"wacopalypsenow" (JamesHTaylor)
05/03/2014 at 07:47 • Filed to: None
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"wacopalypsenow" (JamesHTaylor)
05/03/2014 at 07:47 • Filed to: None | 5
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I know nothing about basic welding. Help!! I have a mower deck support that broke-off. I see this as an opportunity to get into some basic welding but don't know where to start.
What is the most basic (cheapest) electric unit I should get?
Any good links to teach me?
Thanks.
Roberto G.
> wacopalypsenow
05/03/2014 at 07:57 |
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Try this .
Clown Shoe Pilot
> wacopalypsenow
05/03/2014 at 08:22 |
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I will preface this with "I spend money on tools."
If it's something you plan on doing more than once, I would suggest shopping on something other than price. You don't need to go out and buy a state of the art Miller pulsed machine, but you also don't wanna go get the Harbor Freight coupon special.
Hit your local list of craig and see what you can find in Miller, Hobart, or Lincoln in the 140-180 amp range. I'd recommend getting something that can do both flux core and MIG. You don't have to go get the gas shield setup immediately, but get a machine that'll do it.
If you've got 240VAC available, get a machine that'll do it. I believe the 3 big mfgs all make machines that can switch between 120VAC and 240VAC. Welding on 240VAC lets you stretch up to thicker material if you need to.
Last, don't forget your PPE. I use an auto-darkening hood and it's AWESOME. Good gloves and a good hood (plus long sleeves - arc burn isn't your friend) will make your day more pleasant.
On the learning front - wire is pretty easy. Get some scrap to practice on before you weld on your actual workpiece, watch a few youtube videos and then go give it a shot!
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wacopalypsenow
> wacopalypsenow
05/03/2014 at 08:41 |
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wacopalypsenow
> Clown Shoe Pilot
05/03/2014 at 08:42 |
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You answered basically every question I had. Mainly, I wanted someone to tell me to not buy Harbor Freight junk, and explain exactly what I need. I'm looking in the local CL and want/sell adds currently. Thanks
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Clown Shoe Pilot
> wacopalypsenow
05/03/2014 at 08:49 |
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you're welcome. are you in Waco? if so, there's pretty much NOTHING on your local CL. Try Dallas and Austin. I live in Austin and it's got the occasional good find. I bought my last machine off a Dallas ad.
Houston is the best Texas CL for tools. San Antonio is pretty good too.
Nibby
> wacopalypsenow
05/03/2014 at 09:27 |
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Also, make sure you take breaks during welding. I once welded for 2 hours straight and didn't even realize my pants caught fire. :D
ChiffChaff
> wacopalypsenow
05/03/2014 at 09:42 |
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Not sure about your mower deck, but it might be made of very poor metal, and (if repairable) might require more than "basic" welding skills in a repair effort. This situation may be easier and certainly faster if handled by your local welding shop...just my opinion.
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wacopalypsenow
> Clown Shoe Pilot
05/03/2014 at 10:58 |
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No, West Virginia. The name Waco entails a long story involving the hording of weapons, pipe bombs, and rockn' out hillbilly style on an electric guitar. My CL has nothing of value either
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Clown Shoe Pilot
> wacopalypsenow
05/03/2014 at 12:33 |
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I remember the unpleasantness in Waco. Seemed like a serious overreaction to a tax problem.
Dead_Elvis, Inc.
> wacopalypsenow
05/03/2014 at 16:50 |
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There's always http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/tag/weldopnik