Christmas this year saw a new welder arrive. A MIG 100 Gasless machine. Gift vouchers for the local hardware shop also meant I could fit myself out with an auto darkening helmet and nice big gloves!
After some trial and error, and some reading of website tutorials, my welding is still pretty ordinary, but I’m beginning to get the idea of what I’m doing wrong.
The thin sheet I used for the top of the welding table warped a bit, despite tacking it down at various intervals. I was pretty happy with the frame I made up though. It sits over the top of the vice work bench and can be removed if required.
My first real project was a pair of brackets to hold tubes on the roof rack of the Kombi. These will carry tarp poles and other long stuff for camping and general use.
I’m quite happy with the end on welds and especially pleased to have discovered “Anti Spatter” spray. It stops all the little spatter balls from sticking to the job, making clean up really easy.
The welding table now has a bracket to hold tools and a curved holder for the welding head.
That’s just the beginning, folks. After slogging away at the numerous tiny details, my welding journey is taking shape, albeit with some stumbles along the way.
Learning from the mishap with the warped sheet, I’ve discovered the importance of careful heat control while welding. Thin metal sheets can buckle under high temperatures, causing an undesired warp. This can be mitigated by spreading out the heat more evenly and allowing the metal to cool down in between welds. I’m excited to put this newfound knowledge to the test on my next project.
Speaking of the next project, I’ve set my sights on creating a customized metal storage cabinet. It’s a slightly ambitious endeavor, considering my beginner status, but I’m eager to challenge myself and further hone my skills. I plan on using what I’ve learned from building the table and the brackets, and apply it to this new task.
Fun ahead with many welding projects coming to the fore. Garden arbor to keep Sheryl happy, gas bottle stove, chopper bikes for Ethan… and me! I’m also planning a forge made from a truck brake drum, much welding to be done there.
More later…
Brian.
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