Thread: How difficult is self taught Welding?

Thanks to Grahame, smitthhyy, and moto_man22 for your feedback.

I've bought a CIGWELD WeldSkill 170 Inverter in blow moulded toolbox for a very good price this evening but then placed it the hands of my good wife so that I can get it back on my birthday! Not that I ignored the advice on GMC/Ozito - the evidence is prety strong that they do the job - but I haven't gambled with much more cash and now there's not a chance I can blame the equipment (with or without justification).

I'd also purchased the variable Weldskill helmet at the tail end of my TAFE course and so far so good. I really enjoyed the extra confidence gleaned from being able to see whether or not there was an arc.

I look forward to being back on this forum with proof of my labour and will welcome your comments in future.

WBW

Originally Posted by Wannabewelder

Thanks Grahame,

I'm getting the message from enough different sources to say Stick/TIG it is for my particular needs. Inverter to 180 amps, 15 amp single phase. That lines up with the Cigweld 170 Inverter. Is HF start worth chasing for TIG? Is the extra cost of chasing comparable specs in a Fronius/Lincoln/Miller worth thinking about for the knockabout home user?



WBW

hf start is absolutely worth any extra money in a tig, scratch and lift are alright if thats what you already have but hf tig, its like welding sheet metal with a mig after youve been using stick
sean

I rang CIGWELD before making my purchase. The 170 HF won't be on the shelves until early November (initial plan was early October). RRP is double that of 170 without HF. Not for this little black welder on training wheels.

Had some more practice with my new GMC welder. Nothing to compare it too but I am happy with it and feel it will do all I want.

One issue I have got is the learning curve I am going through. At this stage in my development it appears my Number One problem is my inability to consistently judge the distance of the welding tip and metal to be welded.

At first I thought that the problem was my Auto Solar welding helmet being too dark and not allowing me to place the tip of the rod along the line to be welded and then being able to draw a nice even bead.

Now, I think that the problem might be because I wear bifocals this may be the reason for misjudging the distance.

I am due for a new eye test so I will ask the Optometrist if this is possible. Anybody able to offer any suggestions.

Originally Posted by STAR

Now, I think that the problem might be because I wear bifocals this may be the reason for misjudging the distance.

Hi star

Welcome to my world.
my solution was to visit the chemist (or one of the places that has the cheapie $20 reading glasses on a display tree)

Once you work out what power glasses you require, ie 2x,2.5x etc., you can then visit the welding supply shop and order some magnifier diopter lenses which fit in your aperture of the helmet.

The little narrow field of view afforded by bi focals is fine for close up or reading but crap for welding as the focal length is (generally) greater for welding.

it works for me,

regards
Grahame

Thanks Grahame, I will follow up on that suggestion.

and when you get your 20x lens beshore to put your helmet on and do a 360 to sight them in

Tytower.Is that how poped your cherry

Originally Posted by STAR

Had some more practice with my new GMC welder. Nothing to compare it too but I am happy with it and feel it will do all I want.

One issue I have got is the learning curve I am going through. At this stage in my development it appears my Number One problem is my inability to consistently judge the distance of the welding tip and metal to be welded.

At first I thought that the problem was my Auto Solar welding helmet being too dark and not allowing me to place the tip of the rod along the line to be welded and then being able to draw a nice even bead.

Now, I think that the problem might be because I wear bifocals this may be the reason for misjudging the distance.

I am due for a new eye test so I will ask the Optometrist if this is possible. Anybody able to offer any suggestions.

Well, went to the Optometrist and he said my short vision needs some adjustment, as I wear transgression glasses hopefully this will help with my problem of being able to exactly site a spot about 45 cms away.

Got a good deal, even though these glasses are more expensive and with my medicare Private Optical cover I was still out of pocket $200 but that includes a special they included of a free pair of Polaroid sunglasses with my optical prescription included.

Great!
This guide might help you get started on the road to better welding.


Grahame

Originally Posted by Grahame Collins

Great!
This guide might help you get started on the road to better welding.


Grahame

Thanks for that attachment Grahame. I can see some of my welds there. I will wait till i pick up my new specs and then have a reread of it and then go out to practise.

Thank You

Originally Posted by Wannabewelder

I rang CIGWELD before making my purchase. The 170 HF won't be on the shelves until early November (initial plan was early October). RRP is double that of 170 without HF. Not for this little black welder on training wheels.

thats pretty exxy for hf start, i will say this however hf start is your training wheels with tig, scratch start is very frustrating for beginners in my experience teaching students, those on the hf start dont tend to get frustrated.
sean

No doubt that's the case, but prices available on the Web at http://weldingequipmentsales.com.au/...8a79199461799d are 170: $528 170HF: $968. Notwithstanding that the latter includes TIG torch and accessories, that's quite a price they put on frustration.

Charleville, thanks very much for your post and the photos, very informative.
Is there a reason you used timber for the door supports, please?