Subway4X3 Shameless Copycat Build

If you get toxic mold syndrome, let me know. I think I can get you meds for that.

 

So far everything has been good. I do use everything quite often so maybe that helps. Or I'm just immune to mold

 

OK. Couldn't do the local Community College for a welding class coz it was conflicting my schedule.

So I said fuck it, let me learn on-line. So I got a full ride scholarship at the acclaimed MIG Welding Classes of Jody.

For his classes, Jody just so happens to use the exact same Hobart 210MVP that's been sitting in my garage for over 6 months.

I breezed through the first four classes:

And am now in the middle of Class #5

I could use some constructive input.

Take a look at my first ever welding bead at the very bottom.
And more beads as I go up this triangular 3/16" hunk of steel.


Settings are:
230 VAC
75% Argon/25% CO2 gas
0.030 Solid Core wire
300 Inch Per Minute (Roller setting 40)
Tap Voltage Setting 4








@stairgod @Wheelspinner @Arcticelf @Skell @Mobtown Offroad @Sub-Zero

 

BTW, this 4-season 2-person backpacking tent is 21 years old. It has been everywhere. Jungles, mountains, deserts and everything in-between.

Still in great shape.

 

When your running practice beads, try to overlap the last bead by half, wash the puddle from the base material up and over the existing bead to the center point and back again in a consistent rhythm. Keep your hand travel speed consistent to create a consistent bead height. Consistency is everything.

If you have to stop mid bead, strike the arch forward of where you're going to tie into the existing bead, then move to the end of the existing weld, let the puddle form than continue towards the strike point.


Go back on that same plate and run beads between the ones already on the plate, pausing at the corners where the welds already there meet the plates. You want to ensure good fusion at the intersections, this is where things like to crack.

 

I can't seem to brace my welding hand properly to get rid of the wobbliness.

 

Brace your arm not directly holding the gun off something solid via your elbow, and cradle the gun with both hands. Think a pistol grip on the gun with your non dominant elbow touching the work surface. It may get hot, throw and extra glove down so you don't cook your elbow. I'll also stick my pinkie finger down off my non dominant hand to the work piece also.

Get your legs shoulder width apart and bend your knees ever so slightly, trace the path you want to lay the bead with the tip of the mig gun, return to the beginning and start welding.

It'll take some time but you'll develop a muscle memory with practice.

 

First welding project done!
230VAC, 15 CFM 75%Argon, 0.030 solid core running 200 IPM (setting 20) @ Tap voltage setting 2

Ugly AF. But should hold together as intended.



Snow chains resurrected!

Originally acquired in ‘94 for 35’s on a built 4runner.

Cut down for 33’s on a stock ‘98 Durango

Cut down again for 31’s for my stock ‘O5 Tacoma

Today, lengthened and added another cross chain for current 255’s on the Tacoma.


Probably won’t use it much, but good to have the option in case I need it.

 

Two thoughts:
Turn up the gas a little more, 10% or so.
Slow down your feed rate of moving the gun( your last bead looks good).

I use a finger rest with my off hand to keep the gun steady . Think teacups with the queen, but put that finger down on the work piece. There's also a gadget called a 'Tig finger' to keep that finger cool.

Otherwise, keep burning practice, and try some lap joints.

 

@Subway3X4 heres my wreath set up you mentioned being interested in. To attach the wreath to the bumper, I used zip ties at the 3 and 9 o clock wrapped through the winch access and demello logo.

To attach the bow, I removed the "oem" string holding it together and replaced with a zip tie, and then (you guessed it) used another zip tie to attach that to the wreath.

Then the two little tail things I poked a couple holes through, and zip tied them down so they're not flapping in the wind as I drive. Got everything from target for $15

 

Finally brought this to a close:

Installed new Front PS ABS Wire Assembly


Male OBDII Pigtail to make wire jumping easier


Procedure to isolate ABS Fault and clear codes:
*see attached PDF

Cleared the ABS/VSC OFF/VSC TRAC/Slip Indicator lights.

All is good.

Thanks Steve, Murph and others!

 

Finally took and passed my HAM Technician's License test.

 

Congrats KD2OXQ! I'm KC3JVL

 

First HAM radio purchase:

BaoFeng VHF/UHF Dual Band Handheld, 1-4-8 watt selectable

 

My brother is very involved with the office of emergency management in the PNW. Part of that is the amateur radio emergency services in the area, which is a valuable resource during disasters and other emergencies. Once he found out I passed my Technicians Test, guess what showed up on my doorstep!

2meter/70cm residential roof top antenna.

 

Get a mag mount for the truck.

 

Horrible idea

Low hanging tree branches will knock it down every few feet.

Zero wide open trails over here in the northeast. All rocks and trees.