Welding tips for beginners | DIY Door2door

There are 4 main types of Welding processes 

These are termed Stick Welding (SMAW), MIG Welding GMAW, TIG Welding (GTAW), and Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW).

Always Remember before you get started! 

When welding, it’s essential to have an auto-darkening helmet and other protective clothing, gloves including jackets, aprons, and safety boots.

Besides the blinding light from the arc and the heat which are both produced with this process, you will also need to be protected from all the slag and spatter which form during this welding process.

Also, ensure that your metal is clean as any dirt and imperfections as this can affect the strength and quality of the weld. Next, fit your chosen electrode into the welder and select the appropriate amperage (make sure you read the manufacturer’s guidelines if you’re unsure about this) and now you are ready to start welding.

MMA Welding

MMA welding, also known as stick welding, is welding the old-fashioned way and is the most common method for welding beginners.

MMA welding is a bit more difficult to learn than MIG welding, however, the equipment is more affordable when getting started on DIY Projects. 

Below is the equipment you will need to get started:

• Power Supply (constant voltage) or a stick welder. 
• Electrode/rod holder.
• Earth clamp. 
• Electrodes/rods
• Welding safety equipment (gloves, helmet, apron, etc)

A great starter kit is the TRADEWELD Hobby Pro 140 AMP DC Inverter Welder 5pc Kit including Auto Darkening Face Shield, Welding Gloves, Cables, and Earth Clamp.

Other factors to consider.

Beginners only really need to consider a few basic factors, but as you gain more experience, you’ll need to understand the more detailed elements of your equipment.

Being able to know the difference between the types of welding rods & understanding their strengths, weaknesses, and best uses is just one of those features which have a huge effect on the strength and quality of your welds. 

You will need to consider the following when selecting the right electrode

1.    Base metal properties.
2.    Tensile strength.
3.    Welding current.
4.    Base metal thickness, shape, and joint fit-up.
5.    Welding position.
6.    Specification and service conditions.
7.    Environmental job conditions.

Below is a chart to help you choose the best electrode for your DIY Project. 
 

TRADEweld E6013 is a smooth running, all positional rutile type electrode featuring low spatter loss and high operator appeal. Its superiority in general shop welding and structural work, and its ability to weld on rusty plate surfaces make it the ideal choice for general purpose welding. Slag is quick freezing and easily detached from fillet and butt welds and in many cases, is self-lifting. The appearance of the weld is excellent.

It is vital to protect your eyes and face when welding. Tradeweld has a fully adjustable face shield to ensure that you are protected while you get your work done.

Other tools that will you will need.

TRADEweld Welding Clamp Magnets will help you achieve that perfect weld! TRADEweld Welding Clamp Magnets are handy to use when soldering thin pieces of sheet metal or getting a tack weld started. Besides holding the metal in place, they are also helpful in doing the layout work. TRADEweld welding clamps are available in sizes of 72mm annd 92mm.

To help improve your weld quality and the appearance of your welding job by using one of Tradeweld’s assorted brushes. This will ensure top-quality work and allow for proper cleaning of your base material.

 An Angle Grinder can be used for smoothing out your welds when finishing up your welding.

If you want to learn more,  join our Welding Workshops. 

Thank you to Tradeweld for sponsoring our first DIY Beginners welding workshop and making it a great success!