My first welding experience

[Idaho]

The first welder that I bought used was a mess. Have not even plugged it in. That is another story.

I bought a Clarke welder from Cal Ranch today. The manager came buy to tell me that they are going on sale on Monday so he gave me the sale price today. Saved $100 on a $300 unit. I used the savings to pick up an angle grinder that I need.

Put the welder together and took the time to read the instructions. I found two pieces of 1/4 inch flat bar and the directions said to put the wire feed on max for that thickness. HOLLY SMOKE that wire spits out of the end at something approaching light speed. Turned the speed dial way down and things got better. After a few false starts and minor speed adjustment I was able to get the two pieces tacked together.

Then I decided to practice on the flat side of one bar to see how the weld would bead up. The first pass was almost indistinguishable from the rest of the bar. I slowed down the movement of the wand and was able to make a nice bead.

Then I focused on the right angle between the two pieces. The first couple of tries were not too encouraging but I watched what happened and again slowed down and was able to make a nice weld in the channel. A little practice on the other side and it looks pretty good.

This was all done with the flux core wire so there was lots of smoke and slag splatter. From what I read and understand when I hook up the argon/co2 gas bottle and change to solid wire there should be no smoke and the weld will be a lot cleaner.

At this rate I will be back in production with my jack adapters in no time.

New toys, Yahoo.

[ringadingh]

It sounds like youll get it figured out with a bit of practice. Welding thicker metal is easier because it won't burn through. I assume you will be making your adapters from either 11 gauge or 100 wall material, thats still a pretty nice thickness to weld with. If you have the provision for using Argon or steelmix you should, it does work a lot easier. Once you have your speed and heat setting worked out you won't have to touch them unless you switch material. You may be able to crank up the settings over time as you get better and faster.
Good luck with the project Bud

[Cajunrider]

I think you will do much better with Argon and bare wire. If the wire is spitting out from the tip you either need more amperage or less wire feed. And that all depends on the thickness of the tubing. Too much amperage to burn the wire smoothly will burn through the tubing. Just keep practicing Bud and you should have it down in a couple of days. Just remember that the wire is a filler and it ties into the melted ends of the tubing. You would do well to have a welder swing by and coach you. It's kind of like learning to play golf alone. You can keep doing things the wrong way over and over until you make it work. It doesn't make it right.....it just works. I think you know what I'm saying.

[Idaho]

Yes Mitch, I do know. My machinist has actually offered to help me learn. I will see him Monday afternoon.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

Good luck Bud with learning the proper technique. I know you will get it all figured out.

[waterman]

Keep it up Bud. I would hate to say how much wire I have run thru in my life welding. One summer it was generally a roll of wire and a new bottle every week to 10 days.

[Top Cat]

I don't know a damn thing about welding.
But from posting and reading on this forum I know you will succeed at your latest endeavor.
Wow, that sounded like a graduation speech.