destination=good welder

[fptransport]

HI my name is Frank, I am from south central texas, I found this page a few days ago and was hook, I have close to no experience welding but been wanting to learn, Not to brag but I am a quick learner ,, I am not trying to earn a living as a welder since I do pretty good doing what I do, but I really enjoy building stuff on my own time off, my goal is to learn how to weld good enought to make strong,good looking welds, and maybe run over my link fence so I have an excuse to build a good fence.

This far I picked up a lincoln 180HD mig welder, safety stuff, and just trying to find some scrap metal somewhere to practice,

to whom has posted here before= thanks for the help

[smawgmaw]

Hi Frank and welcome to the forum! Welding is enjoyable for me also. Practice, practice, and practice some more. It wont hurt a bit. I have a Lincoln 180HD also and like it very much. Check out the Projects thread, it may give you some ideas on some projects to try. Also, post some pics of some of the things you build, we like pics. Again, welcome to the forum!

[fptransport]

thanks, it will probably be a little while before I start on any project, but thanks still trying to get some scrap metal to burn on,

[specter]

Hi Ya fptransport and Welcome to the Welding Web Family. Try driving around neighborhoods on trash days! Folks throw out lots of metal items. One of my favorites to find is steel bed frames as its great for making welding carts and lots of other projects.

[fptransport]

thank specter, I went to the scrap metal place and pick up some steel plate, I guess about 1/8 of and inch think for about 4 dollars. and welded on it, and ended up welding all the pieces together, came out good and appear to be real strong. but will keep practicing...
thanks for the welcome mat

[specter]

fptansport you may want to post a couple pics of your work. Did you try breaking the two pieces where you had welded them. Your break will tell you alot about your welds.

[duaneb55]

Welcome to the forum from over here in SE Texas Frank.

I agree with specter, don't hesitate to post up some photos of your welds. Pointers from other knowledgeable members goes a long way in leveling out the learning curve.

Are you using flux core or solid wire?

[fptransport]

thanks guy, duaneb55 , I am using flux core, I did trying braking the plates and even ran over with my 20k pound freightliner,, lol. didnt brake, yet lol. I did take some pics just got to download it to the computer so I can post them,, but since I am enjoying my new hobby I when and bougth a 14' chop saw and a grinder, and some square tubing and a 16ga. sheet so I can make me a "welding table", will post some pics in a few days

[DDA52]

Hey, Frank. Where in SoTX are ya? If ya need more weight, I have a Volvo WCA we can get up to 52,000# if need be. Sorry, couldn't resist.

[fptransport]

Originally Posted by DDA52

Hey, Frank. Where in SoTX are ya? If ya need more weight, I have a Volvo WCA we can get up to 52,000# if need be. Sorry, couldn't resist.

I am close by in san antonio, actually since I am always running heavy I can take my rig loaded up to 80k plus your truck so we can really test 'em welds
no but seriously I got to post some picks when I get home so you guys can tell me how good of a bad job am doing