Spent most of Saturday getting the welder set up and practicing. Sunday was more fitment, and finally some welding.
I've owned this welder for 5+ years, but this the first time I've had it set up in the new shop. Messed up my order on patch panels, but that turned out to be a blessing...as I had plenty of metal to practice on.
My neighbor is pretty handy and gave me some pointers. Still, my welding skill suck!
![lol](http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/images/smilies/lol.gif)
Didn't like the door bottom curves, so decided to shorten that patch and fabricate my own metal for two areas needing attention.
What I learned along the way:- Had welder set up in doorway of shop, mainly to get good light. Realize now the breeze/wind was likely messing up my shielding gas.
- Had some blow-throughs...need to remember to clean the back side of the area to be welded (if I can reach it). Rust contamination not good for welds.
- 4.5" angle grinders are my friend! I have three plugged in to the extension reel -- one with flap disk, one with cutting wheel, last with paint/rust remover. Great to have them all at hand, plugged in, no changing wheels.
- Air compressor set up with small grinding disk for detail work
- Patch panels are true 18ga. metal...very sturdy. Fitment isn't always great, but in general I've been pleased.
A few pictures from the weekend...