Welding 8mm mild steel rods

[Nick DV]

I’m a willow sculptor; this one isn’t finished but you get the idea. I want to go bigger so I need to learn to weld armatures

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Very clever Must take a lot of patience with all that wood trying to spring back at you!

 

[rachflying]

I definitely couldn’t be a hand model and I’ve had quite a few whacks across the face but no facial scars…… yet

 

[rachflying]

Hello again - thank you so much for all your help; I’ve ordered everything I need but I have a quick question.
When I’m practicing I don’t have a metal table and I don’t really want to buy one as I’ll be using clamps and sticking the rods in the ground for my real welds ( I think ).
Can I practice on a concrete slab?
I’m guessing wood isn’t an option??

 

[Barking Mat]

Yep, that'll work. (Concrete slab.)

A sheet of steel over a metal table frame is what most use, but you could just stick the rods in the ground, clamp and weld up.

Needs must as the devil drives etc.

Whatever works.

 

[indy4x]

Bit late to this one but for a beginner I would have said go MIG, easier to get started and its not structural stuff

 

[indy4x]

7018s are better for a stronger weld granted, but they seem to start and restart better on rusty quarry crap, which I used to do plenty.

I never had as much joy with 6013s

OP - you’ll be fine with either for your armatures.

What are they anyway? Sculptures I’m guessing?

I usually find 7018's are a PITA to restart, they end seems to glaze over when you stop

 

[Prajna]

I usually find 7018's are a PITA to restart, they end seems to glaze over when you stop

Little tap and they work. It can be a bit of a knack, too hard and you'll break the flux off. A scrape with a file or on concrete is another way.