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Posted: 4/20/2021 12:57:31 PM EDT
[#1]
Buy scrap steel plate, angles, and tubing in different thicknesses for practice.
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Posted: 4/20/2021 1:04:21 PM EDT
[#2]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Buy scrap steel plate, angles, and tubing in different thicknesses for practice. Absolutely this. That's how I learned, with some pointers from my nuke-certified welder neighbor. Again, do a lot of practice first, and be prepared to buy a lot of gear to hold things where you want them. |
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Posted: 4/20/2021 1:15:44 PM EDT
[#3]
Lots of practice first. But before that, look up weldingtipsandtricks on youtube, and watch all of his MIG videos.
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Posted: 4/20/2021 1:18:15 PM EDT
[#4]
Sure why not. Just might need more finish work ( grinding etc)
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Posted: 4/20/2021 1:25:07 PM EDT
[#5]
I'm going to do their rock slider kit.
https://www.coastaloffroad.com/product-page/65-weld-on-rock-slider-kit/?v=7516fd43adaa  Coastal Offroad KICKOUT ROCK SLIDER WELD-TOGETHER KIT |
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Posted: 4/20/2021 5:58:42 PM EDT
[#6]
Practice on some scrap. You absolutely need to understand how to weld. You need to see how the welder heats the metal. I'd been stick welding for over 20 years, but I bought my first MIG last year. I grabbed a bunch of scrap and started welding it all together, did that for about 20 minutes. It welded perfect right off the bat, so then I welded structural stuff.
One thing that's more concerning than wether you "know how" to "weld", is that in my experience most new "weldors" think it's all about running a bead. Fact is it's 90% prep, fitting and layout. You don't get something jigged up just right and the holes won't line up and it won't fit your truck. That's the type of precision that comes from years of experience. Some people never do get it. |
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Posted: 4/21/2021 6:23:22 AM EDT
[#7]
When it comes to 3/16" material you'd better have a good machine because that's asking a lot from an entry level low duty cycle 120V hobby machine.
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Posted: 4/21/2021 7:23:10 AM EDT
[#8]
Find a local community college with a welding class.
Learn to weld, and take your project into class. I've done several large projects that way, and they have tools that we would never be able to afford or justify. Plus, they encourage you to bring projects in. |
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Posted: 4/21/2021 9:57:50 AM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryQuoted: When it comes to 3/16" material you'd better have a good machine because that's asking a lot from an entry level low duty cycle 120V hobby machine. Most of the ones I'm looking at that are 120V are 1/4" max thickness mild steel. I have 230V wired in my garage so I've also been looking at the combo machines that can utilize both 120/230 for greater capabilities down the road. I haven't purchased a welder yet, if you have any suggestions. |
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Posted: 4/21/2021 10:39:06 AM EDT
[#10]
I mean...I did. Bought a 66 C-10 and learned to weld doing all the rust repairs on it.
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Posted: 4/22/2021 5:37:44 PM EDT
[#11]
Get scrap and practice first. FYI, there are 3 common wire feed welding processes, MIG, MAG (metal inert gas and metal active gas) and flux core. It is redundant to say you are MIG or MAG welding with gas.
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Posted: 4/22/2021 5:38:54 PM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Sure why not. Just might need more finish work ( grinding etc) That, and the welds might fail. |
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Posted: 4/22/2021 8:57:43 PM EDT
[#13]
One bit of advise. When you start welding, jump around from side to side, to the middle, etc. Don’t start on one side and work your way across, it can warp badly. Tack it all together while it’s mounted and after you have proper alignment then start welding it up solid.
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Posted: 4/23/2021 2:22:04 AM EDT
[#14]
Place your tacks with forethought. Make them easy to grind out if needed, and in sports that allow them to act like a flexure for getting everything all square.
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Posted: 4/23/2021 7:22:54 AM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Buy scrap steel plate, angles, and tubing in different thicknesses for practice. This, I also recommend bed frames for practice as well. |
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