welding questions....

[Barcin]

so i want to weld and my uncle has this electric welder (meaning it plugs in) and it's handle has a feed and when it touches the metal it starts welding....is that all it is or is there more, like some type of gas or something.

[Devius1]

ask your uncle or take a class.... before you hurt/kill yourself.

[WhistlerWzrd]

X2 on that, you will have to struggle for awhile before you can lay down a decent bead.
First priority is not to get hurt or burn down the shop. ( I know, technically that's two priorities)
Good luck and post up some pics when you get the hang of it.

[Freejay]

That is called a MIG welder. There are basically 2 "flavors" when it comes to MIG style welding rigs(Mig stands for Metal Inert Gas.) Those are MIG and Flux Core. Mig welding uses an inert (non flamable) gas, usually Argon, to protect the weld from impurities while the metal is still multen. Flux core welders have flux in the core of the wire that esentially doses the same thing (not as well mind you) so there is no need for a tank of Argon. Welding is EXTREMELY DANGEROUS and is not recomended for someone who has not been properly trained on the equipment itself and the necessary precautions that need to be taken (eye protection, proper clothing, etc.) Not to mention, most novices lay down such crappy beads, they don't hold, and end up breaking anyway. Ways you could be hurt....Blinded (an arc is 10 times brighter than sunlight) Burned (metal is MELTING) Electrocuted (lots of juice needed to weld) Axphixiated (argon while inert is heavier than normal air and will displace all the air in your lungs if inhaled.) Think that covers it.....Be safe.

[KingHardcor]

Dang, that's a good post, Freejay!

[Freejay]

Originally Posted by KingHardcor

Dang, that's a good post, Freejay!

Always here to help!!! Especially where someone could get FUBAR'd.