I'm a permanent welding noob, I've learned a few things:
- Duty cycle is very important - 10% duty cycle means you can weld for 1 minute, cool off for 9 minutes, 20% - weld for 2 minutes, cool for 8 minutes. 10% is a good number for occasional welding, but the
equipment rated at 10% is crap(as 12bravo mentioned).
- 90% of welding time is in setup - the actual welding time is very short.
- The more you weld, the better you get at it. I collect scrap metal just to practice on. After about 8 year, my joints look almost non-crappy
- I can do non-structural welds with silver-oxide brazing - takes up less room in the garage (or motel room
, and has a more predictable outcome.
- Typically, an inexpensive home hobbyist welder can only weld hi-ten or cro-mo steel. Things like aluminum and stainless require more, specialized skills and equipment.
- Don't weld galvanized steel. The zinc coating will make you ill. If you do, grind away the zinc coating, do it outside, and don't let the fumes get in your face.
- Make sure you have a fire extinguisher handy.
- and yeah, kel30734, with practice, a good 24 hour epoxy like JB weld can be used to fasten things to a motorcycle, but don't count on it to do real work. I did JB weld a bicycle brake boss on, and it worked for almost a year.
- Grind and paint your joints as soon as they cool off to slow the rust.
- Expect to buy a good die grinder shortly after you buy a welder.