My first weld :) - AUSJEEPOFFROAD.COM Jeep News Australia and New Zealand

Steve F · #1 26-12-2005

My very first weld, well almost. I did run a few beads on some sheet metal to get a feel for it but couldn't help trying to actually join some scrap together

Took a bit of trial and error to get the setting right (as you can see on the left side in particular) but when I ground the end of the splatter back I was reasonably happy. Didn't realise how much fun melting metal could be

now I just need to practice practice.

This was an OME t-case drop for an XJ, so 1/8th inch thick.

Sooooo, any tips, or do I stick with my trial and error method. I'm using a 140amp fan cooled stick welder that cost a huge $99.

Cheers
Steve

murray · #2 26-12-2005

steve looks like too many amps
should be about 110-115 amps for a 3.25 mm e6012
i personaly would use e7016 as one would assumme that any steel of the jeep would be off ahigher grade than mild steel

LEXX · #3 26-12-2005

Yer, I agree with Murray a few to many AMPS there Steve. Dial it back a bit.

Also looks like the weld area could have been cleaned a bit first, contamination is the root of all evil

Also try to shafer the edges of the join to let the weld "go somewhere" along the run.

Looks pretty good for your first go, it all comes down to pratice, practice, practice. After a while you will get a "feel" for it an know pretty well straight away if it's set-up right. Your hands have to learn how to be steady and even.

Steve F · #4 26-12-2005

Thanks guys, I'll turn it down a bit for the next one, I must admit cleaning was at the bottom of my list I just wanted to give it a go so ground the paint off and left it at that

later in the week I'll get you to critique round 2

Cheers
Steve

Steve F · #5 27-12-2005

Here is this afternoons attempt, less amps same rod. This is 1/8" box to 1/4" plate (I'm running out of scrap). I think the lower amperage made a difference. I also spaced the pieces apart very slightly to let the weld 'go somewhere' as Lexx suggested and I think that worked well.

The black hole half way along is because there was a v shape hole in the box section on its end. I did the two ends first and then had a go at filling the centre section.

Looking closer to what it should?

Cheers
Steve

murray · #6 27-12-2005

steve next time start at the ends and weld to the center that way you wont get any craters these are the biggest cause of cracks

arzzs · #7 27-12-2005

Steve, if you want more scrap, just go to a steel place, or your local tafe, they will have a big bins and barrels with scrap in it, it good to practise on