moya034

FYI, there is a difference between Flux core and innershield wire. They both have a "flux" on the inside. Flux core is meant to be used with a shielding gas. Innershield wire does not use a gas cylinder and creates it own shielding gasses similar to how stick welding flux does.

Also, make sure the regulator screw is backed out completely, and open the cylinder valve SLOWLY.

Miller is just about to come out with a new model, the Millermatic 211 with auto set. It seems like quite the machine, it works on both 110v and 220v circuits and is spool gun ready (which means you can get the accessories needed for welding aluminum.) In any event, I highly encourage you to try and get a good 220v circuit ran. The most important tool any welder has is good electricity. Even if you have to spend a few hundred dollars on an electrician, it's well worth it in the long run.

You didn't say what size/type electrodes you plan on using so it I don't know the current ranges you need. That being said, it sounds like alot. Chances are when working on stock that big, you'll probably want to also be able to do carbon arc cutting and gouging which also uses lots of current. When you get into the world of high current, high duty cycle machines, many of them only run on 3 phase or gasoline/diesel/propane. If this machine is going to be used very regularly, running it off of electricity is going to be much cheaper then fuel in the long run. Also, don't forget to consider that the engine needs regular maintenance. You will probably want a phase converter. However, it's hard to say if it can handle your needs. First, you need to decide exactly how many amps/duty cycle you need, pick out a machine, look at it's power requirements, then shop around for a phase converter that can fill those needs. Now, I'm not sure what you mean by not having "reliable" electrics. I see you are in China, so if the light doesn't always turn on when you flip the switch, going with gas/diesel/propane might be the better option in those circumstances. If you give me some more specifics, I'll be happy to recommend some welding machine models that should suit your needs.

If I were you, I'd also consider going back to the school and asking your instructor for ideas on where to work. Welding instructors tend to know many people and most of the businesses in their area.

I don't know what your area is like specifically. But there's a few questions to ask yourself. Do you have any profesional welding experience? And, more importantly, can you pass a weld test with TIG? The type of weld test you get will depend on what the company does. They may have you weld different materials in different configurations in different positions. Your test coupons may or may not be subjected to bend testing, etc. Can you do aluminum and stainless steel? Most shops that use TIG all day are working on these materials. Another question is, are you comfortable with doing other welding processes besides TIG? Depending on what the shop you work at does, they may or may not expect you to be skilled with different processes. Some places you'll be doing a little bit of everything, other places you'll be welding the same thing day in and day out all day long. Structural isn't done with TIG, so you're looking at repair, certain types of pipe welding, ornamental/art, but you are most likely looking at manufacturing. You can start by looking at places that manufacture items/parts for the following industries: Automotive Aerospace Food/Dairy Stage/Theatrical Medical You may also consider consulting your state's department of labor for ideas. Good luck.

For a good guide check out this: BackyardMetalcasting If you have any specific questions, I'd be happy to answer them.

What size material, and what size/type electrodes are using?

Miller and Hobart are owned by the same company. The current models of the Miller thunderbolt and the Hobart stickmate are the same exact machine with different color paint. You can get a Hobart stickmate from tractor supply for $469, which is a pretty good deal for a new machine. Tractor Supply Company - 235 V AC/160 V DC Stick Welder You can work with an AC only stick welder, but I highly recommend an AC/DC unit. DC arc is much smoother and nicer to work with, and also gives you a much greater selection of electrodes you can use.

I'd say just about anything except for plastic. Plasma cutting creates very little heat in the workpiece so you could even use a good hardwood or plywood. Edit, Just make sure the wood is on the topside of the work where sparks and waste material/slag won't get to it.

It's also worth noting there is a difference between brazing, and braze welding. Both brazing and braze welding use alloys that melt above 800F (or 840, forget which). Anything that melts below this temp is considered solder. The difference is that brazing, like solder, uses capillary action to deposit the filler metal. This requires that the joint have a very tight fit up, and sufficient surface area for the alloy to flow. The alloy for this process usually comes in a coil or spool, similar to solder. (It's worth noting that what most people incorrectly call "silver solder" is actually silver brazing, because of the temps involved. True silver solder is a lower temp alloy typically used for electronic parts.) Braze welding does not use capillary action. It deposits the alloy into a bead much like typical fusion welding, except you aren't melting the base metal. The alloys for braze welding usually come in a straight rod form. This is what you are looking for. Check out this link: http://www.esabna.com/euweb/oxy_handbook/589oxy2_1.htm It talks about how to properly set up and adjust an oxy-fuel rig and also talks about braze welding, in addition to fusion welding and oxygen cutting. It's a very good resource. You will have to refer to the data sheets from your equipment's manufacturer for the correct pressures for a given tip size.

I'm not sure if you are referring to fuel gas or shielding gas. Brazing is usually done with a torch. Oxy-fuel of some sort, propane or acetylene will work. You'll need to use a flux too.

By braise, you mean to sear the workpiece, then cook it slowly in a liquid? Oh, you must mean brazing! :D

The forced air welding helmets are certainly nice, especially if you weld for a living, however, a 3M 6000 series half face piece respirator equipped with NIOSH P100 filters will do the job for less then $20. Either way, you still want some sort of ventilation system in the garage so the fumes don't go in the house.

Helmets that have a solar cell still use a battery, which is usually permanently installed and not replacable. The solar panel is used to recharge the battery.