Anything welding

That I can't do on this particular piece, but might cut myself some to play with. Also I was amazed at how easy it would be to burn through the 3/16, on some of the bigger gaps I saw the puddle drop in. Makes me very nervous about working on the thin ass 1/8" frame. But I also will be using 3/32 rods on the frame as opposed to the 1/8 I used on these pieces.

EDIT:

The top weld on this photo is referring to where the weld puddle dropped in a bit on me.

 

Try some 7018. 60series rod is good for dirty steel but 70series will lay in much nicer on clean steel. Good rule of thumb for setting your amps is just divide the rod size. For example 3/32 diameter rod 3÷32= .9375 so 94amp that will give you a good baseline to adjust from. Works on all diameters. From there you can work on your consistency and travel speed

 

I want to but I was hoping to master the 60's first. But I do know the 70's are better for close fitups. 6011 is good for bigger gaps/roots correct? I also hate that I can't store the 70's properly, but I do agree it's the best option for the work on my frame. I've been writing the best amperage that's been working for my rods so far. Since my machine is the AC225, it only lets me adjust amps in like 15 amp increments IIRC. I typically go on the lower end of the range it says on the rod package and then go up if the rod can't maintain the arc.

Maybe I'll just dive into the 70's since it's really what I should use on the frame. Can use it to reinforce my skid plates first as practice.

 

Be sure to get 7018 AC rods.

 

I would use 6013 if I had to weld a frame with that process.

Do what you need to do to control the heat

It has been so long since I used anything but 7018 or 10018 or 7010

 

Man I’m a fan of the whip motion with a circle. A cursive lowercase e really.

Some welds look okay and others don’t. You can tell you’re not consistent with your motions and arc length. It looks like the whip and pause worked best for you as others you didn’t Feed enough rod.

Really in a non rude way, your welds are just kinda all over. Need to figure out a consisten pattern and then improve from there.

Keep it cool while practicing and first learning and don’t be afraid to slow down. I still to this day struggle with trying to go too fast.

 

I forgot to mention that I realized I’m just going to be tacking the metal in for the stuff on the frame, so 6013 will work. My buddy will be bringing his mig for me to burn it in.

I whole heartedly agree. Some times I didn’t realize arc length was to far or too close till sound changed. I did like practicing the whip and pause because I just felt like I understood it. But I kept going with circles because I felt like it was something I was familiar with with MIG. I have some thicker stuff to weld soon, I’ll try the whip and pause for that.

This was one of my favorites, but judging by the length of the pools, it’s too fast right?



And most importantly, looks aside, do they look strong?

 

Bed bars for dads truck got his new rtt

Still learning, any feedback appreciated.

EDIT: realizing that is a horrible picture. Didn't notice it was so blurry when I took it. My bad





Back door for my bed rack. Keep the dogs in at night while camping

 

I'm on vacation but my friend sent me pics of my next project. Coilover adapters for 2nd gen 5 lug Tacomas. Gonna weld them up when I get home this weekend.

 

Also looking down the tube I can see the heat from the welds.



Considering how thick this is I assume that’s a good sign of penetration but not sure.

 

Haha that’s how I always judge penetration, not sure how good that really is though. I just look at the back of what I’m welding and if there’s consistent heat marks I call it good.

 

By far the best thing outside of a bend test is to Weld a Tee Joint on one side and break it.

Shows just what you have .

If you use 4"x4" pieces you can weld quite a few joints

 

Have you tried any of these?

 

I use the benchmark abrasives on the right and they’ve been great so far. I buy those flap discs and cut off wheels. Cheap and last quite a while

 

I've got both brands for $10 for 10 flap disks. Multiple grits.

 

Seriously can’t beat that price

 

Ive used the benchmark abrassives and theyre ok.. I found some Walters on sale on Amazon for about half price and I tell you what, id buy them for full price all day over any flapper ive ever used. I did a SAS, built a couple sets of sliders 2 bedracks and some furniture before using up 1. I bought a brand new dewalt xl wheel today and it burnt up already. Im 100% sold on those Walters when I order! Ill look for a link.

Edit: heres the link..

Walter 15W458 ALLSTEEL Flap Discs - [Pack of 10] 80 Grit 4-1/2 in. Abrasive Disc

https://www.amazon.com/Walter-Surfa...teway&sprefix=walter+flex,aps,227&sr=8-3&th=1

 

Another question for all,

Interesting.

 

Another question, anybody have any experience with this home depot vise? I just found out I'm too strong for the cheapo freight one and broke it with one hand.
So I'm in the market for a new one. Can't see myself spending more than $100, although kinda the same though when I bought the HF one (for $60)

https://www.homedepot.com/p/BESSEY-...Bench-Vise-with-Swivel-Base-BV-MPV5/205023076

 

Like quite a few companies that had a good reputation got sucked into the low cost China Manufacturing ..

90 day return warranty .

Bessey was at one time state of the art in clamps.

I don`t know about your part of the world around here very good old used vices can be found cheap.

I got most of mine that way.