[TheForge] Learning to weld

[Hufford, David]

Paul:
I've not had experience with these smaller units.  My impression is the
small capacity tanks don't last long, and would have to be refilled
frequently.  Maybe someone else on the list has worked with them.  When
I started, I bought what was known as a 'farm set' of tanks; they're the
mid-sized (?) tanks; but adequate for my purposes.  I don't cut with
oxy-acetylene, which typically consumes more gases than welding
(depending on tip size).  I think gas is best for smaller welding jobs,
and ... as you say ... spot heating and such in forging/fabrication
processes.  For smaller welds, I can achieve finer control with the
oxy-acetylene than with MIG, for example.  But, I hasten to add, I'm not
an excellent welder; but a good welder :)  In my work, I try to use
traditional methods of joinery to the extent possible (tenons, rivets,
collars, and forge welding) and therefore keep gas or electric welding
to a minimum.
David Hufford
Richmond KY

-----Original Message-----
From: theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Paul Novorolsky
Sent: Friday, December 08, 2006 9:59 AM
To: Sponsored by ABANA
Subject: Re: [TheForge] Learning to weld

For gas welding, what's a good setup for self teaching? Are the small 
outfit like:
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_565_5
65
or
http://store.weldingdepot.com/cgi/weldingdepot/22GKA50-TC.html?id=u85idE
Ak

Are these adequate for small work (or perhaps spot heating for isolating

other forged work)? Or are the so small that they're practically
useless?

How long might I expect to work from such a small tank?

Those Q's will do for a start.

Thanks,
**Paul