Welding repairs

Seems to be a lot pigeons flying around on this thread like big nest of them up there

I've used gas, mig and tig. But like Dave I've stopped my account with BOC due to the high cost of bottle rent.
I now use the cheaper acetylene replacement but for warming and cutting only, as it was no good for welding with the standard jets and I wasn't going to get the replacements.
Mig is my first choice for welding.
The most important things with mig is a good earth connection and good clean metal to weld. The next is learning the power and wire speed settings, after that it is fairly easy.

Dought it now at nearly 60 years young. Eyesight is not what it once was. The next training course for me to start soon is the retirement plan 

Tbh
There is not a lot of welders out there ,well not from around my area that I know of that still undertake repairs ,the ones that do it make a fortune.

Dynamo I've taught a few folk to weld over the years and found the best way is as follows.
Initially use some 5mm or 6mm flat metal as this is a lot easier to start with.
There are two main settings - power/amps and wire speed. Don't forget to turn your gas on! Tip of torch around 10 to 15mm away from metal.
Set the power about half way and start welding left to right as it is easier to see what is happening.
If the wire speed is too slow the wire will keep burning back and the weld stops and starts, if the wire speed is too fast then the wire will keep pushing your torch away from the weld.
Ideally weld with one hand and slowly adjust the wire speed with the other hand, eventually you will hit the sweet spot and you will hear it is "just right" as it will just crackle/buzz nicely.
Next, Look at the weld if it is like a piece of thick wire sat on the top of the metal then the power is too low. If it is burning holes then it is to high. Aim to get it so it spreads nicely with a slight rise in the middle of the weld and if you turn the metal over you should see almost the same on the reverse.
Of course, if you adjust the power you will need to adjust the wire speed again.
Half an hour and you should be getting the hang of it.
Then it is just a matter of trying different thickness metal and practise.
Take note of your settings with different thicknesses of metal, such as 5mm = 5 on power and 4 on wire speed, 1mm = 2 and 2 etc.

Dynamo

We're not out to upset ya
All we're saying is one bump in the road and that patch is going end up on the road



That's what rocket said not me

We farm all ours out to a trade test lad because of all the regulations and the costs involved with oxy gas we do have a handheld Rothenberg gas torch that plumbers use for seized exhaust bolts and track rod end s for tracking and a bottle on the mig for welding the odd exhaust mounting on

Even if AND THATS A BIG IF that was your welding, which I doubt very very much, that would be well, you know where this is leading lol 

Welding rust was never easy. The problem with mig welding is that you really do need very good solid clean metal all the time. Oxy and acetlene can save much time by adjusting the heat settings and welding thinner crispy metal that the approved knocking stick can't penetrate