On Jan 1, 8:26 am, Jim Elbrecht wrote:
I've started thinking that I'd like to try some welding. Mostly
for quick repairs on old equipment- but also for light fabrication.

I was thinking of getting one of the $100 MIG welders from Harbor
Freight just to see if this was something I could learn. But then I
read on some tutorial online that MIG was not good for painted or
rusted surfaces- and most of what I'll be welding will probably be
both.

So-- do I switch gears and look at a different setup- or get used to
using a wire brush?

Any suggestions for a must read first book that might help me choose a
welder- and then how to use it?

[Suggestions of websites- forums- and Usenet groups appreciated.]

Thanks-
Jim

Just an aside ..... if you got rust, paint, oil, dirt, or wind, you're going
to have a spongy looking weld. As said, the electric brush is the thing.
But beware. An electric wire brush is about the nastiest thing next to a
pit bull I've ever seen. It's easy to get violent kicks if you put it in
the work the wrong way. They are unforgiving. And wear a face shield. I
have pulled more than one of those wires out of my body in various places.
I don't know what 14,000 rpm converts to in mph, but I'd say about 1/4" of
penetration. With wirefeed, metal prep is key.

Steve