welding on axle tubes

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Ok, i just bought a hobart ac/dc stick welder and i need to weld 3/16 brackets onto my axle tubes. I also need to weld the tubes to the housing. Now i should say i have no prior experience welding. so how do you guys suggest i go about this? which electrode ? what amperage? preheat housing? precautions? thanks alot
Reply:If you have no prior experience welding, don't do it.  You're very likely to end up with lack of fusion or other issues associated with inexperience, which leads to disaster when we're talking about suspension components.
Reply:Originally Posted by SupeIf you have no prior experience welding, don't do it.  You're very likely to end up with lack of fusion or other issues associated with inexperience, which leads to disaster when we're talking about suspension components.
Reply:Originally Posted by SupeIf you have no prior experience welding, don't do it.  You're very likely to end up with lack of fusion or other issues associated with inexperience, which leads to disaster when we're talking about suspension components.
Reply:First get some 3/32 and 1/8" 7018 and learn how to use it. Go from there.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Someone posted this link a while back but I can't find the thread, so here is a fresh link to a video you need to watch to see what happens when you have a bad weld. I love watching this thing btw.But like every one says get some scrap metal and do some practicing first or you will regret it if you dont.http://rides.webshots.com/video/3026...01149359WVpyxwLast edited by 737mechanic; 11-18-2007 at 05:06 PM.
Reply:Practice by cleaning 2 pieces of scrap to join. Clean off all mill scale, rust and paint. Choose a joint configuration, lap joint, tee joint, corner joint, butt joint, what have you. Start with 1/8 E7018 at 90-130 amps (for instance) on electrode DC positive polarity. Point the rod like a small water jet and scratch the stick like a match. When you get the hang of "lighting" the rod, manuever the rod tip so as to keep the gap between the tip and the joint very, very close. Keep the rod tip moving in very small concentric circles. Look for a bright red glowing pool of metal. Don't mistake the dark red slag for metal. When you can tell that you have formed a weld metal pool or puddle, always keep the rod tip close enough to this puddle to maintain arc contact. This is key, maintain that puddle.Then practice til you puke!City of L.A. Structural; Manual & Semi-Automatic;"Surely there is a mine for silver, and a place where gold is refined. Iron is taken from the earth, and copper is smelted from ore."Job 28:1,2Lincoln, Miller, Victor & ISV BibleDanny
Reply:Originally Posted by newstickwelderOne more thing i should mention this is a trail rig and does not see street use. so i wouldn't be bottoming out at 70.
Reply:ok well thank you for answering my questions and giving me some direction.I understand everyones concern about suspension and the importance of solid welds (which is directly related to the skill level of the welder). I know i have alot to learn but that's kinda the point of posting here. I'm not trying to become pipefitter. just weld some things here and thereLast edited by newstickwelder; 11-18-2007 at 06:38 PM.
Reply:quote: "I'm not trying to become pipefitter. just weld some things here and there"regardless... only one way to do it and that's CORRECTLY.Rod is cheap... and depending on where you look scrap iron is free.  Can't get better tuition than that.