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Welding
SavannahLion:
Exactly what the title says. I want to learn how to weld, but the variety of techniques is head spinning. TIG, MIG, Stick, AC, DC, reverse flow. :dizzy: :dizzy: :dizzy: Every time I start reading about something, I find references to another technique. Then I get all mixed up. Jesus, it's like studying how to fly an airplane and having to learn every aspect of the airplane all at the same time. Where do I start. ???
It's easier to learn about plastics than it is to try and start with welding metals. Probably cheaper too. Welders on Craigs aren't any lower than Grover's face. Ultimately I would like to end up welding aluminum. But I'll start where I need to start.
I know there's at least one welder here. Maybe a couple of others. Any advice on where to start and with what metals? I'm guessing steel. Any suggested reading?
HaRuMaN:
I've done stick welding on steel, it's probably the easiest to learn.
Malenko:
WHAT do you want to weld? that'll narrow down what you need to learn
Ed_McCarron:
MIG is easier than stick IMHO. Think of it as a glue gun for steel. Set the heat and speed right and you just start sticking chunks of steel together.
EDit: My little $600 MIG setup can weld Al, but it's a pain. Steel turns red when it's hot. It's easy to tell when you're about to melt it into oblivion. Al, not so much. It just goes from silver to silver and then falls apart. You'll need straight Argon instead of the mixed gas you'd use for steel, and a separate liner for the feed, or a spool gun. I think adding the aluminum capability cost me about $300.
Kevin Mullins:
Aluminum is probably one of the hardest to learn how to weld. (next to something like say Magnesium)
As Ed mentioned you'll need a rig that has gas capabilities, either TIG or MIG for aluminum. (I prefer TIG)
Every method has it's own pros, cons, techniques, etc.
Your best bet is to pick ONE method and start there. Base your decision on buying equipment or using some elsewhere. Cheap MIG and ARC units can be had easy enough for home use. But they will NOT have gas capabilities unless you spend much more.
Take a class.... lots of Technology schools offer them.
Patience.... lots of patience and the ability to understand what is happening when welding in order to "watch your weld".
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