Learn to weld: our tips to start

Knowing how to solder means being able to carry out countless jobs and small creations yourself that would otherwise be impossible to do. Working with metal and being able to give it the shape you want opens up a whole world of new possibilities for the less experienced.

But here it is: welding involves bringing in molten metal, using high-intensity electricity or flammable gas. Put like that, it's a bit scary... However, once you get the hang of it, welding is a formality.

Arc, wire, TIG or MIG welding, it is difficult to know which technique to turn to without having learned to weld. We do not intend to give you a welding course, but we want to guide you so that you can easily get started. The goal is for you to get results quickly.

Follow the guide, we explain everything.

What are the different types of welding?

Each welding technique responds to a specific need. Depending on the metal to be welded, its thickness and what you want to do with it, you have to adapt and choose one or the other. However, be careful, we do not improvise indura welding machine ! You have to learn, by dint of tests and trials. Here are the different welding methods and their usefulness.

• electric arc welding

This method is accessible and very effective, especially for DIYers. A welding station powered by electricity transforms the electric current, in particular its intensity, and passes through an electrode that will fuse when an electric arc is created between its tip and the metal elements to be welded.

Easily accessible, electric arc welding will be suitable for any DIY beginner.

• MIG or MAG welding

First:

• • MIG: metallic inert gas. Here, the gas is argon or helium.
  • MAG: active metal gas. The gas used is a mixture of argon and CO2 or a mixture of argon and oxygen.

This technique consists of creating an electric arc through an electrode, which will be protected by a gas. A very strong spot weld is thus obtained. This gas welding technique allows welding both aluminum and stainless steel or iron.

Stronger than arc welding, MIG and MAG welding is also more difficult to access.

• TIG welding

TIG stands for tungsten inert gas. Again, the principle is based on electric arc welding, protected by a gas (generally argon). TIG welding is used for fine and precise work, where the welding must be resistant and aesthetic. TIG welding corresponds to the strength and aesthetic requirements of welds.

• torch welding

In this case, there is no electrode, but a mixture of gases that causes a flame at a very high temperature. Acetylene and oxygen are used to fuse the two metal parts that go into the indura welding machine . This technique requires a lot of experience to obtain a good result.

The indura soldering iron with torch requires more experience than the others for complete mastery and a satisfactory result.

What welding technique should be favored to learn to weld?

Let's be pragmatic and focus on the most suitable method for learning to weld, namely the mig indura electric arc welder. Both in terms of equipment and method, this way of welding is accessible to everyone. It's about working methodically and practicing. The helping hand arrives quickly.

Thanks to this technique, metals of different thicknesses (from 1 to 10 mm) can be welded, obtaining a resistant and satisfactory result. Relatively easy to learn, this technique allows you to expand your skills as a handyman.

• arc welding tools

Make sure you have the right equipment to work properly:

• • An indura electric welding station: an Inverter model allows you to avoid arc breaks by creating a direct current.
  • Electrodes: 1.6 mm, 2.5 mm or 3.2 mm depending on the thickness of the metal to be welded.
  • A metal brush: cleans the surface of the part to be welded.
  • A chipping hammer – removes debris and excess material after welding.
  • A grinder: makes the final result cleaner and more precise.

• Safety equipment

Attention, you cannot weld without wearing PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). The 200 amp kraft arc welder sometimes produces small splashes of molten metal. In other words, a drop on your skin will inevitably leave you with an unpleasant memory!

• • Welding hood or mask: do not look directly at the arc, without protection, at the risk of causing burns around the eyes and damage to the retina. Some models are equipped with liquid crystals that opacify the skylight as soon as the arch occurs.
  • Thick leather gloves: welding gloves are very resistant and prevent burns.
  • A welding apron: This is a thick apron, often made of leather, which also prevents incidents.
  • Protective shoes and long sleeves (the arc can cause a "sunburn").

• start welding

First of all, make sure you are working on a stable workbench or work surface. Be in a comfortable position.

At first, equip yourself and don't hesitate to simulate gestures. The objective is to become familiar with the equipment and "feel" the approach of the rod (electrode) to the piece to be welded. You will have less doubt once the process has started.

For practice, take 2 pieces of metal about 1 mm thick. It is perfect to start. This will save you from working at full power and a 1.6mm stick will suffice.

• Glue the two pieces of metal to be welded
  • Connect a ground electrode (it is equipped with a clip for easy hanging).
  • Turn on your krafter welder .
  • Don't hesitate to give a few small taps with the stick to cause the arc.
  • Once the arc appears, you are welding.

Work gradually, in small strokes, to make sure you don't add too much material at one time. You will quickly notice how to move the electrode to obtain a krafter 120 welder that is quite homogeneous and resistant at the same time.

It takes practice to feel when the electrode is too close and sticks to the amalgam. This must be avoided as it can lead to the formation of a hole in the part to be welded. You have to work in stages and not be afraid to spend time at the beginning.

It is not uncommon that at first, if you are welding thin steel, the krafter price welder is too thick or suggests a lack of material.