The Evolution of my welding

[WyleCoyote]

I was going through some of my pictures and found a good set to illustrate the progress I have made in learning to weld. From when I first brought the Mig home to the Latest weld it has only been a month or so - I have used up about 2lbs of wire and I don't know how much gas. Still using straight CO2, I can trade the tank in but I don't get any credit for the fill so I figure I'll use it up and then trade for 75/25 mix. All you Welding gurus, please take a look and let me know what you think



The last picture was taken by my 4 year old when I came in from the shop for a break.

 

[Fishbone]

I'm no guru, but it looks like good progress to me.

 

[Dave]

I'm not an expert but they look pretty good. I think you'll find less popping and splatter with CO2/Argon mix. Heat, wire feed, and technique look correct. Good penetration without undercut or buildup. The cleaner you get the metal in your prep work the less porosity and cleaner your welds will be.

 

[t.lay]

Good evolution - The last couple look very nice.

Everytime I pick up a torch though - I've got Skiddy's signature bouncin around my head "lookin at yer booger welds"

 

[Devin]

Everytime I pick up a torch though - I've got Skiddy's signature bouncin around my head "lookin at yer booger welds"

hehehe....same here.

Looks like good progress. Like Dave said, the biggest thing that has helped me is the metal prep. When all surfaces are clean (front and back), I have much better luck with laying down good welds.

 

[00gyrhed]

All of them look better than the factrory welds on my front body mounts.

 

[Bronco_Rider]

From some one who welds quite a bit.
Those little 110 MIG welders are a pain to use!
Move to the argon/co2 mix asap. The straight co2 arc is violent and not smooth like the mix
Set the wire speed and amps and get that dialed in first.
Brace your self so you can be steady.
It is easier to keep the bead narrow for control
Use 1/8"-3/16" metal to practice on. You do not have to worry about burning holes through the metal.

Practice........

It takes a man to ask for comments. "You're the man"

Bronco_Rider

 

[spennyluv]

Great progress looks better and better I also agree youll like the argon mix its like night and day not splatter at all keep up the good work

 

[bigmuddy]

My only suggestion is to get goggles with a darker lens! Good lord man your eyes have to be burning! LOL!

Ben

 

[thegreatjustino]

All of them look better than the factrory welds on my front body mounts.

Or the welds on Bax's top %)

 

[WyleCoyote]

I was wondering when someone would notice the safety goggless...I was grinding then... I have a 220 Lincoln 180 Bronco_rider, so it's probably the gas and my inexperience more than the welder. I will definately be getting the Argon mix before I start on the body work but I still have Shock mounts to weld on the axles so I will do those with the CO2, and I've been recycling old horseshoes into bookends and stuff, that's just fun there.

I blasted the frame first, so what else should I do for metal prep? Wire wheel? Degreaser? Grind?

Thanks for the comments everyone, I have been having a blast learning, but without someone to say good or bad, I could just think it's good and be all screwed up!

 

[Dave]

Or the welds on Bax's top %)

I thought that was pigeon poop!

 

[00gyrhed]

Baaahhhaaa

Or the welds on Bax's top %)

I don't normally use text but this is appropriate.

ROTFLMAO ;D ;D

 

[Ohio Bronco 21]

My 6 year old son actually did the welds on Bax's Top, LOL. I have been welding with my Mig for about a year now, luckily my dad welded for a living on all types of metal with all types of welders ( he has shown me alot). I plan on taking a basic class at the local trade school. Running the Argon/co2 mix is a great help.
Good job on your welds progressing.

 

[br0nc0xrapt0r]

I thought that was pigeon poop!

No way pigeon poop looks better than that I'd say chicken poop! But really good progress sometimes I dry heave when I think about my first weld.

 

[Dave]

I blasted the frame first, so what else should I do for metal prep? Wire wheel? Degreaser? Grind?

A wire wheel is usually sufficient. Just as long as there is not any (or as little as practical) rust, corrosion, oil, or dirt. Some of the body parts are galvanized. Get as much of that off as possible as it messes up welds and generates a posionous gas when you weld it. Any welding fumes are not good for you and should be avoided. Heed the cautions that came with your welder and welding products.

 

[Skiddy]

Good evolution - The last couple look very nice.

Everytime I pick up a torch though - I've got Skiddy's signature bouncin around my head "lookin at yer booger welds"

I don't know why you would had thought that ;D looks like you are doing OK just keep practicing I have judged many of welding contests and it just takes practice, and yes get the mixed gas and it will help a lot BTW I do not mean to brow beat anyone just help them to be better welders

 

[WyleCoyote]

I was looking at the Home-Made (by PO) bumper on my dad's '46 CJ2A last night, Them's some big time booger welds! I should take some pics for comparison.

 

[Skiddy]

I was looking at the Home-Made (by PO) bumper on my dad's '46 CJ2A last night, Them's some big time booger welds! I should take some pics for comparison.

sure can't be know worse than the factory booger welds on our broncos;D

 

[Gummi Bear]

Surface prep is a huge factor in getting clean, strong welds.

Blasting is a good start. Watch that it will impregnate impurities in the metal pores, it can cause some pitting from time to time.

I clean my weld surface with a wire wheel, then a flap disc, and wipe it shiny clean with some brake cleaner on a rag. The cleaner it is, the better the weld quality will be. Sometimes, you'll need to wipe it a few times, until it doesn't lift any more oils from the metal.