Hello from another Aussie

[johnc55]

Hello everybody, I am a 55yo electrician, whith hobbies such as boating and fishing plus just tinkering around and buidling and inventing solutions when there is nothing better available.

I have done bits of basic welding over the years, owned a few MIG machines and still have my original AC transformer stick welder and a WIA 150 MIG but have no good knowlege. Just fiddle untill it looks right and doesn't break.

I have no TIG experience but have bought a 250EX from Bob and Ted at Everlast Australia (Great Guys) I hope to be able to learn how to use this machine well enough to do some respectable looking SS and Al welds around my two little boats and other things, so I am hoping that with the help of anybody willing I can achieve this.

The 250EX was delivered a couple of weeks ago, now have the gas fittings organised and about to fired it up, maybe today. No doubt will destroy some metal, please wish me luck!

[GWD]

Good on ya, mate. (I think that's the right expression.)

If not, I guess I'm just a drongo.

[Shield Arc]

Hi John, my first post here too!
Have you seen this website yet? Some very good videos on welding.


http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/

[AussieChris]

Hi John,

Nice to see another Queenslander here. Hope you’re keeping your feet dry.

I reckon you’ll do good with the 250EX machine. Would have liked one of those myself (actually ordered a PP256) but I only have single phase power. I ended up with a PP205 and I’m really impressed. I’ve been going crazy welding every bit of aluminium I can find and this welding machine makes even me look good!

And yeah, Bob and Ted have been great to deal with. I also learned a lot from Jodie at weldingtipsandtricks.com (you can read all the books you like but it’s nothing compared with watching someone else TIG weld in a video or real life).

Chris
Brisbane Australia

[johnc55]

Hello GWD, Shield Arc and Chris.
Thanks for your kind welcome and the link to welding tips and tricks. That is a great help to me in getting started. And "Good on ya, mate" is just fine.

Another one of Bob and Teds customers "Ed" coincidentally only lives a couple of kms away from my home (small world)and kindly invited me around last Saturday to show me his setup and his home built water cooler etc, also gave me some great advice and tips to get started. He already has me lusting after some more gear...

Thanks Chris, amazing to see another local on here, we are OK here so far although the back yard is a soggy mess, hope you are keeping dry also.
Hope to catch you all around the forum. Better not get too far off topic here

[Shield Arc]

John I don't know your welding abilities, this kid may be to advanced for you right now, but none the less he has some really good videos on you-tube. He also has a home study course you can buy.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7Y-v8goo1k