Almost afraid to ask?

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So here I am.. asking for your patience and help. From my intro post, you'll have figured out that I really know nothing now. The more I research, the more I realize that I'm probably only still alive by luck. I've done everything in ocy/ace welding that should not be done and am not about to list it here. What I am asking for is help to get myself on the right track. As of today, I just purchased a bunch more tips and torches, all second hand. I have Harris, Smith and Proxair. All my tips are #5 (but at least they're in good condition). The one body I got has the check valves on it, something I didn't have on the Smith I've been using for 10 years. I need to check my tanks when I get home for the backfire valves (Smith regs) and if the tanks have names stamped into them.. never even looked the last time I exchanged them (at least 5 or 6 years ago). I'm realizing that I'm in no position to teach my kid anything right now and better get some education myself before I hurt or blow something up. Feeling like a real idiot right now, finally realizing how little I know about this. Going to talk to the local supplier this week, see if he'll come check out (they are mobile) my set up and give me some advice on what my next step is. Tell me what to look for on my tools (#'s) and I'll post it back up ASAP. Then, tell me what is safe to use or not. There were 2 rosebud tips with my set and from what I've read, I don't think my tank is even big enough to use it..Shy and ashamed in OntarioLast edited by xrdad; 03-02-2011 at 01:12 PM.Reason: missed a work (alive)
Reply:Originally Posted by xrdadSo here I am.. asking for your patience and help. From my intro post, you'll have figured out that I really know nothing now. The more I research, the more I realize that I'm probably only still by luck. I've done everything in ocy/ace welding that should not be done and am not about to list it here. What I am asking for is help to get myself on the right track. As of today, I just purchased a bunch more tips and torches, all second hand. I have Harris, Smith and Proxair. All my tips are #5 (but at least they're in good condition). The one body I got has the check valves on it, something I didn't have on the Smith I've been using for 10 years. I need to check my tanks when I get home for the backfire valves (Smith regs) and if the tanks have names stamped into them.. never even looked the last time I exchanged them (at least 5 or 6 years ago). I'm realizing that I'm in no position to teach my kid anything right now and better get some education myself before I hurt or blow something up. Feeling like a real idiot right now, finally realizing how little I know about this. Going to talk to the local supplier this week, see if he'll come check out (they are mobile) my set up and give me some advice on what my next step is. Tell me what to look for on my tools (#'s) and I'll post it back up ASAP. Then, tell me what is safe to use or not. There were 2 rosebud tips with my set and from what I've read, I don't think my tank is even big enough to use it..Shy and ashamed in Ontario
Reply:Don't worry - since you're not dead, smile and march on.The Northern Tool DVD on OA welding is great - I learned a lot from it, including safety.  Best $17 you will spend on that type of material."Welding Essentials" is another really helpful book - covers multiple processes including OA.I spend a lot of time on this site searching and reading old threads - there is an AMAZING amount of information here.  When something specific sounds confusing just post a question - the professional welders on this site  are great.Hobart LX235Victor 250 Oxy-Acetylene Rig (welding and cutting)Bobcat 773F-350, 1999, 4x4, 16' 10K# trailerOutdoor Wood Burner - 10 cords/year
Reply:Miller sells a few handbooks which everyone that has one seems to love... Almost all of my home tanks (2 out of 3) have names stamped into them, but the local airgas just takes them, and exchanges them no questions asked. I used to wonder what the names were from and never really thought about it until I came to this forum, so I guess in some areas, privately owning named bottles is the norm... I bought them from someone near here and have been exchanging them, just fine, for a while now...[Account Abandoned 8/8/16 Please Do Not Attempt Contact Or Expect A Reply]. See you on YouTube! -ChuckE2009
Reply:Here's something to look at too. http://www.esabna.com/EUWeb/oxy_handbook/589oxy2_1.htm"The things that will destroy America are prosperity at any price, peace at any price, safety first instead of duty first, the love of soft living and the get rich quick theory of life." -Theodore Roosevelt
Reply:Thanks everybody.. those will be great references. I'll order some from Amazon ASAP!! If you have any other links that you feel are valuable, please post!!!
Reply:My Airgas dealer wont fill mine and my tanks have their name on them. I have the bill of sale from the auction, but they dont care, they wont fill them.
Reply:Books/videos are useful but hands on instruction would be best!Xrdad - glad to see that you posted your location!Goggle Maps says that Keswick is north of Toronto and just south of Barrie.  I feel your best option would be to find a welder in your local area to come and visit you, look at what you got, make some suggestions, show you a few things and set you on the right path.Hopefully, some member of the Welding Web living close to you may pick up on this.You could also see if a school (Community College) in Barrie offers Oxy/Acetylene welding courses.  Heck, even a talk with the instructor could resolve your equipment issues. Check your local Kijiji or Craiglist for welding equipment - not to buy but to find a welder-guy/gal that may be able to give you some pointers.Rick V 1 Airco Heliwelder 3A/DDR3 CTC 70/90 amp Stick/Tig Inverters in Parallel1 Lincoln MIG PAK 151 Oxy-Acet
Reply:Thanks Rick (love the avatar). I would hate to ask someone to give up their time, but if anyone is offering Picked up my new to me MIG tonight!! an sp135+ in like new condition!! Got the bottle and the reg for it too. I will take your advice Rick and check with the local colleges and high schools to see if any training is available. I can wait to start welding again... the right way!For now, shop re organizing is the mandate. Gonna redo the whole thing to work better for me. When I'm done drafting the plan, I'll post it and ask for advice/tips and constructive critisism..Ivan
Reply:Congrads man!! And there's nothing to be ashamed of, at one point, everyone was there... Learning is really fun and enjoyable, and just remember to post lots of pictures :-)[Account Abandoned 8/8/16 Please Do Not Attempt Contact Or Expect A Reply]. See you on YouTube! -ChuckE2009
Reply:I posted pics of my set up in my 'Introduce yourself' forum post. Figured it might be the right place to be, so that my welding career can be reviewed If you guys have time to take a look, ask me questions... No rush, still working on getting some more safety equip.
Reply:Originally Posted by gwileyDon't worry - since you're not dead, smile and march on.The Northern Tool DVD on OA welding is great - I learned a lot from it, including safety.  Best $17 you will spend on that type of material."Welding Essentials" is another really helpful book - covers multiple processes including OA.I spend a lot of time on this site searching and reading old threads - there is an AMAZING amount of information here.  When something specific sounds confusing just post a question - the professional welders on this site  are great.
Reply:Picture is of a plumbers van. remote set off when doors unlocked,  debris landed a couple houses away .. .had a leaky act. tank. not much left of the truck . . . .-- fredLincoln 180C MIG
Reply:Hey guys. Took the advice and registered for 2 classes at Centennial College here. Both are heavy on the safety, light on the practice. But once I'm comfortable with how to operate the torches and MIG properly, then practice at home isn't going to be a problem. I didn't get any response on my Oxy/Ace tools... just wondering if it's all bad? Haven't ordered my books or DVDs yet, but they're in my 'cart' for the wife to surprise me on my birthday with    If someone has some to lend or sell, let me know I've been watching other projects and builds, thinking and planning about my set up. My MIG is sitting pretty in the corner (sp135+) and waiting for a job to do. A cart, a work bench and some storage are on the main agenda. I'll post shop size and pics for review and advice ASAP. Went to Princess Auto last night, picked out some tools but didn't buy any yet. Checked out what I can buy for stock materials, found some deals on Kijiji. I have to visit a welding store though to get a better understanding of quality vs cheap tools. Sometimes it's cheaper to buy a good tool! But how good does a magnet or chipping hammer have to be? Thanks again for your patience with me and I do appreciate the advice.
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Reply:Looks great man!! Weldings a lot of fun, and is my favorite class....And, a chipping hammer should be pretty good quality. Last summer, I picked up a chipping hammer at home depot, and after light use from then until now, its gotten dull as a brick and i now have to sharpen it after every few welds I clean. Likewise, at school we got shiny and heavy, estwing hammers. They're great. They're the easiest to use, very comfortable, and i've been pounding on slag since September with mine, and its still as sharp as the day I got it. I also noticed a huge difference in chopsaws i've used, the Chinese cheapy model I bought last summer seemed to work okay until it died and I bought a makita. What a difference, its like a whole nother type of saw, even know its just an abrasive chop saw like the last one. You get what you pay for.[Account Abandoned 8/8/16 Please Do Not Attempt Contact Or Expect A Reply]. See you on YouTube! -ChuckE2009
Reply:Originally Posted by xrdad
Reply:LOL... Thanks weldbead.. I'll take that under consideration