Ta Da !!!!

[BVwelding]

Well thats my big opening.
OK I am really really new to this. Never welded before in my life.
Just bought a welder waiting for it to be delivered. Lincoln 175 HD.

Any sugesstions on where to start. I bought a book! A friend who knows a little about welding and has done some minor stuff is going to give me a hand.

I know some of you are probably shaking your heads others laughing, I probably would to if I where you. In fact I am laughing a little to myself right now. It is kind of funny. But hey might has well jump in with both feet. And yes I always remember to be safe and careful.

[lewray]

So what are your plans?
Going to try a "first project"?

As others say, welcome to the FUNHOUSE !!

[BVwelding]

First project has got to be a welding cart, right? Need a cart to put the welder on plus the plasma, grinder, clamps, tank, extension cord etc.

Any suggestion on the size of tank and what gas I should get in it for overall general type welding. If I run a 100' extension cord what gauge wire should it be. 3 or 4 wire?

Should I move these questions to another part of the forum?

[zapster]

Welcome to the shop!..

...zap!

[WolfmanJack13]

Welcome to the forum! Everyone here at one time or other never welded either. For your cord, #10 gauge 3 conductor SOOW or something simillar. Will safely handle any welding you plan on doing. Further questioins can go in general or wherever they fit best.

[MicroZone]

Get as big of a tank as you can afford and easily move around. If you don't need to move it, get as big as you can. It's nice not running out. I have a 300 cube for my MIG.

[runchman]

Nobody's laughing, we all started welding at some point or the other, and I bet we all sucked initially.

I'd get some scrap for practicing before you do any projects. You can buy a couple pieces of something from home despot, something that is the size of what you'd use for your first project.

Then just go crazy running beads, playing with settings, burning holes through it, cutting off a piece and welding it back on, etc.

The point being, get familiar with the 'feel' of the welding. I say it is good to burn some holes through, then you get a feel for what it's like when you are losing control of the puddle and need to throttle back.

Have fun !

- John

[tapwelder]

While waiting I would collect scrap steel. If it is rusted or painted then you will need to clean it, in order to give yourself a fair shot at learning to mig.

If you are going to mig then secure your tanks.

You also need a way to cut your metal. Hacksaw will work for a first project, but get old real fast. A decent grinder with a metal gear housing will be nice.

Have fun.

[PwrTurtle]

Welcome Aboard!!
Make sure you've got all your safety gear:
Safety Glasses, Helmet, Gloves, etc.
Face shield for grinding

Have Fun!