Welding beginner
Discussion
A500leroy said:
Cut the floor out of a vespa and put a new one in.
Spot welders tend to be pretty steep, is it going to be a concourse type project where the original finish really matters?If not then I would suggest picking up a cheap stick welder and plug-welding it with relatively small holes, then linish back.
That would mean you could spend bugger-all for equipment and get a reasonable result.
Krikkit said:
A500leroy said:
Cut the floor out of a vespa and put a new one in.
Spot welders tend to be pretty steep, is it going to be a concourse type project where the original finish really matters?If not then I would suggest picking up a cheap stick welder and plug-welding it with relatively small holes, then linish back.
That would mean you could spend bugger-all for equipment and get a reasonable result.
I would suggest a Mig welder of about/ upto 150amps is ample as a starter kit. I would suggest 0.8mm steel wire and the use of Gas. Flux cored or no gas is OK but it splatters everywhere and needs cleaning up.
I taught myself to weld (to a standard) and did the sills on my MX5.
On thin sheet metal i would strongly suggest practicing first to get the settings right.
The metal surfaces need to be clean so a good wire brush and some spirits to wipe it clean are a good idea.
Make sure you have access and room to get the welding tourch where you want it before you start
make sure you have a set of good magnets or clamps to hold your work together as you want it firmly.
If plug welding then the welding will be short anyway, but if doing a line to "butt weld" two bits together, then do little 1-2cm bits at a time along the join at different places....stitch welding if you like, this stopps excessive heat build up and warping in a local part.
I taught myself to weld (to a standard) and did the sills on my MX5.
On thin sheet metal i would strongly suggest practicing first to get the settings right.
The metal surfaces need to be clean so a good wire brush and some spirits to wipe it clean are a good idea.
Make sure you have access and room to get the welding tourch where you want it before you start
make sure you have a set of good magnets or clamps to hold your work together as you want it firmly.
If plug welding then the welding will be short anyway, but if doing a line to "butt weld" two bits together, then do little 1-2cm bits at a time along the join at different places....stitch welding if you like, this stopps excessive heat build up and warping in a local part.
A500leroy said:
Ok sounds good.
If anyone wants to link a suitable machine for me..
My first post in how many years of having an account so I can't link (would need to learn)If anyone wants to link a suitable machine for me..
But have a search on Youtube for TIG spot welding - you clearly need to get the AMPs right or the weld won't be strong enough but it might be easier than MIG.
A500leroy said:
Ok sounds good.
If anyone wants to link a suitable machine for me..
I started learning with a cheapie Chinese inverter welder with gas like this https://www.amazon.co.uk/Welding-Machine-Gasless-I...If anyone wants to link a suitable machine for me..
It has been very good, and has enough power for some pretty meaty repairs on 10mm plus plate, as well as lots of repairs from repair sections to full panel replacements. 8mm wire.
A500leroy said:
Ok sounds good.
If anyone wants to link a suitable machine for me..
I have this (although it used too be cheaper and i got it on sale)If anyone wants to link a suitable machine for me..
https://www.r-techwelding.co.uk/mig-welder-r-tech-...
I've done a few small things with it, also welded on two new rear quarters/wheel arches on a car plus some patches. I have done a Saturday course welding but it was fairly irrelevant to vehicle bodywork. 5mm steel vs 1mm is a huge difference.
Strip the Vespa down to the bare frame and take it somewhere to get someone else to weld it?
Less time/hassle/money. Unless you really want to learn to weld and in that case get a decent TIG set.
Stick is for farmers gates, mig is for the pleasure of having weld spatter fizzing in your ears, TIG is the heightened zen like spiritual version of welding.
Less time/hassle/money. Unless you really want to learn to weld and in that case get a decent TIG set.
Stick is for farmers gates, mig is for the pleasure of having weld spatter fizzing in your ears, TIG is the heightened zen like spiritual version of welding.
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