Possible Dumb Welding Question

[jholley]

You can get the magnet at Harbor Freight or Northern Tool if you have those in your area. It will be a lot cheaper there than at a welding store.

[ol Curt]

Thanks, but i don't think I need the magnet.

Mike, yes there was some popping. I can lay a fairly decent bead tonight, albeit, I'm using wire that is a little heavy(.030) and flux core. My buddy called to say he had my gas for me. I get it tomorrow.

He's not the bragging type, but he also told me his truck will have four pages in the March issue of Classic Truck. Sometimes that makes me sad to know where his is and where mine sits, but it took him sixteen years, so I don't feel quite so bad!

[msgross]

Originally Posted by ol Curt

My buddy called to say he had my gas for me. I get it tomorrow.

sound contagious

i've never used flux core but have heard that it pops a lot...

[ol Curt]

[LILRED66]

I think you'll like the solid wire and combination gas over the flux-core. Keep us posted and good luck.

[ol Curt]

I liked the solid wire and gas much better!! I layed down a couple of smoothe beads with it right away. I still struggle a bit with a butt joint weld. I have a tendency to burn thru the material. I found it a little better when I tried to leave a little more stick out on the wire so I could tell where it was before striking the arc.

[ol Curt]

Originally Posted by msgross

sound contagious

i've never used flux core but have heard that it pops a lot...

My buddy came through with the gas(shielding gas). I didn't need any help from him with the other!!

[TimE]

Sounds like you're about ready for a small repair project. Remember, as long as you get good penetration you can always smooth out "ugly" welds with a grinder(on sheet metal anyway).

[ol Curt]

I may have to create some things to do, or get some more scrap, as the part I really need to take on right now is rockers and floor pans and might not be good enough for those yet.

[PrerunnerRob]

Get some scrap and practice, practice, practice! Machine set up makes a tedious task fun. Depending on what you are welding, you may need a thinner wire-I want to say .22 or.25- for doing sheet metal work. Just remember, the thinner the wire the less time it takes to melt, which reduces the amount of heat transfered to the body panels.

[LILRED66]

Wire size for your machine is .023" and .025". The smaller .023" is better for light gauge sheet metal.