Rinn69
Well-Known Member
- First Name
- Mike
- Joined
- Nov 25, 2018
- Threads
- 53
- Messages
- 1,278
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- Location
- N. Central Iowa
- Vehicle(s)
- 2019 Ranger Lariat SuperCrew 4x4 Lightning Blue
- Occupation
- Retired USAF MSgt
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- 1
It was a very good way to learn. We were told to "play" with the settings/amperage, different rods, different diameter rods, and see what they did.Probably seemed like some BS at first, I’m sure, but probably a quick way to learn!
For “fun”, I could chunk the tubing, halve a chunk, and fill in the resulting half-pipe.
That’d be a lot of mig wire. How much does that cost? ?
Just kidding. Ain’t got time to fill anything in, but I may use it for practice stock of sorts.
I’ll be using MIG, as I understand it’s a bit easier to learn. Any tips?
MIG is easier to use, but getting the settings just right is the hard part. A setting that will make a good fillet weld (like a 90* inside corner), probably won't work good for a butt weld. Kinda like painting, preparation is key....beveling and the right space between the pieces are key. If you're welding new steel, removing the mill scale will help in getting better penetration and stronger welds. Hitting the steel lightly with a angle grinder to get to "shiny metal" will make it much easier.
Are you running MIG or flux core ? I've seen people get really frustrated when using flux core wire. For a beginner, differentiating between the flux and filler metal is tough. Same thing with stick welding. That's why most people find MIG much easier--no flux.
The best way to learn is looooots of practice. And youtube videos too.
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