The Simple Scoop on Art Welding for Beginners
When I first decided to work with metal as a medium in my art project , was to complete the work I've done with concrete and wood. I do not need to know how to weld a bridge over the Mississippi River, I just want to join multiple pieces of metal together to create interesting shapes and textures. I remember looking through dozens of websites trying to learn welding machine is the best choice for an artist interested in metal sculpture. I want to know what type of metal can be welded with the machine, and how much power will be required to weld like a half inch rolled steel rebar. I also want to know about the types of welding machines available for sale in the market, and what are the main differences when comparing these machines. Getting answers to these questions become quite a journey for me, as one of the questions that often lead to three other people before I could understand clearly the website technologies and books. Hopefully, this will save you a summary of this work and laid a foundation of knowledge for you to learn more about weld. Once you understand these basics, you can continue to learn in any particular area you are weld the artistic demands of the job. Remember, as an artist welds we do not have to support a bridge or can be received from a certified inspector, but the quality of welding you can make or break your reputation as an artist or craftsman. No artist I know wants his art to be falling apart two years after the customer has bought. A sloppy welds will tell the customer that you are incompetent, lazy, or both.
A Welding Machine, in Plain Speak:
All welding machine (with the exception of weld torch) work on the electrical-current system in which there are two electrical wires called leads. One lead is negative ground, and the other lead is positive. Always negative grounding clamp attached to the surface of the metal (or metal items) that you are going to weld. You then start the engine and move the positive lead (gun torches, or electrodes) to the location you want to weld. When the positive lead makes contact with (or get close) which has been grounded metal, welding spark will occur. The heat generated from the electrical arc is what melts the metal and allows you to weld.
The Types of Welding Machines Available to You:
There are three basic types of welding machines which are used by the artists. Each has a unique capability that offers special advantages (or disadvantages) for metal artists. Learn which of these machines is the best fit for your workshop really depends on knowing what you want to weld in most of your projects.
The oldest and most common type of machine used was a basic bow (or stick) welder. This machine uses low welding rod held by the clamp handle on the end of the positive lead. This welder is the most expensive of the three to buy, but do not require a moderate level of skill and experience in order to obtain a quality weld. I started with a stick welder trade while taking courses in high school, and I still use one today because of their simplicity and low operating costs. Even if you are a complete novice to weld, you should be able to see the weld metal together in just a few minutes effort with arc welder. With time and experience, you will eventually learn to control the temperature and welding speed to produce a 'bead' on a good quality steel (notice I did not say copper or aluminum).
Another common machines are increasingly popular MIG. A MIG welder operates essentially like arc welder, but the machine uses a small diameter wire spool that automatically fed through a weld gun instead of welding rods used in arc welders. MIG welder known as the easiest for beginners to learn and operate, and you can definitely get a high-quality weld with a MIG. Professional auto body prefers MIG welder to repair and automobile sheet metal fabrication of small diameter. For the purpose of art, MIG is a good choice to join thin metal may be over-powered and burned by arc welding machine.
Lastly, there are TIG welder. Similar to TIG welding torch with acetylene and oxygen, but no torch required. TIG positive lead small pistol that produces welding arc when it gets close to the base metal. A shielding gas (usually argon) is used along with a unique type of TIG welding rod (held separately from the gun) which does not require flux (flux coating required on basic arc welding rod). The TIG welder is used to create high-quality welds are very strong. Most TIG machines can be used to join the non-ferrous metals such as aluminum, and they can also be used as a general arc welder with leads attached right. TIG applications can be useful for artists who work in steel, aluminum, or other non-ferrous metals. This is known as a slow three procedures, but the quality is superior. Welding is accomplished with a machine similar to TIG weld often than one would achieve using acetylene torches and non-basic weld rod flux. That's old school welding, but a good skill if you can learn it.
Issues of common settings:
Select the Right Voltage Power Welder you:
MIG and ARC welders are available in 110 and 220 volt machine. Welding machine 110 will work on small gauge metal, but if you plan on welding metal thickness is large enough, you will need a 220 volt machine. If you buy a 220 volt machine, make sure your household power supply can provide at least 230 volts and 50 amps of power. An electric dryer-type outlet only designed for the typical 30 amp, and it will require an upgrade to handle the welding amperage. Also keep in mind that a lot of weld machines are sold without a power plug, and you have to install it yourself. It is a simple procedure for most handyman or woman.
Safety
Finally, make sure that you have ALL of the necessary safety equipment before you strike your first arc. This includes welding helmet, welding gloves, leather boots, long sleeve shirt, apron flame retardant, and fire extinguishers. New style helmets with auto-darkening lens is helpful for a new welder, and I recommend them. If you decide on an old-style helmet, ready to attack arc welding with a 'feel' and in complete darkness. This can be a challenging and very frustrating for someone new to welding.
So there you have it. If you want to weld ferrous metals such as iron (of course), carbon steel, and stainless steel, a welder ARC or MIG is the way to go. Try to find a friend or fellow artists who use one or both of these machines, and asked if he would take thirty minutes to an hour to show you the basics of each. Welding is not rocket science, but it is a very dangerous activity if you do not know what you're doing. Learn to recognize a good weld from a bad one will take a bit of guidance from someone with experience. Try to weld a bit with both ARC and MIG machine before you make a purchase decision for your home shop. If you are unable to use computers comfortably, safely, and with confidence, you will have a lump of useless metal machines taking up space in your store. Unproductive, not cool, and a waste of welding machine is excellent.
I hope this quick survey welding has provided you with the basic information, artist, need to start learning more about the topic. There are many video tutorials available on Youtube and other video-based website that will assist you in learning new skills. If you are like me, you'll soon find that welding is one of the most valuable tools you can have in your artistic toolbox. Experiment with your new skills safely, and see what new ideas that you can develop the strength to join metals.
More Fun Things to Learn and Build With Welding:
If you just want to get away from it all and enjoy some first class welding training in a foreign island beautiful. Take a look at the inexpensive training opportunities available for prospective welders and metal artists in the Philippine Islands. Do not worry, this is not an article that will sieze your computer with pop-up ads. It is simply an informative account training school that I attended in Manila, and it's a decent choice for a vacation with a purpose.
It took a weld table to make your parts, but you do not want to invest a lot of money in new equipment? Read some great information to build a "man-sized welding table" in your own home shop just use rebar and used a metal bed frame. Information could save you hundreds of dollars, and you can customize it anyway you want!
Ever considered using a new welding skills to enhance the beauty of your home? If not, it's time that you did. Use your welding skills to build steel rebar-decorative fence for your front yard. With proper design and fabrication, it can make your home the most attractive homes in the neighborhood with a very reasonable cost.
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Tagged @ Beginner Welder
Tagged @ Technique Metal
