Learning to Weld - Hobart AutoArc 140

admin

Ok so I bought a Hobart AutoArc 140 MIG welder recently. I have played with it a bit and I understand the theory behind welding, and I plan on playing with it more and basically teaching myself.However I need a bit of help.I am going to read "Welding for Dummies" and see what I can pickup there.My Questions/ConcernsWhat are the main tools that go hand and hand with a welder? I have a grinder and a vice as well as normal hand tools. Specialty tools?Is there a tool that helps identify the gauge of metal? I assume this is good info when you are trying to get settings for the machine dialed in.Any videos or online reading that explains things well?I want to make stuff for my Jeep, nothing I am making will be structural. So am is it safe to assume I could weld together some fenders and other stuff with a 140amp welder?
Reply:1) Slag chipping hammer, wire brush, a few pairs of vise-grips, C clamps, a larger bar/pipe clamp or two, etc. A second grinder wouldn't hurt as then you wouldn't have to change out discs as much. 2) Yes, there are "feeler gauges" for that, you can get one through Miller or other places too, I'm sure. I find that the settings printed on a welder are almost always too cold, but they offer a good starting point for sure. Don't rely on them after you get a feel for welding, and for your machine.3) Yes, tons. Youtube is a great source for these videos. I have stick welding how-to videos on my channel, but some of the principles carry over to other processes as well. Maybe some of them might help you? http://www.youtube.com/user/ChuckE2009?feature=mhee4) Yes, 110v migs are GREAT for auto body work, exhaust jobs, etc. No matter what the mfg. might say, they all top out around 1/8" capacity tho, they aren't for frames, heavy suspension components, etc. Welcome to the world of welding man!! I wish you the best [Account Abandoned 8/8/16 Please Do Not Attempt Contact Or Expect A Reply]. See you on YouTube! -ChuckE2009
Reply:We could go on for hours about what metal working tools go hand in hand with a welder.You need at least one way to cut steel. Most of us that are serious probably have at least 3 or more ways to cut material. Chop saw, band saw, reciprocating saw, Oxy fuel torches, plasma, carbide drycut saw, grinder with zip wheel and so on. Then there's nibblers, tin snips in various size and for cutting left or right hand curves doing sheet metal, bench shears, bar cutters.You will need some way to shape metal and grind/sand. On grinders most of us have several rather than keep changing wheels. I've got 2 7" ones ( one with a grinding wheel, one with a sanding pad), and at least a 1/2 dozen 4 1/2" ones ( one with a grinding wheel, one with a zip disk, one with a thin grinding wheel, one with a sanding pad, one with a wire wheel...), 3 bench grinders, 4 sanders, 2 die grinders, 2 dremmel tools... dozens of files.Clamps, You can never have enough clamps in all sorts and sizes. I pick up good ones when ever I can find them at yard sales and so on. Vises to hold things. Straps and binders to pull on things to get them straight or hold large items. You need some way to make and drill holes. Hand drill, drill press, mill, lathe, right angle drills, mag drills... All the associated cutters, drill bits, hole saws, annular cutters, milling inserts and lathe tools. Add in iron workers and punch presses....Measuring tools, tape measures, rulers, squares of various sorts, levels, angle finders. Here would be where you would find sheet metal gauges that can tell you how thick something is. A better tool would be either a dial caliper or micrometer. You then compare the reading you get with a chart to locate the closest gauge size or convert to inches. I suggest you get at least a framing square, a small 6" speed square, a good machinists square with protractor or an angle gauge, a couple tape measures in different sizes ( always seem to loose these for some reason..) and a dial caliper. A decent level or 2 wouldn't hurt either.If you want to do a lot of more advanced body work, there are all sorts of specialty sheet metal tools like shot bags, english wheels, hammer and dolly sets, planishing hammers, bead rollers, slip rolls, panel flangers, cleco clamps....Tube and pipe has it's own set of specialty tools. Tube benders, pipe benders ( there is a difference), tube notchers, pipe bevelers....Then there's hand mechanics tools like wrenches, hammers of various types,  chisels, air tools, ....Then there's all the different types of welders....You don't NEED all these things at the start. But you will need at least something from each basic category, a way to cut metal, measure and grind as well as clamp. Exactly what, will depend on what sort of work you want to do and how much money you want to sink into this and how good you are at hunting up deals. Many things can be done with basic hand tools if you want to take the time and effort to do so. They did things this way in the "old days" and it still works today..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Might as well just return the machine:4x4 + Welder = brokeIt goes against what you think-I break sheite 4x4ing, buy welder, save money.. right?Nope- buy welder= I can make this and this and this and I can beef up this and this and thisbut we end up breaking this and this and thisPlus now you gotta go out and buy more toolsEd Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:Though geared for more structural things, the website weldingtipsandtricks.com has a lot of useful info, videos, etc.  ESAB and other manufacturer sites have lots of good info.  Get a pot of coffee on the stove and a couple packs of cigarettes and you'll be up all night reading through the info there.  That said, as you read and learn keep in mind there's many ways to skin a cat, but safety rules are RULES even if they don't make complete sense, and rules of thumb are just that, rules of thumb.Btw, wear real eye protection in addition to your welding helmet, long sleeves, long pants, etc.,and shoes with laces and pants with cuffs are great places for sparks to land and start burning toward skin.Enjoy your new learning experience.
Reply:Hey GatorsUF,As a BulldawgUGa, it pains me to try to help you out, but as a welder Welcome to the Forum and welding.I have been learning for going on 5 years now and there is hardly anything I can claim to be proficient at because there is always a better way, a better idea, or more practice to make it better. I guess that is the challenge that keeps us interested.Your 140 is a great machine and will do a lot. The AutoSet is a good feature for starting out but don't be afraid to adjust the settings manually. Once you start getting a feel for things, you may turn it up, etc. to adjust to your speed.DSW did a great job of outlining additional tools you will/could need, but to get started you need a good tape, some ViseGrip clamps, and at least one 4 1/2" grinder. You can often find grinders in 2 packs at Lowes or HD, for about the price of 1. As noted above, it is nice to have one with a cutoff wheel and another with a flap disc. Don't forget a good Autodark helmet, safety glasses, and gloves.As far as a metal gauge, you can order one from Miller or your LWS Miller Part # - 229 895List price is $2.95 each. Go ahead and get 2-3 as you will lose 1 and your buddy will want 1. This is the little gauge that comes with the Miller 140, etc.Again, best of luck to you.Burt _____________________Miller Syncrowave 250Millermatic 211Miller 375 Plasma Cutter Hobart Handler 12010FtDrillBit.com
Reply:A good quality hood. the steel for your first project, a welding table. everybody gave you great ideas. as usual DSW gave you an excellent shopping list. ah heck just give him your check book and credit cards and he will make sure you are well equipped. i'm voting for him for the web purchasing agent.225NT bobcatAEAD200LEScott 125mm175, mm252 w 30A, PT225mm211, TA 181iHyper Therm 380, cut master 529100X & XX, Digital Elite6 Victor setssmith little torch, meco midget kalamazoo band sawsteel max saw evoulution circular saw
Reply:Originally Posted by jbmprods. ah heck just give him your check book and credit cards and he will make sure you are well equipped. i'm voting for him for the web purchasing agent.