Questions on welding

[jay79cj7]

I have a 180 amp, 230V mig welder at my disposal, and my buddy and I are going to weld body mounts onto my frame. He has a little mig experience and I have none. We plan to practice, practice, practice on scrap first, but I have a couple questions for you experienced welders out there...
I know if I don't have the current turned up high enough, my weld won't penetrate deep enough. What happens if it is too high? (besides a possible burn-through.)
Is gas welding better for this application, or is flux core acceptable also? I was told to use gas, but I have been doing some internet reading, and I haven't seen much to discourage me from using flux core. (and that would mean I wouldn't have to buy a tank.)
I am excited to learn a new skill here, but I want to make sure I do it right. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for reading!
Jayson

 

[White]

RE: I have a problem

practice on pieces that are the same thickness as your frame/mounts.
Flux core is fine. Current 115 or Start about half, .030 wire .
Current too high, Splatter and Burn through. Too low it will build up on the metal.
Clean the metal very well ( wire brush on a drill) Make small circles, Be comfortable.
Take your time. No one at the school that can help ?

 

[jay79cj7]

Thanks white. I ended up getting gas and going that direction. Got some angle iron from menards and practiced welding that to the old bumper. My welds aren't the prettiest, but they aren't too bad, and I feel comfortable enough to start welding the mounts on. Its actually kind of fun.

 

[White]

RE: lift question

It should be fun.

 

[Snitty]

RE: coverting fastback to a family style rollcage

welding IS fun... you definitely went the right way by getting a bottle... i hate flux core.. i only use it in my 110 when i am doing a job on the road quickly... it doesn't take long to learn to lay a nice bead... have fun

 

[graewulf]

RE: Re: Swing out tire carrier

bottle is better, it gives you a cleaner weld. The only reason the gas is there is to keep it from oxidizing as you weld. (keep in mind, i'm an amateur at this so i could be off)

 

[Junkpile]

RE: Reversed Rotation Vs. Regular Rotation

I learned to weld at 18.....I learned I didn't want to be a welder at 19......

Welding is most fun when you aren't getting paid to do it.

 

[jay79cj7]

Re: RE: Re: cj7 trannies: T5, World Class T5, gearing

Well, I am so slow, if I were getting paid, it wouldn't be much!

 

[Snitty]

RE: A/A 231 SYE Kit??

I learned to weld at 18.....I learned I didn't want to be a welder at 19......

Welding is most fun when you aren't getting paid to do it.

everything is most fun that way