1st Gen Lunchtable Thread - General Discussion

Taking pride in what you do and produce is normal. Guys that just send it with a dirty stick electrode or flux core get the job done... sure. But why not take literally the same time for a much nicer and controlled result

 

I've had my eye out for a topper and always have my eye on the junkyard.

I almost went to look at that truck this morning but decided the odds of me finding anything I wanted on a 5-lug that's he wrong color both inside and out weren't worth dealing with the slush.

But also, yes, nerd.

 

If I can do it inside, im Tig welding it. No sparks/slag flying around, no grinding afterwords. If I have to do it outside or cant fit it in the garage, Im using flux core. Simply cause its my only other option. But not before properly prepping the part and using legit industry grade wire from a supply house (Hobart fabshield HB21) was my preference.

Those that load up a spool of harbor freight FC wire and bitch about the results deserve what they got.

 

https://media.giphy.com/media/Ae7SI3LoPYj8Q/giphy.gif

 

I love TIG welding mild steel; just so easy to get beautiful beads

And it's so stupid quiet and calming.

 

Fun things I did do today while avoiding my downed tree limbs...

Went to some thrift/used book stores. One of them had a dedicated section on railroad literature. The box marked "Ephemera" included old handbooks and guides issues by the railroads themselves. @0xDEADBEEF and anyone else who, like me, thinks trains are neat...



Another one had a Chilton's manual for 40-series Land Cruisers. I thought of buying it just for the novelty. I got a kick out of the chapter on chassis wiring. The entire truck fit into two fairly straightforward diagrams.

 

trains are pretty sick

 

And the risk of burning your house down while doing it in the garage is significantly lower than other processes. I dont do Mig/FC/Stick in there since there's gas and chemicals and what not to ignite.

 

My buddy Matt tig welds in his living room in his big comfy leather chair haha.

 

its pretty low anyway

 

Very understandable.

As much as I want a MIG welder for my place, I'm really just going to hold out for @Sperrunner to bring that Miller and run flux on it outside.

I've got my welding table near the garage door and it's plenty far from my aerosols from being an issue.

Ran some small beads earlier today just to make sure I've got no leaks on the new lines and so far so good.

 

Fucking.Boss.

 

All it takes is one spark going where its not supposed to for something to get out of control. Ive seen it happen in the work environment and I decided I didnt want that risk in my house. I dunno about you, but I value my home far more than anything Im welding on.

 

me when the shop catches on fire and I keep welding because I didn't know ( i couldn't stop stacking dimes)

 

Watch the step, tall soapbox, wouldn't want you to fall. I guess I don't value my home that much haha I like to get things done on projects and I don't particularly like going out in foul weather when I have a perfectly functional shop. But I am pretty daring, I don't wait for my fuel pump to prime, I run the dryer when I'm not in the room with it, and I've even gone for a swim a mere 10mins after eating.

 

Geez man, take it easy. You ever loose anything to a fire or know someone who has? Its a fucking nightmare and not something to joke about. Shit gets out of control quick and before you know it youve lost everything. All because you wanted to get that bumper or whatever done.

 

Did someone say sprinkler system

 

I'm sure it's tragic, so is being cripplingly fearful. You can be careful in reasonable amounts, it's not all or nothing. I have multiple forms of fire suppression and I don't do things that are plainly dumb like welding next to open fuel cans or venting natural gas lines. But deciding you cannot MIG or Stick indoors...