Tools for the newbie?

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OK guys..I've wanted to learn to weld for as long as I can remember.  Well, I took the plunge and picked up a Hobart 187. Should be here this week. Anyway, I'm thinking there are some things that would be really nice to have - plasma cutter, sheet metal shear, sheet metal brake and a decent dry chop saw.. I'm thinking maybe the plasma cutter and chop saw to start.  I'm thinking I can try and build a brake as one of my first welding projects to go on a hydraulic press and then maybe one day work my way up to a couple better tools..Anyone have a suggestion?
Reply:Originally Posted by BellyUpFishOK guys..I've wanted to learn to weld for as long as I can remember.  Well, I took the plunge and picked up a Hobart 187. Should be here this week. Anyway, I'm thinking there are some things that would be really nice to have - plasma cutter, sheet metal shear, sheet metal brake and a decent dry chop saw.. I'm thinking maybe the plasma cutter and chop saw to start.  I'm thinking I can try and build a brake as one of my first welding projects to go on a hydraulic press and then maybe one day work my way up to a couple better tools..Anyone have a suggestion?
Reply:I'm not sure why new guys always want a plasma. Plasma is a great tool, but somewhat limited. Given a choice, I'd vote for a decent OA set with at least 75 cf cylinders. With this you can cut, heat, weld, braze and solder. I have one rig simply set up for cutting and one set up with a rosebud that will get converted shortly to Propane for heating and bending. All you can do with plasma is cut and gouge welds. Plasma's an expensive purchase as well, at least for quality units. Keep in mind you will also most likely have to add a decent sized 220v compressor to your list to supply air to your new plasma, and you will need a decent filter/dryer set up to go on the compressor. Plasma wants lots of dry clean air to run right. Dirty wet air will destroy consumables and reek havoc on the system. A small compressor won't let you cut more than a few seconds before the pressure drops below the minimum and the plasma shuts down.Plasma shines when cutting thin metal with little or no distortion, like auto bodies or ductwork. Here it beats OA hands down. It also has advantages with CNC cutting. It's a specialized tool that can be used for many cutting operations, but it won't weld or heat..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Grinders...Grinders,,,,and more grinders..Good grinders are a must have.  PITA changing wheeles; flap disk, grinder, cutting, and brushing.   BTW: Paddle swtich is a must have.
Reply:At least one SIX inch grinder to run cutoff disks. Little cutoff disks are what six-inch disks wear down to when they wear out. Gimme that sweet surface speed and reach and control and fast cutting. If you don't have any grinders, buy all six-inchers from the start. Same size and run four-inch grinding rocks which I prefer.I don't use my chop saw any more. If someone gave me a new one of my choice I'd sell it. A six-inch grinder with cutoff disks (Radnor and Pferd are some good ones) is much more precise and the thin kerf reduces motor load. I've cut 3/8" plate with my Metabo. A good oxy-propane outfit (with a CGA-510 regulator fitting to fit BBQ cylinders) is very useful. No need to spend on an acetylene cylinder immediately, or perhaps ever. I run mine from BBQ cylinders mostly. They hold ample gas and tolerate sloshing when making salvage runs to junkyards.Smith make a Toughcut propane outfit. I like their stuff. USA made and the tips last a long time even under student use.http://www.weldfabulous.com/Smith-To...-p9557557.htmlYou can of course get the Toughcut OA outfit (specify the CGA-510 regulator) and buy LP cutting tips for it for about the same price:https://weldingsupply.securesites.co...EF:X:MB54A-510Last edited by farmall; 08-22-2011 at 12:13 PM.
Reply:Good stuff guys.  I guess I need to look into an OA setup versus the plasma.
Reply:What DSW said.What Billdacat said.What Hondaruss said.And like farmall said because I am a Smith guy.Sorry for the stupid response, but these guys hit it on the head. Good info so far.And I will add a green welders jacket to prevent holes in all of your shirts."Where's Stick man????????" - 7A749"SHHHHHH!! I sent him over to snag that MIC-4 while tbone wasn't looking!" - duaneb55"I have bought a few of Tbone's things unlike Stick-Man who helps himself" - TozziWelding"Stick-man"
Reply:I do most of my fab with a portaband saw, I built a stand for it and I can remove and use  it as a portable band saw within a couple minutes. It works great, and blades are pretty cheap, and they last much longer than abrasive chop saws. I DO NOT use cut off discs on electric grinders because I had one explode on me a while ago, If you do use a elec grinder with a cut off disc, keep the guard on it.Lincoln pro mig 180Lincoln Square Wave Tig 300/wp 20/home built water cooler Victor, Purox, Harris, O/A welding/cutting setupsVintage Craftsman drill pressVintage Craftsman/Atlas 12"x 36'' lathe7''x 12'' w/c band saw Everlast 140 st
Reply:As a newbie I am considering a plasma cutter instead of OA so I will not have a bottle of highly explosive gas in my garage. I may be overly cautious on this, but since i am not an expert with a torch and do not know a lot of the hazards associated with accetlyne I am reluctant to put it in the garage and expose my home and family to the danger.My thought process may not be perfect, but it is the way I look at it. Besides if you can afford the plazma cutter and want it, why not? We all have our toys.
Reply:That's one of the biggest things about the OA I don't like. Potential for exploding missiles.
Reply:Originally Posted by farmallAt least one SIX inch grinder to run cutoff disks. Little cutoff disks are what six-inch disks wear down to when they wear out. Gimme that sweet surface speed and reach and control and fast cutting. If you don't have any grinders, buy all six-inchers from the start. Same size and run four-inch grinding rocks which I prefer.I don't use my chop saw any more. If someone gave me a new one of my choice I'd sell it. A six-inch grinder with cutoff disks (Radnor and Pferd are some good ones) is much more precise and the thin kerf reduces motor load. I've cut 3/8" plate with my Metabo. A good oxy-propane outfit (with a CGA-510 regulator fitting to fit BBQ cylinders) is very useful. No need to spend on an acetylene cylinder immediately, or perhaps ever. I run mine from BBQ cylinders mostly. They hold ample gas and tolerate sloshing when making salvage runs to junkyards.Smith make a Toughcut propane outfit. I like their stuff. USA made and the tips last a long time even under student use.http://www.weldfabulous.com/Smith-To...-p9557557.htmlYou can of course get the Toughcut OA outfit (specify the CGA-510 regulator) and buy LP cutting tips for it for about the same price:https://weldingsupply.securesites.co...EF:X:MB54A-510
Reply:Originally Posted by tallgrassAs a newbie I am considering a plasma cutter instead of OA so I will not have a bottle of highly explosive gas in my garage. I may be overly cautious on this, but since i am not an expert with a torch and do not know a lot of the hazards associated with accetlyne I am reluctant to put it in the garage and expose my home and family to the danger.My thought process may not be perfect, but it is the way I look at it. Besides if you can afford the plazma cutter and want it, why not? We all have our toys.
Reply:I don't worry about exploding cutting disks because I don't point them where it matters. As with any grinder, stay out of the "plane of rotation" where that area is unguarded. Standard grinding rocks have much more mass and thus are far more dangerous.I've used hundreds of cutting disks and the six-inchers are light so they don't cause a problem if they break. I use proper guards which will deflect them.The plastic torch rig enclosure is brilliant. Rustproof and in worst-case outcome, no shrapnel!all that you say is good....except about the acetylene. how is he gonna learn to gas weld ?? see??man said he wants learn to weld...OP...you should start with oa..best wishes..
Reply:My homeowners association would have a cow if I put a storage unit on the side of my house. And my next door neighbor has appointed herself the compliance Nazi. I have a garden, which is completely acceptable in homeowners bylaws and she wants me to build a cedar fence around the garden, but they would have to approve the fence.
Reply:id piss on her flowers
Reply:I have thought about Roundup.
Reply:get a big plasma...she'll ****forsure when the compressor starts to run...
Reply:schittforsure.....
Reply:Originally Posted by tallgrassMy homeowners association would have a cow if I put a storage unit on the side of my house. And my next door neighbor has appointed herself the compliance Nazi. I have a garden, which is completely acceptable in homeowners bylaws and she wants me to build a cedar fence around the garden, but they would have to approve the fence.
Reply:SwedeYou do have a point, but it does serve to keep the neighborhood looking better and preserves value. But there is a Nazi in every community. You are right I can move at any time, but choose to stay. They will move in a couple of years, I don't think they have lived one house for over 3-4 years. The wife and I like the location and plan to live here until they bury us.Sorry for getting off topic.
Reply:Yeh, I've never understood the HOA's.. I'd go nuts. I can fire AK-47's and AR-15's and Saiga 12's off of my back porch and my neighbors come over and ask me to sight in their guns.
Reply:Metabo 6", good bastard file, chipping hammer, 2wire brushes, screw dog, clamps of all kinds......