A common misconception about welding is that it is better left to trained professionals that have been doing it for years. We here at Street Chopper want to dispel that myth, because every really good welder started out as a really bad one. Welding is not hard, but the only way to perfect the art of joining metal is to practice. If you're not confident enough in your abilities to practice on your own, the best way to learn is by taking a course and reading books on the subject. Then, buy a less expensive 110V MIG starter welder or get an old gas welder at a garage sale and learn on your own in the comfort of your home, at your own pace.
Welding is the best way to join metals permanently and is the only way to join two or more pieces of metal together to make them act as a single piece. There are many different kinds of welds and welding machines, and we picked four of the more common methods that you might encounter, plus some of the equipment that you'll need to get started.
Metal coated electrode or...
Metal coated electrode or arc welding has been around since the early 1900s and was perfected during World War I.
Using a welding hammer, the...
Using a welding hammer, the slag is chipped away from the arc weld.
The weld is cleaned thoroughly...
The weld is cleaned thoroughly with a stainless steel wire brush -- contamination and corrosion are a weld's worst enemy.
Each of these electrodes are...
Each of these electrodes are used in arc welding, the one on the right is the size used in many applications around a shop or garage.
Oxygen and acetylene combine...
Oxygen and acetylene combine to create a very hot flame that can be used for cutting and welding otherwise known as gas welding.
There are two different tips...
There are two different tips for welding and cutting. The cutting tip looks like three tubes connected to the end of the torch and has a lever for the metering of oxygen.
We'd heard tales of gas welding...
We'd heard tales of gas welding using a coat hanger for filler metal, so we had to try it out for ourselves.
TIG welding, otherwise known...
TIG welding, otherwise known as Tungsten Inert Gas welding, is one of the more common methods used these days.
Making sure that the metal...
Making sure that the metal you're working with is clean cannot be stressed enough.
Welding stainless is just...
Welding stainless is just like welding with regular steel, except you have to use stainless steel filler rod.
TIG welding is pretty versatile,...
TIG welding is pretty versatile, and with a few minor adjustments to your torch and some different rod, you can weld aluminum, stainless steel, or mild steel.
We brought out the stainless...
We brought out the stainless steel brush again to remove any of the smaller particles and followed it up with a clean cloth to soak up any remaining engine oil.
The adjustments were made...
The adjustments were made to the torch and tank and an aluminum rod was used.
Different types of marking...
Different types of marking pens and a straight edge or right-angle ruler are things you should already have in your garage -- they come in handy all the time when welding and cutting metal. paint markers and a Sharpie.
When working with sheetmetal,...
When working with sheetmetal, parts are going to have to be cut out from sheets or plate.
To weld two pieces of plate...
To weld two pieces of plate or sheetmetal together, otherwise known as a butt weld, bevel both the edges to be joined together creating a small valley.
MIG welding, also called wire...
MIG welding, also called wire feed welding, is one of the easiest forms of welding due to the convenience of the device.
Another handy little tool...
Another handy little tool is the right-angle magnet (the red arrow looking thing) used for holding sheetmetal in place while a tack weld is made.
Files of all shapes and sizes...
Files of all shapes and sizes are necessary and very inexpensive. The two we usually use is the flat file on the left and the rat tailed-bastard file on the right.
Clamps of all shapes and sizes...
Clamps of all shapes and sizes hold super-heated metal in place while you weld or cut, two of each from your local, cheap-tools store can save you plenty of time down the road.
As you learn to weld, you'll...
As you learn to weld, you'll find that the grinder becomes one of your most used tools.
And finally, helmets and eye...
And finally, helmets and eye protection. At the top of the photo is an older technology style welding helmet that has to be flipped up and down to use, but it is relatively cheap.