20ft flat bar for $15 - good for practicing welding ?

[RussellH]

I wanted to get some metal for practice welding. I called a local metal supplier and I can get 2" flat bar for $15 per stick (20-ft) in 1/8" thickness. I was thinking that I could cut these up in 3" strips/coupons and practice T joints ? one or two sticks should keep me busy for a while ?

Should I practice any other kinds of joints or metal that would be helpful in the learning process ? Any thoughts ?

[Dan]

Russell,

I'd cut the the material into at least 6" lengths, because small pieces heat up quickly and can give you somewhat false results. The T-joint is about the most commonly used joint so I d practice it first. Weld it in the flat, horiz, vertical up and down, then over head. after this move onto another joint design.

[Zrexxer]

If you just want to practice fillets, why 2" wide? Save yourself some cash and get 1" x 1/8" or 1-1/2" x 1/8"...

[RussellH]

Thanks Dan, those are great tips! What are some of the other more commonly used joints besides the T ?

Zrexxer, I was thinking of 2" because then I can do both sides of the _|_ joint

[thinkharderchri]

The thing that is more important in my opinion is the welding positions. Vertical and overhead can truly test a welders "metal".

Its good to practice joints but some of the welds that need to be done are in less than ideal positions. So try to master all of the positions you can.

[cowboy45]

If your just looking for scrap to practice on, check your local junk metal dealer - I have found some nice pieces for real cheap. You can also find some angle iron there as well. You might also want to talk to the local metal supplier and see if you can rummage through his scrap bin for cut offs. Explain what you are doing and then use them to buy stock for your projects and you should be good to go. Be nice to the dealer and he will generally be nice to you. I have a local dealer I deal with that is a father son business and have bought metal and even had them weld some larger projects during my learning curve.

Jim

[SuperchargedS10]

call family/friends and ask them if they have any bed rails around. most people do. and cut those up. they weld pretty well. i made my mig cart out of them

[cope]

call family/friends and ask them if they have any bed rails around. most people do. and cut those up. they weld pretty well. i made my mig cart out of them

I've made 3 or 4 carts and a smoker cart out of bed rails, but they aren't the best metal for practice.