On 30 Aug 2003 19:08:53 GMT, onloser (Building The
Perfect Beast) wrote:

I'm going to assume you will be welding 4130 steel structures
exclusively. If you are a relative novice to welding, use oxy-acetylene
equipment and mild steel rod. Do a Google search on this newsgroup,
paying extra close attention to posts by Bruce Frank and a guy named
"Highflier." Also, the EAA puts out an excellent publication on
aircraft welding.

Thanks Del. That's what I was looking for. I did a Google search and just
came up on too many hits. I was hoping that I might get it narrowed down and
you've done just that for me.


Unless you are already an accomplished welder, ignore suggestions to
purchase an expensive TIG welding machine. It is not necessary and may
lead to undesirable results unless you have already mastered the basics
of welding with oxy-acetylene equipment. I use a small TIG machine and
like it, but I also use it for other things (like aluminum and
automotive projects) and had quite a bit of oxy/acetylene experience
before trying it. If I couldn't afford a TIG unit, I would weld
together my airframe using oxy/acetylene with no hesitation.


Luckily I've got a buddy who is going to build with me and he is a master
welder. I plan on learning a lot from him. As for my experience, well, most
of it is on farm equipment and about all I've ever used oxy/acetylene for was
cutting stuff up. I'm a fair stick welder but I know I've got a lot to learn.
And I'm looking forward to it.

Done properly, do you feel that there is any difference in the quality of weld
produced by oxy/ace vs. TIG? Is the TIG just less hassle or what?

TIG is easier to control. The heat is more intense and localised. The
"flame" is always neutral.

On the other hand, the flame on Oxy Acet is more forgiving. You don't
polute the electrode every time you get the tip too close to the
puddle.

A lot easier to learn to weld with ocy Acet than with TIG.