Anything welding

He makes bumper kits?

 

Ask nicely and lots of things are possible

 

Just ordered myself a band saw

 

its happening!
I'm finally getting round to my tube bender die,


Who's done plug welds? Whats your method?

what I've currently settled on is holding the nozzle 90 Degrees to the work, and doing a "curly circle" pattern to fill the hole. holes are not big, max size = a quarter, min size = dime.

here's a closeup of some of the welds



and here is what I'm starting with, thickness is 1/8"


any comments and/or suggestions are welcome.

 

I'd be doing the same method, but I'm not a pro by any stretch so take that FWIW

 

I finally picked up some C25 gas and switched over from 100% co2. It took a little getting used to but I like it better. The puddle flows into a more straight line, if that makes sense, and the weld is nice and flat. It also welds nicer on the "upside down" type beads.

Since the new 125 cuft bottle is so much taller than the co2 bottle, I made the risers on my welding cart taller to match. It wasn't a lot of practice but with the little I got to weld, I'm glad I switched. The only downside is how much more the gas costs.

 

I've been meaning to ask how the die construction was coming.

You do the plug welding exactly like I do when I have 1/2 or larger holes to fill.

1/4 or smaller, I just spot weld by sound. I don't waste time with a hood. I block the flash with me free hand.

 

You’re looking good, @deeezy !

Carts are entirely personal preference, but if you want something a bit taller cheap look at the HF cabinet. It’s like $109 right now and works fantastic. Built for the big bottles even though i’m a cheap f*ck with the little ones

 

Isn’t the rule that the first project you do after you buy a welder is build a cart!!??!

 

Dig that rule! Can’t abide by it though - too much other shit to get burnt together

 

I believe I spot a Freebord? Sorry off topic slightly, bumper is looking good!

Edit: that would be plural, Freebord's!

Nice bro, I used to ride back in the day as well.

 

Im good with the one I built. Thanks though. I made it taller for the new bottle. And I put heavy duty caster wheels on it too.

 

Yeah totally! It's funny looking at my ugly booger welds from that first day.

 

It's not a rule if you buy a big boy welder to start with.

I like, I kid. Inverter welders were just coming on the market when I bought these.

 

Yeah buddy! Those things are so fun it’s absurd!

 

Your first welds look great (for first time).

Biggest advice I give to new guys...cut the weld and take a look at the penetration. Always gives a much better idea of how you are actually welding (ie sticking the two pieces together) than just going by how it looks on the outside. Nital is the common stuff to use but can be a bit costly for thoe home guy. But call around to any weld school or weld shop and they can probably help you out just for one test (usually...least mine will)

Theres other tests you can do like bend test with a press and stuff. But honestly press scare the crap out of me so I hate using mine lol

 

Certi-flat welding table came in today. Looking forward to getting it built this evening. Not looking forward to having to pick it up though.

 

You can do it!

 

Looks like a fun project

 

Fantastic! Not bad at all for your first time. You have just opened the door to a whole new world for yourself.