The process of welding involves using electrical current to superheat and melt metal so that you can join two pieces of metal together.The two most popular ways of welding at home are gas metal arcs and stick welding.Once you take proper safety precautions and practice using your welding machine, welding is fairly easy.
Step 1: Purchase a welding helmet.
The sparks and light from welding can be harmful to your eyes.There is a chance of metal debris or sparks flying into your face.Purchase an auto-darkening welding helmet online or at a hardware store to protect your eyes and face from sparks and heat generated from the welding machine.
Step 2: Get gloves that are heavy duty.
You can buy welding gloves at a hardware store.Cow or pig hide is used to make welding gloves that are resistant to electrical shock, heat, and radiation.Gloves are required when welding something.
Step 3: An apron is made of leather.
An apron will prevent sparks from the welding machine from hitting your clothes.You can get an apron at a hardware store.
Step 4: There is a well-ventilated area.
Vapors and gases that are hazardous to inhale are caused by the process of welding.You will want to work in an open space.It's never a good idea to welds galvanized steel because it produces dangerous gas.
Step 5: Before you start, make sure you inspect your welder.
Your welder has wires, hoses, and connections.Before using the welder, replace damaged or worn components.Calibration is required at regular intervals for some welders.There is no grace period for the calibration to be up to date.
Step 6: Before welding, remove any paint and rust from the metal.
Go over the surface of the painted metal with a wire brush or angle grinder.You can rent an angle grinder or purchase a wire brush at a hardware store.Continue to grind off the paint and rust until your metal is shiny and metallic.Thin metal should not be distorted if you are using an angle grinder.Be sure to use an angle grinder if you are working with thick metal.The electrical connection created by the welder can be interfered with by paint and rust.
Step 7: Use acetone to wipe down the metal.
Dust, dirt, and debris can affect your ability to make good welds.Put a cloth in acetone and wipe it over the metal.The acetone should be used to remove any contaminants.
Step 8: Clean the metal with a rag.
Rub over the surface of the metal to remove acetone that was left over from washing it.Let the metal dry before welding.
Step 9: Make sure the welder is set up correctly.
Make sure your welder has a wire on it.Look at the tip of the gun to make sure it is fed properly.Ensure that your shielding gas canisters are set up correctly and that you have a working welding machine.
Step 10: You're working on a table.
If you want your MIG welder to work on your table, you need a grounding clamp.If you end up touching your table, this will prevent you from dying.
Step 11: The welding gun should be held with both hands.
You can control the direction of the gun while welding by resting one hand on the table.Your other hand should be holding the gun, with your index finger ready to fire.Gloves are required for handling the welding machine.
Step 12: The welding gun should be positioned at a 20-degree angle.
The gun should be positioned against the piece of metal at a 20-degree angle.This is a push position.
Step 13: The welding machine should be turned on.
Put your welding helmet over your face and hold the gun to your head.This will cause a bright spark at the end of your welding gun.Keep your face away from the weld so you don't get hurt.
Step 14: Slowly move the gun over the metal.
Press the tip of the gun against the metal.The welding gun should create sparks.Before you move the gun down the piece of metal, leave it in a single spot.
Step 15: As you work, make small circles with your gun.
As you move the welding gun, make small circles by working your way down the metal.The hot metal will start to pool behind the tip of your welding gun as you move down your piece of metal.When you have reached the end of your weld, turn off your welding machine.You can create holes in your metal if you move the gun too slowly.You may not heat the metal hot enough to melt it if you move your gun too fast.
Step 16: The welding machine should be set to DC positive.
If you are welding with an alternating current or direct current, the machine's polarity will tell you.The machine's DC setting will either be negative or positive.If you're just starting out, you should use DC positive because it provides a large amount of penetration.When your power supply only has an AC output, the AC setting is used.DC negative results in less penetration and should be used on thin sheets of metal.
Step 17: The welder's amperage should be set.
Take a look at the instructions or packaging that you will be using for welding.Depending on the material they are made of, they will have a recommended amperage.The machine should be set to the amperage that it recommends on the packaging.If the rods have a range, split it.If the range is 100 to 150, use 125.The most common steel electrodes are 6010, 6011 and 6013.
Step 18: It's a good idea to ground your welding machine.
Make sure there is a strong connection by cleaning the surface.If you're working on a table, you should apply your grounding clamp to it.It will prevent you from getting hurt.
Step 19: The welding gun has a rod inside.
Some stick welders have a welding gun that looks more traditional than others.If you want the rod to stay in the gun, tighten the tip of the welding gun.Put the welding rod between the clamps and close them.
Step 20: The welding gun should be held with two hands.
You can improve your precision by holding the gun with two hands.Wrap your dominant hand over the top of the welding gun and use your other hand to support it.
Step 21: Use your rod to hit the metal.
The sparks should start to form when the tip of the rod is lightly touched.Friction must be present before you can strike an arcs, as the rod will act a lot like a match.You have successfully started your welding once you see and hear sparks.
Step 22: Use the rod to make a straight line.
Slowly move down the sheet of metal with your rod.The melting metal should form a pool behind your rod as you go along in a line.The size will be the same.A bead is about 2 inch thick.
Step 23: If you want to tack weld, touch the metal with the rod.
If you remove the rod from the metal, there will be no sparks.A rounded tack weld can be created in 1-2 seconds if you hold the rod onto a piece of metal.If you need to make quick welds on metal, this is useful.
Step 24: You can break the slag off with a hammer.
The metal will form over the weld.This material is very hot.When it comes off in sheets, lightly tap the slag with a hammer.Hot pieces of metal can come flying off of your weld if you slam the slag with a hammer.
Step 25: Use a wire brush to clean the slag.
Rub the weld with a wire brush.Make sure there is no metal debris left on the weld.