Anything welding

I should be able to get some time using it this weekend. I'll post some up then.

 

I’ve got a Rebel, great little machine

 

Best of Luck !!

I hope your part of the country has better support then here.

 

Going for my first bend test for vertical MIG.

 

Everything went well and nothing snapped but this lack of penetration failed me. It was my first attempt so I have some more practicing to do. I need three root and face bends in a row and then I can test for my vertical MIG certification.

 

I have a question for you guys:

My father is building a homemade trailer and he welded two truck spindles/hubs to an axle (square tubing). His welds keep cracking as the metal cools off. Re-did them a few times with always the same result. It's been like 4 or 5 times now.
What could be going on?

wrong or bad welding rods maybe??

 

What rods is he using?

 

I don't think you can do a continuous weld. Too much cold mass on one side and not enough on the other. Try doing 1/4" or so welds moving from the start of the bead and to the opposite end of the bead. Doing this will preheat the 2 metals and reduce the shrinking of the weld that is causing the cracking.

 

Could be a few things .

First the wrong filler for the metals

the difference in heating and cooling between the metals is to great

either the filler or the dissimilar metals might want to try pre and post heating

 

It's the difference in expansion between the solid spindle and the thinner axle tube. Also the weld is cooling off too fast due to the spindle being a heat sink. Definitely preheat the spindle before welding, and make sure it cools slowly afterward. Probably the best way to slow down the cooling would be to wrap it in rock wool insulation immediately after welding it.

 

I've also heard that putting cast pieces in a charcoal fire (small hibachi grill) during welding helps. And you can make some hot dogs at the same time....

 

Thank you all for the info

he was using 7018 rod and he changed for 7014. Told me it's all good now. We'll see how it holds up

If it doesn't, I believe it is because of the different alloys in both pieces, as the spindles do seem to have some % of cast iron in them. So the difference in expansion and shrinking is too large between the two pieces, resulting in cracks.

If he has to do it again, he'll try preheating

 

I checked Today Air Gas in my Area only sells 80Cu ft and smaller

they make there real money on cylinder rent that is why they seldom sell the larger ones better to have it on rent then sold and sell one fill a year or so.

 

It's pointless for hobby welder to have anything bigger. The gas last a very long time even with heavy use.

 

If I don`t get paid am I still a Hobby Welder ??

 

Took me 6 months to drain my 280 and the 80 on my MIG

 

Yeah. I'm just a hobbyist, but a few backpurge projects will eat up my 80 tank in short order. I am going to swap mine for a 120 next time.

 

So I am guessing having 1 330 and 4 120 cuft 75/25 is over kill

1 330 1 120 Argon is as well .

To say nothing of Oxygen and Acetylene

left overs from my misguided youth

 

Decided to try my hand at “stacking dimes” today. I was just getting into it and then I ran outta wire! Great excuse to get some gas so I can try some solid wire, as these were with flux.





I think I need to turn the heat up a little on this one or something since it was spattering so much.

 

You are going to find welding with gas magical.