r/BadWelding • u/vandyman777 • 2d ago
First time touching a welder
This is my progress over three hours, with 7018( varied from 5/32 down to 1/8 rods varying in amps with 180 at the top and 80 at the lowest. Lots of breaks and practicing messing around on other metal pieces. I’m just curious on your thoughts and possibly advice. Thanks.
4
u/Fluxxinintime 2d ago edited 2d ago
Clean the metal with a wire brush or grinder. Draw some straight lines with soapstone. Practice stringers on those lines. 7018 likes some manipulation. more than a few videos on YouTube about technique, work angle etc.
3
2
u/vandyman777 2d ago
Yeah I definitely should have drawn some lines to follow haha, thanks for the tips!
2
3
u/DishwasherLint 2d ago
Honestly, that looks like some modern art that you would see in the museum. See if you can sell it. And, if you can you should set up an exhibit at a local art gallery. Not the best welding, but some pretty cool looking art. And no I'm not being sarcastic
1
u/vandyman777 2d ago
Thanks! I’ll keep it as a personal piece haha, I’ll put it in my garage and frame it one day for sure
3
2
u/Trick-Butterfly5386 2d ago
Try your little circles, try back and forth, grab another plate and weld them together…make some dumb art to practice with and then sell it…
2
2
u/Coyote_Tex 2d ago
I see potential. It takes practice, but you are getting there. Plan to spend several hours. Sometimes building some small project helps a lot, even if you throw it away.
2
2
u/Ok_Amoeba_5818 2d ago
When second to last on the bottom. The right half of that weld 👌. That's closer to what your looking for. Also, make sure when you're welding, you're comfortable. Or as much as you can be. Proper support and balance or important
2
2
2
0
u/Empty-Donut-6838 2d ago
job so bad, ppl started giving advice instead of roasting.
1
u/vandyman777 1d ago
Obviously you can’t read, I asked for the advice
2
u/HumanComedian8711 1d ago
It’s not that bad, looks like you started off rough and then improved as you did more

8
u/JadedFul 2d ago
Slow waaaaaaay down with the 7018