welding different types of materials

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Hello all, since getting into this welding stuff, have been watching a lot of videos on this subject. recently discovered this very talented welder that goes by the title, rooster creations on youtube.He uses all types of metal nit nats to create his stuff. coins, wheel bearings, motorcycle chains, eating utensils, pots a and pans etc. he uses a mig welder from what I can see. I was under the impression that certain metals had to be welded with different welding material. one video shows him making a small R2D2 sculpture, welding a copper penny on steel. I didn't see him changing the wire spool at anytime. Thanks
Reply:Originally Posted by bikercatHello all, since getting into this welding stuff, have been watching a lot of videos on this subject. recently discovered this very talented welder that goes by the title, rooster creations on youtube.He uses all types of metal nit nats to create his stuff. coins, wheel bearings, motorcycle chains, eating utensils, pots a and pans etc. he uses a mig welder from what I can see. I was under the impression that certain metals had to be welded with different welding material. one video shows him making a small R2D2 sculpture, welding a copper penny on steel. I didn't see him changing the wire spool at anytime. Thanks
Reply:The simple answer is for small art it just doesn't matter that much - in my opinion.I've used copper romex (house wiring) to tig weld mild steel together for the color effect.With art, the rules are different - some "poor welding techniques" give a desired effect - so they are correct for the application.For example, dragging certain stick rods way too fast will deposit spatter BB's in a certain pattern - repeated over and over and texture is formed.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:thanks for the responses. didn't think I needed a respirator, since I'm not doing any heavy welding. just arts & craft and minor repair stuff occasionally.
Reply:Originally Posted by bikercatthanks for the responses. didn't think I needed a respirator, since I'm not doing any heavy welding. just arts & craft and minor repair stuff occasionally.
Reply:did notice lately since practicing more that there is this fine black dust all over the inside of my garage. so you're saying this is mostly from the cutting and grinding? guess I'm going to have to get into the habit of wearing a mask. Thanks
Reply:Originally Posted by MinnesotaDaveThe simple answer is for small art it just doesn't matter that much - in my opinion.I've used copper romex (house wiring) to tig weld mild steel together for the color effect.With art, the rules are different - some "poor welding techniques" give a desired effect - so they are correct for the application.For example, dragging certain stick rods way too fast will deposit spatter BB's in a certain pattern - repeated over and over and texture is formed.
Reply:Originally Posted by HeadhogSo if I'm understanding this and I just need to make a simply repair, it really doesn't matter what rod I use. The reason I ask is I need to tack a BBQ grill grate which is stainless. A few spot weld have come loose and just need to be tacked and any rod will do?
Reply:Originally Posted by thegaryyou don't. just know what you are welding. If its galvanized and you are just tacking it together just hold your breath for the couple seconds it takes to weld it. A trick I do is put a fan directly behind me. Place it so your body shields the welding gun. The fan will blow the fumes away from you. Also have good ventilation where you are welding. Like keep the garage door open or have an exhaust fan.  Just use common sense. FYI you will breath in more crap grinding and cutting than welding so try to do the same things for those operations. Respirators are good but do not do a 100% job and if it is hot they are hard to keep on. I have welded all my adult life. They just started making welding respirators in the past 10 years. To this day I have never seen a welder on a job wearing a respirator. Some places are starting to demand their use but it is like a lot of safety demands that are not thought out.
Reply:Originally Posted by MinnesotaDaveYes - but the stainless in that spot will rust a little - but will still work.