Welder Arrives Tomorrow

[swhalen]

Hey Everyone,

My Hobart Handler 140 arrives tomorrow!!! Thanks to everyone for answering my questions thus far since I am a newbie to welding. Here's a question, when welding tubing for a dune buggy chasis, what type of weld pattern should I use on the tubed frame? I hear folks say PUSH, PULL, etc...
Also, I know that Tack Welding is the act of putting a small weld around the workpiece and then after verifying if the structure is true, you should apply final welds. How exactly is a tack weld accomplished on both square and round tube.I have several tubes to be cut at 45 degree angles and then tack welded. Is it also true when welding a stucture together you should cross over to keep the structure true? Any tips on this would be sweet.....and I know, Practice, Practice, Practice....and BE SAFE, right? :)

[Mac]

Pushing your puddle will give you a better appearance. Pulling , you can achieve better penetration as a rule. As far as tacking , it won't take you long to figure it out. As far as 'crossing over" , It has it's place. On a cage , once your cage is properly tacked you don't need to. If you do ,it's easy to forget welds here and there.

[swhalen]

Thanks Mac. I will heed the advice. My Hobart Handler 140 got here bright and early this morning. Man, what a rush!!! I am now one step closer to being a welder...or at least a novice welder.