BGR FAB: Why You Should Buy Mig Welding Pliers

Lincoln Mig Welding Pliers: http://amzn.to/2wexpiw (Amazon Affiliate Link)

Other Mig Welding Plier Options: http://amzn.to/2vPh8Q6 (Amazon Affiliate Link)

When you start talking to people about fabrication, there are common tools that come up with frequency. Tools like plasma cutters, Oxy Torches, Welders, Tube Benders, Angle Grinders, Chop Saws, and other tools that are considered the stars of the shop. In the day to day workings of fabrication though, many times it's the fogotten tools that make the difference between having a saticfying day in the shop, and wanting to burn it down.

If you're getting started in welding, and are using an inexpensive welder, then the feed wheels, the tips, nozzles and many other components of the welder will probably cause wire feed issues. Even if you're an experienced welder, and have a high end machine, from time to time your wires gonna have feeding issues.

Because no machine is perfect, and I know that at some point the wire, tip, nozzle will need some attention and maintenance, I've found that a quality set of Mig Welding Pliers can make the difference between a quick and easy fix, and a frustrating hour of finding different tools that are not at hand to do the same thing.

What makes mig welding pliers different from standard general use pliers? Watch this episode of BGR Fab to find out.

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It would also help keep ORDIP Vids going if you'd consider swinging by my Patreon page and supporting the channel!

https://www.patreon.com/EricMcGrew

Please also remember to like, comment, subscribe and share.

If you want to keep up with all the work I'm doing, don't forget to follow me on social media.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eric_mcgrew/?hl=en (Offroading, Mountain biking, and Outdoors)

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DIY Hi-Lift Shackle Mount Bracket

Find a materials list at www.Bgrfab.com

Here are the tools that I used.

Bosche Angle Grinder: http://amzn.to/2x4ttxA (Amazon Affiliate Link)(This is one of the Angle Grinders that I would suggest.)

Benmark Abrasives Cuttoff wheels 4.5": http://amzn.to/2wPVOIE (Amazon Affiliate Link)

4.5" Flap wheels 80 grit: http://amzn.to/2uIIGIc (Amazon Affiliate Link)

Portable Bandsaw: http://amzn.to/2x4byr2 (Amazon Affiliate Link)

Hobart 210 MVP Welder: http://amzn.to/2vIxmc9 (Amazon Affiliate Link)

Lincoln viking Hood (welding helmet): http://amzn.to/2x4DI5j (Amazon Affiliate Link)

Milwaukee 1" hole saw: http://amzn.to/2uJhjOd (Amazon Affiliate Link)
Milwaukee Hole Saw bit: http://amzn.to/2vD8iF6
(technically I used a 1.25", but it should have been a 1")


This is a time lapse/maker video of the DIY Hi-lift Shackle Mount Attachment that I made. I just used components, and materials that were laying around.

I have a tutorial video explaining the full process, materials used, errors made, and what I would change for next time. That video will be available for patreon members only. You can become one for just $1.  Check the link to find out more.

It would also help keep ORDIP Vids going if you'd consider swinging by my Patreon page and supporting the channel!

https://www.patreon.com/EricMcGrew

Please also remember to like, comment, subscribe and share.

If you want to keep up with all the work I'm doing, don't forget to follow me on social media.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eric_mcgrew/?hl=en (Offroading, Mountain biking, and Outdoors)

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erics_creative/ (Woodworking, Metal Working, and Design)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mcgrewmaker/
(Woodworking, Metal Working, and Design)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eric.mcgrew.77
(Offroading, Mountain biking, and Outdoors)

Music Credits
-----------------------
Music provided by Frequency
Track: Lundh - Let Go (feat. Safia)
Link: https://youtu.be/J7ZywjENdss

Song: VoiceX [Rewind Remix Release]
Music provided by Rewind Remix https://goo.gl/08ZthI
Artist: NOXXUS

A Great Starting Point For Beginners To Mig Welding!

If you're interested in owning the Hobart 210MVP, check it out here: http://amzn.to/2vFpfNH (AMAZON AFFILIATE LINK) For other helpful welding tools that are good to have, check the bottom of the article.

So, I know a few people have mentioned recently that they have just purchased a mig machine, or they are just getting around to learning how to use the mig welder they have. First off, Congrats to you all! Welding can be an AWESOME (as in awesomely painful... LOL!) experience.

However, I also know that the tendency is to buy a welder, and then want to build some project. Many times, it's sliders, a bumper, or something. Before you go out and start welding on something that your life depends on, or could cause an accident to be worse than needed, please take some time to understand (from an expert) the key points to welding. Things like:

-How to tell if your weld is penetrating

-How to diagnose the lack of penetration

-Good practice exercises

-What wire you should use

-What is under cut

-Why under cut is so bad

-Ways to adjust your welding motion for different positions

-What gas to use

-How to set up your welder for solid wire/fluxcore.

To help you get started with this process, I thought I'd share a video series from Welding Tricks and Tips on the Basics of Mig Welding.

In the first video, the first 2/3rds are focused on the Hobart 210 MVP machine, or so it would seem. Really though, the principles that Jody mentions are very applicable to most mig welders. So, I suggest spending the time to watch the whole video. The last 1/3 of the video is about diagnosing your weld and how to know what's going on with your wire feed speed.

I think this will help a lot of you guys that are just getting started. In fact, I re-watched it, and it reminded me a few points I had just forgotten about. For instance, one (there are many) way to get the drag tensioner set on the wire feed and spool.

I hope you guys enjoy the vid and can learn something from it. If you liked Jody's video, this is the first of a whole playlist. Check them all out. 

If you have question on a project, or you just want to share, inspire, or get inspired, stop by and join out FACE BOOK group: BGR Fab DIY Fabrication

 OTHER WELDING TOOLS YOU SHOULD HAVE TO GET STARTED
- Leather Glovers:
- Leather Work Gloves: http://amzn.to/2vFfH57 (AMAZON AFFILIATE LINK)
- Welding Gloves: http://amzn.to/2wMxSGg (AMAZON AFFILIATE LINK)

Mig Welder Pliers: http://amzn.to/2vFz6mv (AMAZON AFFILIATE LINK)

Welding Hood: http://amzn.to/2vYkfGp (AMAZON AFFILIATE LINK)

Wire Brushes: http://amzn.to/2vFuBIw
(AMAZON AFFILIATE LINK)

 PLEASE ALSO CHECK OUT:
www.offroadindependence.com

It would also help keep ORDIP Vids going if you'd consider swinging by my Patreon page and supporting the channel!

https://www.patreon.com/EricMcGrew

Please also remember to like, comment, subscribe and share. 

If you want to keep up with all the work I'm doing, don't forget to follow me on social media. 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eric_mcgrew/?hl=en (Offroading, Mountain biking, and Outdoors)

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erics_creative/ (Woodworking, Metal Working, and Design)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mcgrewmaker/

(Woodworking, Metal Working, and Design)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eric.mcgrew.77

(Offroading, Mountain biking, and Outdoors)

Beginners Fab: Ep 46 Quick Tip - How To Cut Interior Radius With An Angle Grinder

A very possible, but frustrating process, is cutting/shaping interior radius on flat bar and sheet stock. If you are frustrated with the constant vibration and time consuming process of cutting interior radius with your angle grinder, this simple tip may make the process more bearable.

If you are new to metal fabrication, and would like to get started, below are a few reasonably priced tools you might want to look at. Also, below you'll find a few more videos that may help you get started in the basics of fabrication.You may also find it entertaining and beneficial to subscribe to my Youtube channel. Then you can continue to learn and better your skills as I continue to learn and better mine as well.

A basic, inexpensive Angle Grinder that has a unique feature.

RYOBI GIDDS2-3554575 6.5 Amp Angle Grinder With Twist Handle - http://amzn.to/2iDNDJ6 (AMAZON AFFILIATE LINK)

This angle grinder is a good option for a beginners unit. It is light weight, and easy to handle. It also comes with a twist handle that is very convenient to use in many different positions. If you think that your grinder is going to be harshly treated though, you may want to look at one of the 2 angle grinders listed below.

Here are 2 Angle Grinders that I have had and used. All of which I find to be very durable, and worth their price.

Makita GA4530X 4-1/2-Inch Angle Grinder with Grinding Wheels- http://amzn.to/2j4ZbE1 (AMAZON AFFILIATE LINK)

This Makita Grinder is their budget grinder. It's a bit lower powered than the more expensive Makita Angle Grinders, but it's a solid unit. I used this grinder in Chile, S.A. in the rain for a good two years, and it was going strong when I sold it.

Metabo W9-115 8.5 Amp 10,500 rpm Angle Grinder with Lock-On Sliding Switch, 4-1/2" - http://amzn.to/2hQJori (AMAZON AFFILIATE LINK)

While this Metabo is twice the price. It is a very solid unit, and I've used a number of them over the year in many different industries. While I can say all of them would endure the same abuse, I have seen them dropped and shatter the casing, and then turn right one and function like normal. So, if you have the money to spend on a good beginners angle grinder, this one is a good option in my mind. Metabo also offers more expensive versions with more power and features.

If you would like to see a very affordable, and basic kit of fabrication tools that I put together, then check out this video here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0sYimxn7kc

If you would like to check out the welder that I chose for my fabrication needs when starting back over here in the U.S., then check out this video here.

Un-Boxing my Hobart 210 MVP
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JWLIopvPy0
http://amzn.to/2hRq9mo (Amazon Affiliate Link)

As always, thanks for stopping by, and please don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe!

Beginners Fab Ep 41: Unboxing my Hobart 210 MVP Mig Welder

For sometime now, I've been wanting to get a new, good mig welder. Well, when things in our lives changed and I found myself back in the States, I also found myself without a welder. Therefore, it was time for a new one to be procured.

Deciding on what welder to get, was somewhat of a challenge. After talking to a number of fabricators, I was reminded of the main differences between most of the bigger brands, and I decided on buying the Hobart 210 MVP.

Hobart's 210 MVP is the more economic version of the Miller 211. A few differences between each of the machines can be found in different aspects. For instance, the Miller 211 has a few special features that the Hobart doesn't. Such as Auto Set wire speed. Hobart's 210 MVP has a lesser quality mig gun, is a bit cheaper built internally (so it seems), and the Miller 211 has a bit more robust exterior. All of which are decent reasons for the Hobart being a bit lower in price than the Miller counterpart.

Even with these differences, I want to make it clear that the Hobart brand, and the 210 MVP, have good reputations for being reliable machines that last a good while. Even when used in manufacturing settings.

Because of all these factors, and many more that I will cover in the near future, I chose to purchase the Hobart machine over other options. Below, you will see Beginners Fab TV episode 41 where I unbox a brand new Hobart 210 MVP, and show you what comes in the box. If you are interested in purchasing a Hobart 210 MVP, I found the following sites to be good options. These sites have consistently been the lowest priced sites I've seen.

www.cyberweld.com
www.tractorsupply.com
www.amazon.com

Beginners Fab Ep 40: Harbor Freight's Chicago Electric 9" Angle Grinder Pros and Cons

When it come to cheap tools, you never really know what you're gonna get. In fact, some cheap tools seem to run forever, while others don't run straight out of the box. So, you could say, that buying "budget tools" is a bit of a gamble.

What really is the difference between the "pro quality" tools, hobbyist tools, and cheap/budget tools? Put simply, everything...but we'll talk a bit about that in the future. What we are going to talk about now, is the Harbor Freight 9 inch, Chicago Electric brand angle grinder.

Funny enough, when Harbor Freight started to pop up in different areas, everybody was really divided on the tools they sold. People either hated them, or they thought they were "good enough" for their purpose. Some people even liked them. There was also a lot of talk about how, "you'll never find a HB tool in my shop or garage..." Funny thing is, many of these same people now own more than one HB brand tool in there kit. So, how good are they really?

Recently, I had the opportunity to directly compare, in a "real work" environment, the differences of the Harbor Freight 9 inch angle grinder to a Hitachi, and Dewalt 9 in angle grinder. The differences...many. The qualities...varied. My overall thoughts on the Harbor Freight 9 inch Angle Grinder... Well, you'll need to watch the video to find that out. So, click on the episode of Beginners Fab below, and see what I have to say on the matter.

15 Minutes With A Pro: Max Gremillion from Pull Pal on Must Have Tools For Beginners/Budget Fabricators.

When we talk about metal fabrication, there are pretty much 3 ways of fusing metal. One is forging. Another is welding (in all the various forms that are out there). And the last category, would be mechanically, or chemically bonding the metal together. Therefore before we get into the first episode of "15 Minutes With A Pro", I want to just say that fusing metal together is extremely import to fabrication work.  You will undoubtedly need to do this frequently.

While Max Gremillion and I don't talk about welders in this episode of "15 Minutes With A Pro", this topic will be covered in a future episode in the near future. You may ask why we didn't cover that topic as a first episode then? Our reasons are simple. If you have a welder, but don't have a method of manipulating, cutting, repairing, or prepping the materials you need to weld on, having a welder is much less effective. Knowing this, we decided to cover what basic tools each hobbyist, DIY, or Beginner to the fabrication world should need. And believe me, we only cover the most basic of basic in this episode. Fifteen minutes starts to fly by.

When you check out this episode, you'll hear some great tips on fabrication from someone who has a lot of experience. This will help you get started on you future fabrication projects with some of the most essential tools. We hope you enjoy the show!

Max Gremillion and I (Eric McGrew), sit down to discuss a very important topic on this first episode of "15 Minutes With A Pro". We talk about the, Must Have Tools For A Begginer to Budget Fabrication. 

Max Gremillion is a fabricator and metal worker with many years of experience. He is an owner in the famous 4x4 and Off-Road, self rescue tool company, of www.Pullpal.com. He has done various kinds of welding for work. and is quite capable in various forms, and styles of

So, why not sit back listen up, watch the show, and learn something useful, from a guy who knows?