One thing I like to start with is a test weld, on same thickness as final workpiece. For learning, you can work on different type of joints and use weave pattern. Then do destructive test. Put metal in a vise use heavy hammer, knock it apart. This will roughly tell you how good penetration is. A goo...

I agree that stick is a good starting method. Thanks for the question. Since my class was about 20 years ago, the technology has changed with digital controls etc. But I think I still have an instinctive reaction to the spark and it causes a flinch. The outcome is stuck rods or now, tungsten. I trie...

I took a welding class and found out I’m really bad at stick. And I’d really like to do it well. The instructor allowed me to work with oxy/act and it was fantastic. I found my welds looked best with blacksmithing work. For me o/a is the most versatile process. The point is sometimes it’s good to tr...

You should ask the guy that said it’s full to crack it open. That would prove to him the valve is defective. With argon it’s safe, unlike flammable gasses. You should always do this to blow out debris, anyway. I know the big tanks are a pain to move. It’s why I went with 80 cf.

I rebuilt my oxygen regulator recently. I was shocked at how easy it was, but scared at first. To begin with my regulator seemed fine but tank ran out of oxygen, so I replaced it. After soapy water test for leaks, oxygen was blowing out of holes near the valve. Some odd things happen with these valv...

From my experience and talking with blacksmiths and knifemakers, the steels you mentioned are in medium to low carbon range. I’ve forged and welded coil and leaf springs with no problem of cracking. These are likely in 5160 range. With true high carbon, like files (probably 1095) you’ve got to forge...

I’ve used copper wire for tig brazing copper sheet. For my purpose it works the same as silicone bronze and about the same cost. The wire I have is labeled 16 ga. dead soft pure copper. But I think it is really about 18 ga. It matches my copper sheet thickness, pretty close. I’m not good enough to l...

I just ran across another free pdf book. Even though it’s old, still good basic info.

https://engineeringresources.org/welding-secrets-pdf/

In my opinion, the more options you have the better. I generally use cut off wheels on angle grinder. It’s cheaper to buy 10 wheels online than box stores. My jig saw was kicking back so much, I just use it for wood now. I have cut Freon tanks with it for gas forge tho. You’ve got to really clamp th...

That’s an excellent multi-purpose table design. I made one similar for my MiG machine. I’ve since moved the MiG to another stationary table and put a small gas forge on the cart. I didn’t see a need on mine to take apart, saved effort and welded it all. Except removable plywood lower shelf, now used...

I have the same problem, but have learned a few tricks. Over the years ground movement has split the concrete for my fence posts, it looks like someone dropped a watermelon. It happens during droughts, since no frost line to worry about here. My big ugly satellite dish post has stood plumb for 30 ye...

Hello, I’ve been welding for about 20 years. It’s a fantastic hobby for me. This includes Tig, Mig and Oxy/Act. I combine metalwork with woodwork sometimes. Just love making tools or things to assist working in the shop. A little blacksmithing mixed in. I try to challenge myself with new (to me) ide...

The Internet Archive has lots of welding books for free. Plus plenty of other great material, music, films etc. Also if you have a city library card, an app “Kanopy” allows free downloads of anything at the library. Both books and movies.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk