Date: Sun, 16 Mar 2008 08:07:58 -0700
Reply-To: neil N <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: neil N <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: WAS: building carrier bar..... NOW: Test Weld PIC
In-Reply-To: <2AFFB9A4BF5742C0B461A46668D754E3@ownerPC>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Thanks again Gary.
I've been pushing my welds. Was considering pulling so I could see the
puddle better, but I'll stick with the programme. Good tip on pre
heating. As for wiring etc., I don't use an extension, but I did find
that with the welder set to max. and my big fan on max, that the
circuit will overload! (can a guy weld in the dark? --- ;^)
I can sort of "see" that the penetration on 1/4", even if welding
optimally, would be limited. I'll bet that at best, it's only going in
about a 1/3 of the way. I should cut open a 1/4" weld and see.
Appreciate the help. And nice lookin' Vanagon bike racks!
Cheers,
Neil.
On Sat, Mar 15, 2008 at 11:14 PM, Gary Lee www.vwrack.com
<gary2a@telus.net> wrote:
> Well gas will be cleaner than flux, but not necessarily stronger. If you
> only weld occasionally, I would not bother with renting or buying a gas
> bottle.
> Good you got lots of amps available. That makes a big difference.
>
> 120 volt welders can't produce enough heat to weld 1/4" 'properly'.
>
> To maximize the amount of heat a small welder will produce:
> - Heavy gauge extension cord
> - Hold tip as close to work as possible
> - Push the bead, as opposed to pull. Push = like driving forward. Pull =
> like driving in reverse
> - Preheat the piece with a propane or acetylene torch
> - Move torch slow, steady and smoothly. In a controlled motion.
>
> fwiw, I wouldn't be welding any trailer hitches with a 120 volt welder.
>
> If anybody in Calgary needs simple welding jobs like that done, I do it for
> free for local vanagon owners.
>
>
> Gary Lee
> www.vwrack.com
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "neil N" <musomuso@gmail.com>
> To: "Gary Lee www.vwrack.com" <gary2a@telus.net>
> Cc: <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
> Sent: Saturday, March 15, 2008 11:44 PM
> Subject: Re: WAS: building carrier bar..... NOW: Test Weld PIC
>
>
> > Thanks for the pointers Gary.
> >
> > Yup. 120, MIG with flux but am running 12 gauge from a 20 amp breaker.
> > I found I could go quite slow on the 1/4" plate and will slow it down
> > more. Quite a contrast to the practice welds I tried on the scrap
> > exhaust tube.
> >
> > I may end up using 1/8" plate and angle instead of the 1/4". Those
> > were free scrap pieces so I gave it a whirl.
> >
> > I'm learning pretty fast, but there's lots to learn even with just
> > setting up correctly. Proper lighting, material and work position etc.
> >
> > It'll be nice to get set up with gas. The flux puts out too much smoke
> > and spatter.
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Neil.
> >
> > On Sat, Mar 15, 2008 at 10:30 PM, Gary Lee www.vwrack.com
> > <gary2a@telus.net> wrote:
> >> >Now I KNOW I'll get this load bar done. Too bad I can't get material
> >> >til Tuesday!
> >>
> >> > http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/1stlargeweld
> >>
> >> >Thanks guys,
> >> >Neil.
> >>
> >> Neil,
> >> Looking at your picture, I'd say you are using a 120 volt MIG.
> >> Fluxcore?
> >> That would give you marginal penetration on material as thick as in
> >> your picture. Go slowly and weave back and forth. I hold the torch
> >> with two hands, one on the trigger and the other near the tip. Hold
> >> the torch close in to the material, as little 'stick out' and
> >> possible. Plug your welder in as close to the breaker box as
> >> possible. Avoid using extension cords.
> >>
> >> Gary Lee
> >> www.vwrack.com
> >>
> >
> >
> >
> > --
> > Neil Nicholson. 1981 Air Cooled Westfalia - "Jaco"
> >
> > http://web.mac.com/tubaneil
> > http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/
> >
> >
> > --
> > No virus found in this incoming message.
> > Checked by AVG.
> > Version: 7.5.519 / Virus Database: 269.21.7/1329 - Release Date:
> > 14/03/2008 12:33 PM
> >
> >
>
>
--
Neil Nicholson. 1981 Air Cooled Westfalia - "Jaco"
http://web.mac.com/tubaneil
http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/
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