Welding 101

[AlfaNeely@xxxxxxx]

       Sign up for a course at your local area tech school.  They offer many 
night courses in many subjects.  Gaining experience is probably as important 
as gaining the book knowledge.
       Instead of metal shrinking, an oxy acetylene torch is really good for 
turning nice flat sheet metal into warped masses of metal.  You need to limit 
the heat during the welding / shrinking process.  Eastwood and others sell 
heat absorbing material in cans.  You build a dike around the area to be welded 
to limit heat transfer.
       For welding sheet metal, a MIG or better yet, a TIG is far superior to 
an Oxy Acetylene torch.  I have an ancient Lincoln stick arc welder, an Oxy 
Acetylene torch and a Miller wire feed MIG.  Only the MIG has been used within 
the last couple of years.

       While at the area technical school, check out their body work courses. 
 Hot Rod Magazine has had numerous articles over the years on body work, 
including hammer welding and other custom techniques.

Ciao,
Russ Neely
Oklahoma City



In a message dated 7/15/2003 7:40:01 PM Central Daylight Time, 
owner-alfa-digest@domain.elided writes:

> Date: Tue, 15 Jul 2003 14:24:18 -0700
> From: alfacybersite <acs@domain.elided>
> Subject: Welding 101
> 
> I just purchased a small set of oxygen / acetylene tanks, gauges, hoses,
> etc.
> 
> My initial need is to be able to shrink sheet (body) metal. However, I
> would love to be able to do a bit of brazing and even some basic
> welding.
> 
> Can anyone recommend a good starter welding book? I don't need one that
> covers welding up complete race cars or making custom body panels, just
> the basic facts (ma'am).
> 
> Oh yeah, please don't recommend an outstanding book which is no longer
> in print...but perhaps if one is lucky maybe you can find one on eBay...
> I need more instant answers / help.
> 
> Biba
> Irwindale, CA USA
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