all about welding

[Phil Waterman]

I've used both the twin carbon and single carbon torch methods. Used them a lot more before I got the mig welder. Now I use the twin carbon torch primarily for heating steel. Depending on the carbon size and amp setting the heat it can generate is impressive.

Prior to getting a mig welder I did a lot of single carbon brazing of sheet metal seams. I'd just put a carbon rod in the stinger of the stick welder ground the work with the clamp, put the tip of the brazing rod (no flux) on the seam and then stroke the arc on the tip of the brazing rod and puddle and flow the bronze. I could braze better than I could weld sheet metal with the stick welder.

Interestingly there is a carbon rod attachment for the mig welder so that you can spot heat for shrinking dents.

This weekend was first time I got to try and compare different welders side by side. I think everybody walked away at the end of the day knowing more about their own machine and how to get more out of it. The guys who didn't have welders who are thinking about get one got the most out it.

This type of event would be a good idea for any MV (antique car) club to host.

Cheers Phil