored in a covered area to prevent rain from getting to it?

I'm sure you'll get your chance to weld something soon enough. There's always something that could use a weld or two!

Posted: 2/16/2017 2:25:12 PM EDT

[#7]

It stays out on the patio. But I do keep a cover over it (using a patio table cover)

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