Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Small Projects for Welding
Learning to weld requires hands-on practice. You should always begin with small projects until you develop solid habits involving the metal bead and handling the gun. The best small projects for practice involve anything that does not have a visible weld joint or require structural integrity, such as vehicle floor panels, railing repair and small boxes.
Floor Panels
Most older trucks and cars have rusted-out floor panels. Replacement requires cutting out the panel and installing new metal. The project has a lot of leeway for learning. Since the end result is typically covered with carpet, the aesthetic value of the weld, such as clean and smooth joints, is immaterial. You can cut out damaged sections and practice installing new sections without concern for how the end-result will appear. Floor panels do not have load-bearing properties, making the project ideal for beginners.
Railing Repair
Metal handrails often have loose or removed support beams. A standard rail holds 10 to 20 vertical supports per section. The project requires a person to clamp the supports into place, and weld the beams at the top and bottom. The welds are short and quick, leaving little room for error. The process gives a beginner ample opportunity to learn tack-welding. The seams are visible and the structure does have load requirements; however, the beam is one of many. A poorly done job is offset by the remaining support beams.
Metal Boxes
Making a metal box, such as a curio box or small toolbox, is an ideal project for beginners. The project teaches cutting techniques and welding internal joints--and can be tailored to the level of the welder. A small, simple square box is ideal for beginners. However, a more complex, hand-carried toolbox would help more seasoned veterans improve on established skills. Most small boxes can be made of scrap materials allowing students to learn without wasting material.
