WELDING TIPS FOR BEGINNERS WITH STRIKE-ARC
The process of welding is a simple one. It’s two pieces of metal being heated at a high temperature to form molten liquids that combine to become one when the molten metals solidify. The third metal involved with melting the two pieces of metal together is also known as a filler and is usually introduced and melted together with the two base metals to add to the total mass of the weld. There are a variety of filler metals available from electrodes, filler rods or continuously fed wire depending on your choice of the welding process. Though this is a simple process if it’s done wrong the welder could get seriously hurt or build a faulty project that could lead to something worse. But when done right welding can become a form of art!
Whether your clients are new to welding or simply a hobbyist, the fundamentals of welding are a must-know for the best results and ultimately their overall safety when pursuing a project in welding. So here are some small tips and tricks to get them started on their next or very first project!
TIP 1: KNOWING THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF WELDING
When it comes to basic welding there are three methods to choose and learn from. The options are: TIG Welding, MIG Welding and Stick Welding.
TIG WELDING
TIG Welding, otherwise known as Tungsten Inert Gas welding, is the better choice for thinner metals and smaller projects because they produce precise and clean welds. This method makes use of a non-consumable electrode that gets hot but doesn’t melt. This doesn’t mean that it lasts forever. It’s just means that it doesn’t melt and becomes harder to weld as it’s used and has to be replaced regularly for best results. TIG welding melts the base metal (The two pieces that are being joined), through an electric arc that forms between the base metal and the tungsten electrode.
MIG WELDING
MIG Welding, Metal Inert Gas welding, is otherwise known as Wire Welding. This is because the wire used in MIG welding forms an electric arc when heated and serves as a filler metal that joints your two base metals into one. In simpler words, the wire that is fed through your device serves as a metal glue between two pieces of metal. Because the wire electrode melts, it is thus considered as a consumable electrode as it melts away and needs to be replaced regularly to ensure your project keeps going. MIG welding involves a shielding gas that goes through a gas diffuser in the nozzle. This shielding gas contains Argon and CO2 that keeps the melting metal from reacting to oxygen, water vapor and other things in the atmosphere.
STICK WELDING
Also known as Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) or covered electrode, is the most commonly used of the various arc welding processes. Stick welding uses rod shaped electrodes that are covered with a fluxed material. An electric current flows through the rod where an electrode forms at the end of the metal rod and the base metal. The arc melts the metal in both the electrode stick (Filler metal) and the workpiece that mixes to form a solid metal and structure. The stick is thus a consumable electrode as it melts away when used. Unlike MIG welding where a gas is released from the gas diffuser in the nozzle, the stick or rod is covered with materials that release protective gasses that shield the weld and stabilizes the arc. The remaining rod material melts and forms a protective slag layer over the melted metal to help shape the hot metal. This covering has to be removed when the weld is cool.
TIP 2: DECIDE ON YOUR METHOD OF WELDING
There is no single method of welding that is best for all applications.
If you’re looking to weld Chromoly, brass, copper, titanium, and magnesium, then TIG welding would be your best choice. When welding aluminum either MIG or TIG can be considered, but you should take note that Stick Welding would be required to weld cast irons. When welding steel or stainless steel any option will do, but TIG welding will take considerably longer than the rest of the methods.
Welding steel outside or in a windy area is not recommended for MIG unless you switch over to a flux-core wire first. Welding metals between 0.5cm and 1cm outside or anywhere with a small breeze, it would be best recommended to use stick welding. But if there is no breeze to speak of, it is best to learn MIG welding first.
Most hobby welders work with steel most of the time, and this helps narrow down their methods of choice to Stick or MIG as the preferred choice if they are first-time welders.
TIP 3: PROTECT YOUR EYES!
Wearing a welding helmet is essential, as you can damage your eyes if you look directly at the welding arc even for just a second. Even when just observing someone in the process of welding, you must always wear a helmet! Start with a good auto-darkening helmet, that has a shade feature. While your welding equipment is essential, your eyes are some of the valued equipment you need in life and is thus important to keep safe!
TIP 4: GET YOURSELF A MENTOR
From YouTube videos, a good book to even a friend or family member that has a bit of experience, it’s always important to have an extra helping hand when starting your first project. If you don’t have a mentor around, with the help of the internet, information is at our disposal at the click of a button! There are a wide range of YouTube videos, blogs and books available online to get your started!
TIP 5: PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
Don’t just jump into the biggest project you can find. Start by playing around with pieces of metal in your garage, to welding a small gate in your yard. Move up to bigger project as you grow in confidence. Welding is a simple art but making small adjustments can make a big difference in the end result of your projects.
TIP 6: START WITH SMALLER EQUIPMENT AND MOVE UP AS YOU PROGRESS
Don’t overcomplicate your first few steps by going out and buying the biggest, high tech and most expensive piece of equipment you can find. You’ll only end up more confused and irritated as you’d like to start learning as soon as possible and with complicated equipment it will only leave you frustrated as learning to use the equipment could be time consuming.
TIP 7: SOME EQUIPMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
Strike-Arc has a wide range of welding equipment and offers the perfect solutions for first time welders to get their journey into welding kicked off with a bang!
Strike-Arc’s Inverter Welders are the place to start. These welders are designed for domestic/light industrial use. These are MMA (Manual Metal Arc), or as we’ve learned Stick Welders!
The perfect equipment for small jobs around the house and the occasional fixer uppers. It’s small, so won’t be in the way and comes with a convenient strap to carry around the shoulder for mobility and convenience around the house.
Can be used to maintain and weld carbon steel, high & low alloy steel, stainless steel, cast iron & ductile iron.
The 120 AMP Inverter Hobby/DIY Welder is the perfect start for a beginner looking to start a hobby in welding. All inverters come with a small built-in fan to help cool down the equipment. As you increase your workload or time spent on your newfound hobby, we’d recommend upping the AMPs as you up your skill and time. Depending on your inverters Amps, your device could start overheating if used for extended periods of times. The higher the amps the longer you can use your device. Strike Arc provides these inverter welders in 120-, 140-, 160- and 200-AMP units.
These inverter welders also come with a TIG Welding function! So, when you’re ready to move up and try a new method, you’ll already have this at your disposal!
With Strike-Ark, any of your clients can start welding with ease. Making sure your clients are informed when starting their new hobby is essential in building a lifelong relationship not only with welding, but with you and your store. So, get them started with the perfect equipment today!
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