Fabrication/Welding

[CapeCodXJ]

This is probably in the wrong section but i didnt know where else to ask it. I want to start building a front bumper for my jeep and i had a few questions. I own a stick welder and am starting to learn how to weld. My question is, for a stick welder i know it can handle 18 gauge steel as a minimm. Now i was wondering if anyone had an example of thickness that would be and maybe how to measure it? i was also wondering if using a stick welder would i have to use heavy steel that i wouldnt want to use or maybe that is to heavy? From what i know the best welder to own is mig, but i cant afford that and got a free stick welder and id really like to put it to use. So i was hopeing some of the fabrication guys could come out of the wood work and give me some much needed help. Ive got some of the basics down on the supplies ill need and safety tips and how to try and start it and all that. So everyones imput is welcome and if you guys could just try to please make me less ignorant on the whole topic.

Thank you all very much,
Shawn

[BigBadXJ]

I can try to answer all your questions.
1. 18 gauge is 0.050" which is just a little thinner than 1/16" steel I would not use smaller than 1/8" or .125 or 11 gauge.
2. best way to measure thickness of steel is with a caliper like this.

3. as for the best welder it is all about what you are welding, I mean if I was to do body work I would only want a MIG, detailed work and aluminum TIG is the best, for me I do my best work with thick mild steel I need a stick. But I have done aluminum and thick stuff with a MIG or TIG. I mean it is up to what you can afford and skill. If you practice ALOT you can do just about all you will need with a good 220v stick.
4. As for safety get your self a auto darkening helmet and some good gloves and shelves cause the stick has alot of slag. also get you a wire brush wheel for your grinder to clean the welds.
5. There is alot more but I can not get it all on here but check this site out.
Welding Tips and Tricks - TIG, MIG, Stick and a pantload of other info

[CapeCodXJ]

Thanks a lot, that was good starting info, I'm trying to get some scrap metal together so I can start practicing

[buckshot500]

Get some 1/16" E-6011 electrodes for the thin stuff.

Practice making a puddle, then whip the rod in the direction of travel. whip it back into the last puddle, then repeat. When your done, it should look about like a roll of dimes laid over. (puddles can be smaller diameter than dimes)

EDIT; When whipping the rod, you come just out of the puddle. (about 1/8") The arc will heat up the new metal, melt it, and draw it up into the arc. As you whip it back into the puddle, the extra metal gets deposited (along with some of the rod) as the new puddle, or dime.

For thicker stuff like 1/8" to 1/4" you can use thicker electrodes like 3/32" or 1/8"

E-7014 A/C or E-7018 D/C are drag rods
that have a somewhat stronger weld strength, & smoother appearance.

[4.3L XJ]

Stick welding is not as easy as it sounds. I have been welding for a long time. But even I would need a couple of practice beads to start welding with stick again. I would suggest that you take a basic welding class at a Community College to start with. It won't get your bumper built by tomorrow, but it will be a better bumper when you are done. Also, you will need to add to your repertoire. An angle grinder and some way to cut steel is in order here too. The suggestion to get an auto darkening helmet is a good one too. Don't know how I welded so long without one. They are particularly handy for striking an arc with stick. Practice and get good at maintaining a good puddle, then make your bumper.

[CapeCodXJ]

Unfortunately the community college I go to doesn't offer welding. But my friend went to college for welding and he was telling me what to do and he's going to try helping me as well.

[JRW7072009]

If I where you I would hit a local metal supply and get a bunch of 1/4" scrap and weld it together. practice for a while before trying to build something like a bumper.

I have been welding for about 5 years now and I have a very nice Mig at work and I am still debating on whether or not to build my own bumper.

You need to be dang good with a stick welder to weld something like a bumper and make the welds strong enough to hold.

[BigBadXJ]

Originally Posted by CapeCodXJ

Unfortunately the community college I go to doesn't offer welding. But my friend went to college for welding and he was telling me what to do and he's going to try helping me as well.

That will help alot if you have some one to guide you. My Dad has bee a welder for awhile and he is the one that helps me, but I taught myself. It is good to have someone show you what a good weld looks like when you have done it.

Originally Posted by JRW7072009

If I where you I would hit a local metal supply and get a bunch of 1/4" scrap and weld it together. practice for a while before trying to build something like a bumper.

I have been welding for about 5 years now and I have a very nice Mig at work and I am still debating on whether or not to build my own bumper.

You need to be dang good with a stick welder to weld something like a bumper and make the welds strong enough to hold.

I don't know, I mean if h were going to try and build some suspension stuff than I would be with you but I think that a novice welder can build a strong bumper. If you have been at it for 5 years a bumper should be easy for you. I have only been welding for around 5 years and I have build bumpers, suspension that has held up for years and many little thing here and there. Stick welding does take more skill but it is not plastic surgery. If you practice and get a eye for a good weld and learn how to fix a mistake you can build anything.

[irwinph1]

Originally Posted by BigBadXJ

That will help alot if you have some one to guide you. My Dad has bee a welder for awhile and he is the one that helps me, but I taught myself. It is good to have someone show you what a good weld looks like when you have done it.


I don't know, I mean if h were going to try and build some suspension stuff than I would be with you but I think that a novice welder can build a strong bumper. If you have been at it for 5 years a bumper should be easy for you. I have only been welding for around 5 years and I have build bumpers, suspension that has held up for years and many little thing here and there. Stick welding does take more skill but it is not plastic surgery. If you practice and get a eye for a good weld and learn how to fix a mistake you can build anything.

Stick welding is my absolute favorite type. A friend and I built this bridge with a Lincoln Buzzbox this summer. Used 7810 rod and "j welds" So I would never say that a stick weld is weaker than a mig or tig weld, in my experience, it's not so much the welder you use, but how you use it. May be common sense, but it's my opinion FWIW.

[CapeCodXJ]

Thanks for the input guys! Once I get all my supplies I'm going to keep practicing my welds then attempt a bumper