Got a new welder:D
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TECH Veteran
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Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Rockville, MD
Got a new welder:D so i bought a welder. its a chicago electric 140arc welder. any tips from the old guys on technique or learning process? i got it for 75$ all together new in box..hehe. i knw its not the best and i knw its also not the worst so.. itll tie me over till i get a LE or Clarke 135-175 mig
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,231
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From: Just This Side of Damnation
Welding books are worth the price when you don't have prior experience. Classes at your local community college would be worth their weight in gold.
Reverse polarity for thin metals. Tip extension difference can make all the difference in the world...closer or farther from your work.
A small grinder with a wire wheel is good to have. Dedicated to the welding cart if you can afford it. A cart for your welder is good. You can make your own now.
I'd love to get an auto-darkening helmet but it'll have to wait.
A gas setup is good but not absolutely necessary for beginning. Flux-core wire spatters a lot, so you'll need to wire brush and chisel it away if it matters how it looks.
Practice...Practice...Practice. My first job out of high school was a shop welder at Westinghouse in K.C. Learned a lot. Set a couple of nice fires. Had a great time.
Oh, and safety/safety/safety. Fire = Bad.
Reverse polarity for thin metals. Tip extension difference can make all the difference in the world...closer or farther from your work.
A small grinder with a wire wheel is good to have. Dedicated to the welding cart if you can afford it. A cart for your welder is good. You can make your own now.
I'd love to get an auto-darkening helmet but it'll have to wait.
A gas setup is good but not absolutely necessary for beginning. Flux-core wire spatters a lot, so you'll need to wire brush and chisel it away if it matters how it looks.
Practice...Practice...Practice. My first job out of high school was a shop welder at Westinghouse in K.C. Learned a lot. Set a couple of nice fires. Had a great time.
Oh, and safety/safety/safety. Fire = Bad.
Thread Starter
TECH Veteran
iTrader: (12)
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,354
Likes: 0
From: Rockville, MD
ok im havin trouble..lol. i mhaving trouble with teh whole keeping the arc going and moving the rod to compensate or it melting away. my practice areas look like a pimply old woman.
