Anyone a welder?

[SkinBasket]

I was thinking I would like to learn to weld. The FCAW and MIG machines seem reasonably priced, and the hoods are sexy.

Anyone have experience welding? Is it as easy as it looks in the pornos?

[mraynrand]

My buddy welds all the time to disassemble/assemble cars. He claims it is not that difficult. One caution: that welding art project probably wont look as good in your front yard as it does in your mind:

http://www.detailsart.com/ProductImages/1085_yardbirds/1085-A-K13-P1-MD.jpg

[Freak Out]

I've done a bunch of acetylene welding in the past when building or repairing aircraft with my father. Technical welding takes training and a shitload of practice to be good. You interested in artistic/creative side of it or more a practical side like iron fencing and shit like that? A combination of both I would imagine......I took you for more of a blacksmith type though.

[SkinBasket]

Well, I've been thinking of making my own mesh bug-shield for the truck as well as some custom metal utility storage in the basement. Also through it might be handy if I just happen to need to weld metal plates and spikes to the truck. There might be more practical ways to accomplish these ideas, but welding looks like fun.

[SkinBasket]

If I'm just connecting several 1/4" steel rods, is that something solder would work for? I've done some electronics soldering before, but don't know how big a joint you can hold together with soldering.

[Freak Out]

No. What is the purpose of connecting said rods?

[SkinBasket]

No. What is the purpose of connecting said rods?

Bug shield. They frame the mesh. How about brass? Can I solder that?

[Freak Out]

Bug shield. They frame the mesh. How about brass? Can I solder that?

Yes....it's called brazing or braze welding.....using brass or a mix of materials to weld/solder two pieces of material together. Do you want me to send you a book on it? :)