MIG weld test - help please?

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Can anybody recommend a simple book on PRACTICAL fabrication techniques for the shade-tree welder?The reason I ask is that I had to take a weld test yesterday for a job interview (fabrication) and failed miserably. They had me cut metal (which I spent way too much time doing) to weld up a 3x3 "window" from a blueprint. Cut dimensions were good but once I figured out how to get the outer frame tacked up (of course incorrectly), I found the heat distorted the mitered corner joints, opening them slightly, which changed the (theoretically) planar shape into a nonplanar one. This precluded the other parts from fitting as well as they should have in. And things just went from bad to worse. The resulting poor fitup resulted in easy burn through (this was gage steel, not plate or solid "ornamentals", I was given for my "test", much to my chagrin).My problem is that the vocational training I've taken so far has pretty much prepared me to take a structural welding test involving heavy plate and ONLY that, not really how to be a "welder" or actually build/fabricate stuff.I don't feel my first "fabrication" experience was a loss though (although I didn't get the job) because I did get a very vivid lession in some things that can go wrong or that require  compensation in order for everything to work out right. But I need to know "how"I have Galvery's "Welding Essentials: Questions & Answers" which I like but is obviously to me not enough.Thanks in advance for any suggested readingsLast edited by wirehead; 10-05-2011 at 08:56 AM.XMT304 (school)SP125+ (home)HF 4x6 BandsawGood judgement comes from experience and much of that comes from bad judgement.
Reply:Hey wirehead,Here's some titles you can read about to see which would fit your query.Dennyhttp://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_no...tion&x=15&y=18Complete Welding/Machine/Fab. ShopMobile UnitFinally retired*Moderator*"A man's word is his honor...without honor there is nothing.""Words are like bullets.... Once they leave your muzzle, you cannot get them back."
Reply:Denny,I think your link got cut off... but I'd love to see that list as well.Thanks!
Reply:Can you try again please?XMT304 (school)SP125+ (home)HF 4x6 BandsawGood judgement comes from experience and much of that comes from bad judgement.
Reply:Hey guys,I don't know why Amazon has some kind of block when trying to list a bookmark. See if this one works.....   Nope. Seems you have to list the product. I'll try again.....Dennyhttp://www.amazon.com/Welding-Fabric...7870787&sr=8-5Ok...That one worked.  Go to Amazon & type in the search window:  "Welding & Fabrication". There are some great books.Last edited by yorkiepap; 10-05-2011 at 11:16 PM.Complete Welding/Machine/Fab. ShopMobile UnitFinally retired*Moderator*"A man's word is his honor...without honor there is nothing.""Words are like bullets.... Once they leave your muzzle, you cannot get them back."
Reply:THanks yorkiepap, just ordered:2THUMBS:Last edited by wirehead; 10-06-2011 at 02:23 AM.XMT304 (school)SP125+ (home)HF 4x6 BandsawGood judgement comes from experience and much of that comes from bad judgement.