Let's do it, man! I'm on leave starting Friday. I'll be gone for a week visiting family I haven't seen in over 20 years, but I need a project to start welding on! Of course after you see the below pics, you may not want to let me near your junk... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

Ok, LARRY... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

FE, here are some pics of my first welds. I welded the two tabs together as a first attempt. Not pretty, but they're STUCK! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />



Then I tried to lay a bead on flat metal. I obviously didn't have the voltage set right since I burned through the 1/8" metal in VERY short order. Then, after adjusting the voltage, I laid a bead that was a bit better.



Here are some pics of my new toys. I LOVE the auto darkening helmet and Onyx gloves!





I only ran the welder on 110 tonight. I need to get a 220 extension cord to reach from the dryer outlet in the laundry room. Let me say that this machine is awesome (for all I know)! I need work, though... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

Hey! Pretty good for a first attempt <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> Just keep practicing so you are in charge of the 'puddle' and not the other way round. Then cut some weld in half to look at the integrity (especially when you start using argon/CO2) and penetration.

Man I wish I had a welder like that <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/baby.gif" alt="" /> I bet that thing IS awesome. I'm seriously green! FYI, if you're going to use fluxcore for a bit (should go to argon/CO2 really as it's so much better and you don't have to worry about power limitations with kind of work you'll be doing) I've had good luck with the Lincoln wire in Lowes. It's literally half the price of the HF junk and runs a ton better <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Oh, and just be aware that jeans do catch fire. Ask me how many times I've known that <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> I wear a welders apron these days <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Keep at it. Told you you'd love that thing <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

So do those stretchy polyester basketball shorts. My dumba$$ wore them in the shop one day. Piece of slag from across the room got me in the backside and they went up real quick. Kinda funny after I got put out...

Yeah, when I burned through that piece, the slag that dropped/popped hit my leg and had me jumping. I need to make a proper work surface with a vice. I was using a jack stand base with a crescent wrench to hold those pieces... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

The machine is nice, Reuben. I only bought it after selling that home theater I had taking up space. I only got about half of what I paid for it, but it was almost enough to cover the buzz box, and I'm definitely glad I took the plunge. Regarding gas, I could've bought a bottle for $160 yesterday (the welder came with solid wire) but thought I'd better practice by burning through a 2lb spool of Praxair house flux core wire. I'll get there.

Larry, first I thought you were going to say "stretchy polyester spandex", and I'm glad you didn't. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for all the comments.

Tag, sorry I've hijacked your thread.

Dang nice!

I need an auto darkening welders mask. Mine sux! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

Auto darks are the shizzle. Make life so much easier. They're really coming down in price too. Unless you like the real fancy moduled ones.

And make sure the pants extend below the tops of the shoes/boots. That smokin' hot stuff gets in the damn worst places. AND it can get thru the lace holes. Got the scars to prove it. I do not recommend button fly jeans - don't ask how I know...

Yep, they had a Jackson straight 10 auto dark for ~$60. I chose to get the variable Miller one since I'll eventually get a TIG and will want the variance for the "pulse". It was a bit more, but I like it. Plus, availability of replacement lenses and the like will always be there.

I remember trying to stick weld when I was working in the shipfitting shop on my first ship. I had to get the stick in position, flip down the shield, and strike the stick. I always STUCK the stick instead of striking it. Used to pi$$ me off... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

I got a lump of slag caught in the waist band of my jeans once <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/zombie.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> Like I said, welders apron <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I'd like an auto dark too. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />