Newbie.. could use any advise...

I would recommend buying new steel. There is nothing worse than welding on painted or galvanized steel to wreck your otherwise healthy lungs. You might try going to a welding or fab shop and asking to buy some scrap or drop, they may give you a deal on some if you are practicing running beads. Steve

"zack08f" wrote in news:1138477633.145767.28420 @g49g2000cwa.googlegroups.com:

My first stop for metals is always yhe local scrapyard. They have a section with new steel as well that they sell at their scrap price. So angle iron and plates can be had cheap unless the dimensions are important. Got me some beautiful oval section tubing last time. Henning

First thing is to get the puddle correct, if really new to this when the welder sounds just like chips frying in hot fat, it should be around the correct area. OK not perfect but you should be in the ball park.

Have a look in your area for courses. Most of these let you use YOUR rig, so you can get the best out of learning to use what you'll be using later. These often only last a day or weekend, and as said, give a lot of help.

READ the manual Fully, don't start until you understand it. If unsure of anything ask here, many will be able to offer really good sound advise.

All the best, and have fun

Vaughn

Quit using the painted and galvanized scrap steel, it will lead you to bad habits, not to mention making teh learning process much more difficult.

Search around for a steel place friendly to smaller users. Ask here with your location, ask any welders you might know, check with your local welding supply place. Some sell basic steel in small quantities, otherwise they will certainly know who does. Stay away from the home supply places, their prices are out of sight.

I buy enough that I can go to the mid sized places without a hassle but one of my favorite places has stocks of smaller (1" to 4") angle, strap, and channel precut to 10' lengths, no minimum, no hassle. They don't bat an eyelash when you take one stick 1"x1"x1/8" angle. (Just no credit cards under $25) Price runs perhaps 10% more in the precut lengths but the speed and low hassle is well worth it. They also have stocks of various sheet and plate stock, typically cut to some odd size that nicely in the back of the truck. Obviously precut for some manufacturer but the size and price is right.

If you d> Hi y'all!!

Thats awesome guys.. I never thought about other welders scrap or that steel suppliers would sell to the small fry. I'm in Memphis, Tenn. does anyone know of anything around this area? Tractor Supply is a cool place, but they seem to be expensive. And y'all are right, the home improvement places are top dollar. I've read the manual and also checked out some books from the library. I thought about taking a class, but didn't know if it was really worth the money. Thanks again everyone!! I know I'll have so many more questions...y'all've been a great help already. What kinds of things do you guys make or weld? I'd love to see some photos if anyone has any! Z

Best thing to do would be to go on a training course using pro welding machines. The hardest thing for any beginner is coming to grips with using equipment that is cheaply made, and not that easy to use................

k

Hey , I'm in Memphis too . There are several salvage yards out on or near north hwy 51 , (7th st , has one or two , I think) I think most of them ill sell you small quantities . Stay away from that outfit on north dunlap , they only want to sell 20 ' sticks . Change none to one in my reply-to email address , I can maybe help you out with a few places to get supplies and a couple to stay far from .

Snag, We're going to have to swap notes about the places to get steel!! THANKS!! Right now, like I said I'm taking apart an old coke machine for material. Its slow going, but there are some nice peices. I use a Campbell Hausfeld WF2050. What kind do you use? What do you think about this model? I think I know where the 7th street salvage yard is. I'll have to check it out. I would appreciate all the help I can get. Thanks so much! I'll share what I know also as I go along. Maybe something along the way will help you too! :) Zack

If you take a look at this link it'll show you that your local (I think) community college offers a continuing education course in welding.

courses usually run at night and have no tests etc. since they are directed towards personal enrichment. It is you tax dollars at work and typically well worth the $55.00 or so they charge for an 8 to 12 week class.

Didn't Southwest used to be called Shelby State CC?