Anything welding

If you tig it...use silicon bronze as filler...melts at a lower temp...much easier to control the heat from burning thru

 

Some next level brother in law welding going on tonight lol. I just put my rod into his arc when he comes around my side and I just start welding. Super cool

 

Fried my cruise control after welding on my sliders... knew I should have disconnected my battery

 

Fellow tw’ers: does welding wire, specifically flux core, have a shelf life?

 

As long is it is stored properly, no.

A spool on your machine if it sits for a couple of years will develop tarnish/corrosion.
This can be different if you are in a dry area, then it would be possible to keep that wire good for a long time.

Often you can get away with by running off a couple of layers of wire getting down to some "fresher" material.

I've had very little trouble with wire going bad here in Michigan. Our weather is all over the place.

 

Good to know. I have a spool that’s probably around ten years old. It looks ok but my welds aren’t what they used to be and I’m trying to figure out if it’s me or something with my machine. I ran a new 20a circuit for the welder so electrical should be fine. I’m a pretty novice welder so maybe I just need to spend time practicing and refreshing on the basics...

 

Depends just what your using it for!

Real Rusty wire will take out liners

Sealed packages will keep a very long time

 

This. We use silicon bronze on all our fixture clamps at work. It’s great

 

What’s a liner?

Can’t tig. I just have a little suitcase mig.

 

Just saw a Miller Spectrum 375 X-Treme on a local Craigslist ad for $500. Wasn't really looking for a plasma cutter, but I feel like this is a decent deal if everything is there and working. What say you?

 

Clutch tip. Wouldn't have even thought of that.

 

I've got a 675 and it's been great! I paid 3x what they want for that one.

 

Where can I find these?

 

Amazon, and any rig welder supply in the country

 

Sumner 780471 ST-871 Hi Pro Jack with Vee Head, 28" to 49" Adjustable Height, 2500 lb. Capacity

$217 Sumner 780471 ST-871 Hi Pro Jack with Vee Head, 28" to 49" Adjustable Height, 2500 lb. Capacity

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004FH96B8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_drPIDb9DZTTRG

I’ve got 2. They have different sizes but I got the taller ones and best purchase yet.

 

Pipe stands and bessy clamps


Pretty sure those are the best gifts you can get a welder haha

 

Beautiful, thanks.

 

I forget what the size is, but grab extra pipe. You can make all sorts of helpfully holders and braces out of them. Cut 2 U's in some angle iron and weld it to a post and you'll have a grinder and wire wheel holder

 

How are you guys getting rid of mill scale? Accidentally got a hole sheet (4x8) of 1/8 hot rolled since I forgot to tel him cold rolled and didn’t realize till I got home and cut it so I’m stuck with it... not really looking to grind it off was hoping there’s a better solution

 

Diluted muriatic acid, in a plastic container, rinse with water, spray with WD40. Small batches Do this outside, wear a respirator & plastic safety glasses, rubber or vinyl apron old shoes that you can throw away. Neutralize acid with baking soda (keep adding until there is no reaction). Good Luck and be safe.