Shop Welder

[TOMMY GUN]

Some info on a shop welder.

First I am strictly an amatuer at welding. I have never taken a class, I am self taught through research and a lot of reading.

I started out on a stick type AC/DC welder and progressed to a Mig Welder.

The Mig Welder is very easy to learn.

I probably have 100 hours in mig welding behind me, but I would never weld something of real importance such as a suspension part. I trust my welds for many things, but not something of that importance.

The unit I have is a Lincoln Weld Pak 155 w/ optional aluminum pack.

I've had this 11-12 years.



You can use these w/ flux filled welding wire (which is less desirable because of messy welds) or solid wire used w/ gas (which is true MIG, Metal Inert Gas).



I used the flux core for a couple years w/ decent results for what I was doing, but wish I started earlier w/ the gas weld because it is so much nicer and cleaner looking.

To do the gas welding you change the cable insert inside the the main weld cable. (pretty easy) and you change the wire w/ a solid core wire, and add the gas lines. The whole process is pretty easy.

The gas used is normally a Argon mix available at a local gas supplier. Straight Argon can be used, but is more dangerous than Argon mix.



This unit is 220 volts and has a special plug. I made an extension cord to reach my driveway and converted the plug to fit my 220 volt Air compressor plug. It works fine because I never use the welder on the hottest setting or for more than a short period of time. I always check the wiring to be sure nothing is running too hot.

To do aluminum you change some settings, the wire, and the cable insert again. (all very easy)

Cable insert...



The consumables of the product:

The wire (available in 1 lb or 10 lb spools) they use to be about $12 lb and last quite a long time. I usually used the 10 lb spool for steel and 1 lb spool for aluminum. Aluminum is very soft and you can easily waste it if not used carefully.

Wire 10 lb spool...



Welding tips...



...and the gas.

Gas connection...



Easy to get to connections...



One of the best parts for an amatuer is the list of settings inside the cover. It gives good guidelines on heat settings and wire to use for different thicknesses of metal.



First little product was a welding cart...



I don't have any pics of my welding.

Most was done on a Jeep I use to own. Roll bar, bumpers, frame reinforcing, etc. etc.

I think that basically covers it??

.

[SpeedRacer]

Very nice post. I would like to learn how to weld. I have a 1965 fastback that I could work on with a MIG welder...

[Carnut]

Originally Posted by SpeedRacer

Very nice post. I would like to learn how to weld. I have a 1965 fastback that I could work on with a MIG welder...

I learned to weld the same way Bill probably did, through trial and error, (lots of errors) and welding books. A lot of it is practice. Starting with scrap metal and perfecting your skills.

I would not start out by welding on your project, at least not out some practice.

[SpeedRacer]

You're probably right. I was thinking of taking a class at the local HS first...

[TOMMY GUN]

A quick class on the basics and some scrap metal and patience will do wonders.



.

[Birdman]

Thanks TG I knew you would meet my challenge request on info about the shop welder.

[TOMMY GUN]

Originally Posted by Birdman

Thanks TG I knew you would meet my challenge request on info about the shop welder.

Whew, made it back into the tech threads....



.

[Wes K]

you want your welds to look like little c's cccccccccccccccccccccccccc. pushing the puddle from the thickest metal to the thinnest and you should get a real good bbzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz sound and your rockin.

[TOMMY GUN]

.