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2011-2014 Mustangs
How-To
Learning how to weld?
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<blockquote data-quote="MKMotorsport" data-source="post: 15277043" data-attributes="member: 155067"><p>It is definitely do-able (teaching yourself to weld). I originally picked it up about 15 years ago, to weld on my Jeep. Have quite a few projects under my belt since then, it is a super useful skill.</p><p></p><p>I started with one of the Home Depot Lincoln 125's wire feed MIG's (not really adequate for structural stuff) but I did manage to use it to make plate bumpers, rock sliders, tire carrier and a few other projects for the Jeep.</p><p></p><p>I then stepped up to and still have a Hobart Ironman 210. It is kinda a beast and not so portable (it is on it's own cart/weighs 200+ lbs). It is also a 220V machine so requires that type of outlet. It is much more capable in general, it has a lower low end than the cheap Lincoln (for sheet metal/exhaust), and obviously a much higher top end (supposedly up to 3/8th's plate single pass); although I've never used mine like that. It has a spoolgun option so could weld aluminum or stainless; I may pick that up soon to expand its capability a bit.</p><p></p><p>Hindsight 20/20 and when I had made the original purchase I would have/should have saved up for a TIG or bought one used. Harder to learn (steeper learning curve), but if you master that process you can do any other type of welding more than likely.</p><p></p><p>Metal used to be much cheaper when I started to weld. I used to go to my local bulk steel supplier and you could buy scrap (left over random lengths/types/gauges); from other orders. This made for perfect practice material. I'm pretty sure they don't even do that anymore. Home Depot or Lowe's or ______________ insert hardware store here is the worst and most expensive place to get material.</p><p></p><p>When I most recently finished my MM 6 point, I ordered the DOM I used from Jeg's. Probably not the best price either but I've recently moved and don't have the "connections" material wise I use to.</p><p></p><p>I keep kicking around the idea of taking some classes at a junior community college to learn the TIG process/oxy welding/stick as it is something I really enjoy doing "just for fun"</p><p></p><p>My setup:</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH]65144[/ATTACH]</p><p></p><p>Hobart's used to be re-badged Miller's (a great value), mine has all Miller parts in it. I went and looked at one just recently-it appears that has since changed (much lower quality...) so buyer beware there.</p><p></p><p>As someone else mentioned you'll need to buy/lease/rent a gas tank from your local welding supply; you will want to use shielding gas even though any machine can run flux core. Flux core is smoky and makes a big mess (slag). I "own" my tank (one time expenditure), and replacing it/re-filling it is like exchanging your propane tank for your BBQ. Don't buy a super nice new tank and get attached to it because they don't re-fill them onsite; even when you "own" the tank you exchange it for a full one..... If you rent/lease the tank there might be a small monthly fee? Not sure how that works as I've never gone that route.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="MKMotorsport, post: 15277043, member: 155067"] It is definitely do-able (teaching yourself to weld). I originally picked it up about 15 years ago, to weld on my Jeep. Have quite a few projects under my belt since then, it is a super useful skill. I started with one of the Home Depot Lincoln 125's wire feed MIG's (not really adequate for structural stuff) but I did manage to use it to make plate bumpers, rock sliders, tire carrier and a few other projects for the Jeep. I then stepped up to and still have a Hobart Ironman 210. It is kinda a beast and not so portable (it is on it's own cart/weighs 200+ lbs). It is also a 220V machine so requires that type of outlet. It is much more capable in general, it has a lower low end than the cheap Lincoln (for sheet metal/exhaust), and obviously a much higher top end (supposedly up to 3/8th's plate single pass); although I've never used mine like that. It has a spoolgun option so could weld aluminum or stainless; I may pick that up soon to expand its capability a bit. Hindsight 20/20 and when I had made the original purchase I would have/should have saved up for a TIG or bought one used. Harder to learn (steeper learning curve), but if you master that process you can do any other type of welding more than likely. Metal used to be much cheaper when I started to weld. I used to go to my local bulk steel supplier and you could buy scrap (left over random lengths/types/gauges); from other orders. This made for perfect practice material. I'm pretty sure they don't even do that anymore. Home Depot or Lowe's or ______________ insert hardware store here is the worst and most expensive place to get material. When I most recently finished my MM 6 point, I ordered the DOM I used from Jeg's. Probably not the best price either but I've recently moved and don't have the "connections" material wise I use to. I keep kicking around the idea of taking some classes at a junior community college to learn the TIG process/oxy welding/stick as it is something I really enjoy doing "just for fun" My setup: [ATTACH]65144.vB[/ATTACH] Hobart's used to be re-badged Miller's (a great value), mine has all Miller parts in it. I went and looked at one just recently-it appears that has since changed (much lower quality...) so buyer beware there. As someone else mentioned you'll need to buy/lease/rent a gas tank from your local welding supply; you will want to use shielding gas even though any machine can run flux core. Flux core is smoky and makes a big mess (slag). I "own" my tank (one time expenditure), and replacing it/re-filling it is like exchanging your propane tank for your BBQ. Don't buy a super nice new tank and get attached to it because they don't re-fill them onsite; even when you "own" the tank you exchange it for a full one..... If you rent/lease the tank there might be a small monthly fee? Not sure how that works as I've never gone that route. [/QUOTE]
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