So I want to learn how to weld

MG0h3

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OP buy some scrap sheet metal to practice with on the floor. That way you can see both sides and you'll learn what it looks like when you're getting good penetration. Use some small pieces and put it in a vice and try to tear it apart. A proper weld is stronger than the surrounding metal on the thinner stuff.
 

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offroadkarter

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I have an eastwood 135 I bought off summit during some super sale, all I had to get was a tank and an auto dimming helmet. I really need to find an excuse to use it again, I'd like to get better at welding.

Before I did the trans cross member for my manual swap a couple of years ago I watched Kevin Tetz on youtube who did two videos for eastwood showing basics of mig welding. I guess something stuck because my first ever welds came out alright. I used my friends Lincoln Electric for this which my eastwood is a direct copy of.

IMG_3493-X2.jpg
 

SolarYellow

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offroadkarter

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Not being a wise guy but are those welds considered good? Like the OP I'd enjoy learning this trade.



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They're not instagram #weldporn but it had proper penetration without a shit ton of weld splatter. I mean someone who has been doing this for a while can correct me if I'm wrong. I haven't snapped the crossmember yet!
 

Revvv

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They're not instagram #weldporn but it had proper penetration without a shit ton of weld splatter. I mean someone who has been doing this for a while can correct me if I'm wrong. I haven't snapped the crossmember yet!
I could give you a bunch of crap and tell you that your welds look like bubble gum. That wouldn't be fair though. I am certain you got great weld penetration. My only worry would be the heat that was transferred.

I could be wrong, but the rainbows seen on the steel is generally a sign of things being a bit too hot.

Not a bad job for a first run.

I didn't care to grind and smooth my exhaust welds. I am hoping towards a Borla system at some point. However, on K member I would grind and smooth the welds, then inspect them with a magnifying glass.

I like a smoothed and clean weld in order to recognize flaws or cracks, both now and in the future.

After the metal is ground to perfection, a nice coat of paint or powder coat makes it shine, and gives another visual when inspecting for flaws or cracks down the road.

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MG0h3

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I think the heat looks ok. Looks to be fairly thick metal. Typically with not enough heat the weld will “stand up” I guess you could say. Yours looks about right.

Splatter can be from dirty metal, shielding gas issue


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