Another thing to consider when welding stress areas such as vehicle engine mounts, webs in corners etc, is to stitch weld the seam if it's possible. ie: run a few short welds with a small space in between.
This way, if the weld or surrounding material decides to fail, it will usually fail...
Nial,
When I did my certificate course the official instruction was always from bottom to top on vertical welds. However, once the course was finished the instructors gave us all a few "tricks-of-the-trade" and said that welding downwards was best on thinner metals. This way you aren't...
Personally, I don't think that a small aperture would matter a great deal. You should only be able to see the weld area anyway (2 X 2 inches ??) and both eyes should be pointed in the same direction :wink: . If you can easily see the whole job your lense isn't dark enough.
PS: I don't...
A dust mask won't help much. An inexpensive twin cannister style mask is a much better option as you want to filter GAS not DUST.
You can buy welding masks which completely envelope your head and incorportae a filter system. Others allow for an external breathing air supply. Both are...
Vitraux,
I second Malcolm's recommendation for GAS in your situation. With a gas welding kit you can shape the metal, cut it, and use a variety of different fillers (steel, bonze, solder etc etc) to create what you want. MIG is limited to sticking stuff together :D
As for learning...
I've heard that cleaning the ali surface with white vinegar works. Though acetone is probably best.
For a home MIG be sure to change the liner for a plastic/teflon one if yours is steel. The wire picks up minute amounts of steel on the way thru and it will make a difficult job even harder...
First job you should attempt with your new welding machine is to make a welders trolley ! Then, you will constantly be reminded just how much you're welding has improved as the first job will always be staring you in the face :wink:
The engine crane, press and sheetmetal bender are all...
Xabugax,
Other things to consider (hope I'm not telling you how to suck eggs)
1. Is the POLARITY correct. Check the lead connections on the machine. On SIP welders you normally just swap them over (+-) when changing from gas to shielded wire.
2. Is the job CLEAN and dry ? Any...
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