Welding Tips and Tricks

New guy here from West of Omaha. I'm in maintenance now for 2 years after MIG welding everything from 1/4" rod Christmas decorations to flux core transmission poles with 1 1/2" welds that get x-rayed, so I have a ton to learn still. I have an old Miller 330 A/BP welder with tig torch and cooler I am scared sh*#less to actually tig with for some reason so I have been watching Jody's videos and trying to get a feel for it. One of these days in the next week or so I will probably start practicing on some scrap aluminum. I have a guy that wants me to build 6.0 Powerstroke intake and exhaust manifolds for him to sell so I need to figure this out.

Welcome, Nebraska,

You've found the right spot.

I'll be blunt, though... Don't expect to be building saleable manifolds in the next two weeks...

Seriously, between Jody's awesome efforts, and the advice and trouble-shooting (and general light-hearted banter) you'll find here, it won't be long before you wonder why you were scared of that machine.

Steve S

Welcome to the forum.

Welcome. Speaking of manifolds, about 25 years ago I was helping a friend put a big V8 in a tiny little British convertible and none of the commercially available headers would fit. I was new to TIG but thought I could do it so we made a set from stainless tubing. I didn't know what polarity to use or anything. Long story short, (too late for that) they didn't turn out very good. A few years later with a lot more experience and practice, I made a new set that worked out perfect. Anyway, welcome to the forums. Glad you are a member.