Newbie Questions . . .

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I've been wanting to learn to weld for some time now.  I finally made the plunge and purchased a Lincoln SP175T wire feed welder.Made my first ever welds this weekend -- not very pretty, but each one is generally better than the last.  Started out with the FCAW process, because I have not purchased a bottle of gas yet.Anyway, on to my question.  I'd like my first real project to be one of these.For those that don't know, that thing is called a 'toothbar', and is bolted to the cutting edge of a loader bucket.  I have the individual teeth, they're pretty beefy pieces of metal.  I would be welding them to a 3/8" thick piece of steel, just like in the picture.Do you think I can fabricate this with the welder I have?  I'm afraid I picked a poor project for my first, as I don't think my welder is ideal for this task -- probably would be better off with a stick welder for this project.  What do you think?-Jeff
Reply:Welcome strez- like you I'm fairly new to welding so I'll let the more experienced guys advise you. Was there a picture of the work- that would help.  Anyway be patient and you'll get an answer soon. "All that is required for evil to triumph is that good men do nothing"
Reply:I would say that it may be a stretch for your machine, even using FCAW.  If do do try this: PRACTICE,  PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, and BEVEL every weld.  Welcome to the forum!
Reply:Welcome to the nuthouse, and the answer to the toothbar is NO!The amount of stress a toothbar encounters is phenominal, and your machine just isn't up to that work, even in the hands of a skilled weldor.Also, I think you're way ahead of your skill level attempting a project like a tooth bar.  You need to first fully learn to run beads, and then move along a step at a time.   It's all about practice, and improving your skills.Appreciation Gains You Recognition-
Reply:Welcome strez.....I'll cast my vote for stick....and, as paychk said:  "Bevel every joint" !   I think you could do it with flux-core, (it does have better penetration than true mig), but I would take pains to get that first bead in there perfect !....then start "filling her up".I'll be the LAST one to let you down !
Reply:P.S. . . . If you DO try it with your machine, it's going to be "slow-going !Franz....most wire feed is at least 70,000 tensile.....don't you think that's strong enough ?I'll be the LAST one to let you down !
Reply:strez,Jim probably welded that with his Thunderbolt 300.  You always have the option of tacking your project together and then finding someone to stick weld it for you.
Reply:I think it would be better to weld it with a stick welder using some 10018 i dont think ur mig is big enough to do the job!! welcome to the world of welding
Reply:Originally posted by Markopolo P.S. . . . If you DO try it with your machine, it's going to be "slow-going !Franz....most wire feed is at least 70,000 tensile.....don't you think that's strong enough ?
Reply:Originally posted by Markopolo Welcome strez.....I'll cast my vote for stick....and, as paychk said:  "Bevel every joint" !   I think you could do it with flux-core, (it does have better penetration than true mig), but I would take pains to get that first bead in there perfect !....then start "filling her up".
Reply:I don't think it is as critical on fillet welds, but you definitely would get a little extra bite by beveling just the upright on the "T", though you wouldn't have to bevel it as much as if it were a butt joint.
Reply:Originally posted by strez I've been wanting to learn to weld for some time now.  I finally made the plunge and purchased a Lincoln SP175T wire feed welder.Anyway, on to my question.  I'd like my first real project to be one of these.For those that don't know, that thing is called a 'toothbar', and is bolted to the cutting edge of a loader bucket.  I have the individual teeth, they're pretty beefy pieces of metal.  I would be welding them to a 3/8" thick piece of steel, just like in the picture.Do you think I can fabricate this with the welder I have?  I'm afraid I picked a poor project for my first, as I don't think my welder is ideal for this task -- probably would be better off with a stick welder for this project.  What do you think?-Jeff
Reply:Originally posted by Sandy Hey Strez, How you liking the welder so far?Any way I guess the First question should be----is it your machine?  Next would be is it one of the compacts tractors? And third, if it is yours, would you be terribly upset with some down time if it doesn't work?
Reply:Originally posted by strez  Seriously though, I'm sure it's a weldor problem, not a welder problem.  This is the first time I've ever welded, the only welder I've ever used, so my reply to that question is not worth much of anything Yes, the machine is my compact tractor.  I'm willing to experiment, and I am willing to accept some down time if it doesn't work.-Jeff
Reply:Originally posted by Sandy   There is sort of a fine line between welding one on to where it holds under extreme duty and goobering it on so heavy it's a real pain to replace it.