[TheForge] Welding

[toolgypsy eh]

1 buy a box of 6011 rod(6010 is dc only do not buy for an ac welder)

2 set your welder on 110 amps and forget about it for now,  and clamp your workclamp to a piece of 1/4 inch steel say 3in by 10

3try to start an arc by scratch or tapping,when the electrode sticks(and believe me it will stick)wag it back and forth to break it away.(do not try it with your gloved hand as the grounded rod will heat to red hot very quickly)when you get an arc going run a bead(remember to keep feeding the rod into the work as it is used up)
4 do this till you can start an arc and run a bead quite easily(might be at this point after a 5 lb box  of rods if your a quick learner)
5 dont worry about your bead appearance or rod sizes until your comfortable with starting and running a bead
6 practice is the key ,you can read all about it later  but nothing will teach you to start and run a bead but hands on practice,practice ,practice(you get my drift eh)
7 ps a self darkening helmet makes seeing to start a lot  easier
8 make sure your covered up with fire resistant clothing as you can give bare skin a bad burn with over exposure to arc rays and do not breath the fumes
9 watch for fires between beads as you will be amazed the way sparks can fly
10 be careful out there and have FUN and like blacksmithing you will never know all there is to know about welding in this lifetime
Pat


 		 	   		  
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