A New First!!!

[Sdannenberg3]

I am proud to say that I am now the only one on DIY Go Karts that has bought the 90 amp flux core wire feed welder, and the $50 auto dimming mask from Harbor Freight!:roflol:

So i had a few questions but I think that ALL of them got answered in the 10 million threads about welding on here. Based on my readings, the welder should work fine on my new frame using square inch steel tubing. I just need some practice!!!

I have the space, the tools, the welder, the money... But my question is WHERE DO I GET THE METAL!?!?!?!? I have tried home depot and lowes but I cant seem to find any 1" square tubing!!! What does everyone have to offer as far as suggestions on finding metal or a local metal dealer?

[modelengineer]

Hi,

You really need to find a proper metal supply place, look it up in the phonebook or on the internet. Here we have a place called Edcon steel, your best bet would be to find a similar place where you are (Edcon are an Australian company). Standard hardware shops will not have the right stuff, as you found out. Perhaps someone in your area could help more.

[Sdannenberg3]

The only person I know that is In AZ is JerryAssBurger. So jerry, if your reading... Where do you get your metal?!?!?!

[Kenny_McCormic]

I get my metal at a metal store.

[Russ2251]

Tons 'o places online. Try a web search and compare.
Watch shipping costs. That's where they get ya.
Aluminum is getting really expensive. I purchased $50 worth last year. The identical order is now $70. Not as bad for steel...yet.

[Sdannenberg3]

I actually went to a local fabrication company just now and they said they would get me some square inch steel tubing, 12 gauge for $167 a foot. Not too bad! Its probably because i'm just using him to get to whoever his distributor is, meaning he isn't making any money off me, he's just getting the metal for me :)

[kibble]

square inch steel tubing, 12 gauge for $167 a foot. Not too bad!

That sounds a little steep! :ack2:

[oscaryu1]

I am proud to say that I am now the only one on DIY Go Karts that has bought the 90 amp flux core wire feed welder, and the $50 auto dimming mask from Harbor Freight

Ha.

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x191/oscaryu1/100_1924.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x191/oscaryu1/100_1925.jpg

[Russ2251]

I actually went to a local fabrication company just now and they said they would get me some square inch steel tubing, 12 gauge for $167 a foot. Not too bad! Its probably because i'm just using him to get to whoever his distributor is, meaning he isn't making any money off me, he's just getting the metal for me :)I can get 11 gauge stainless for under $12/foot. What kind of metal are you getting this quote for?

[Sdannenberg3]

OMG whoops!!! hahaha

Well the man told me that i can get 12 gauge 1" square tubing for $1.67 a foot. IDK how, or if thats really cheap or what but all I know is when I go to home depot, its like $9 for a 2 foot section.

[Sdannenberg3]

And ya, i think about 50% of the people on here that have welders has this combo lol.

Nice trash can ya got there. I see you like windshield wiper blades and Orange Juice!

[Russ2251]

Your first post said $167 not $1.67. That really threw me.

[sayre315]

haha i have the 90 amp flux wire and the auto darkening mask :)

[kibble]

I have the same darkening mask, but I got the 110A Flux and MIG welder.

You know, you're just not cool if you don't have windshield wiper blade packages and Simply brand orange or apple juice bottles in your trash! Which makes me not cool because I have neither :(

[oscaryu1]

I have the same darkening mask, but I got the 110A Flux and MIG welder.

You know, you're just not cool if you don't have windshield wiper blade packages and Simply brand orange or apple juice bottles in your trash! Which makes me not cool because I have neither :(

I b pimpin :roflol:

[Sdannenberg3]

So after numerous failed attempts at welding various scraps of metal around the house, I decided to go to a fabrication shop and get some of their scraps. I tried welding a wrench to an old electric scooter that doesnt work, well I burnt through it, and the battery and battry juice went everywhere. I TOTALLY wasnt thinking! I hope nobody thinks any less of me after this incident :roflol:

So I think I have enough scraps to make 2 whole frames LOL. I musta looked like an idiot digging through their pile of trash for an hour!

Semi long story short, here is my real weld on steel. Think its frame worthy? I cant break it for the life of me!

http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/8/l_f5d9867d855c4d60a213b1928168ac87.jpg

Ohh, and towards the end the bead gets thin and rushed, This was mainly do to the fact that my sleeve caught on fire and it was getting VERY hot lol. I looked down and noticed that it was actually on fire!!!

[kibble]

I tried welding a wrench to an old electric scooter that doesnt work, well I burnt through it, and the battery and battry juice went everywhere. I TOTALLY wasnt thinking! I hope nobody thinks any less of me after this incident :roflol:

That's it, no more party at your house! You're gonna kill us all!

That bead doesn't look bad at all, I say good job!

[Kenny_McCormic]

VERY NICE for a flux core weld, what wire are you using?

[Sdannenberg3]

HAHA, I am actually using the wire that comes with the welder! lol. I thought for practice I would use it, and when build the actual frame I will use some good wire.

And I leaned the importance of tack welding to keep the joints from warping due to the heat!

Quick question, What is the cheapest way to cut tubing for my frame? I was thinking about just buying a chop saw blade and puting it on my regular electric saw. Can this be done or are the mounting holes different sizes?

[oscaryu1]

So after numerous failed attempts at welding various scraps of metal around the house, I decided to go to a fabrication shop and get some of their scraps. I tried welding a wrench to an old electric scooter that doesnt work, well I burnt through it, and the battery and battry juice went everywhere. I TOTALLY wasnt thinking! I hope nobody thinks any less of me after this incident :roflol:

So I think I have enough scraps to make 2 whole frames LOL. I musta looked like an idiot digging through their pile of trash for an hour!

Semi long story short, here is my real weld on steel. Think its frame worthy? I cant break it for the life of me!

http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/8/l_f5d9867d855c4d60a213b1928168ac87.jpg

Ohh, and towards the end the bead gets thin and rushed, This was mainly do to the fact that my sleeve caught on fire and it was getting VERY hot lol. I looked down and noticed that it was actually on fire!!!

You put me to shame :( :D

I use a $30 grinder :auto:

[Kenny_McCormic]

A hacksaw is the cheapest, a cheapo $10 mitre box helps.

[Sdannenberg3]

I can use the grinder to make cuts? Keep in mind I will be making about 50 cuts.

A hacksaw is the cheapest, a cheapo $10 mitre box helps.

Ahhhh, no. Im not making 50 cuts with a hack saw. My arm would fall off. LOL

[kibble]

I can use the grinder to make cuts? Keep in mind I will be making about 50 cuts.

If you use a cutting disc, a regular grinding wheel would probably not be a good choice.


Ahhhh, no. Im not making 50 cuts with a hack saw. My arm would fall off. LOL

Nuh uh! You'd just get really buff in a short amount of time! Besides, with a good blade and cutting fluid, making cuts with a hacksaw isn't all that bad. I've done it before.

[Sdannenberg3]

Well ya, I just meant do you think it would be worth buying a metal cutting blade in my wood cutting saw since im doing so many cuts. But I heard that its not the best idea to do that. But then some people say its 100% OK. soooo

[jr dragster Tyler]

Nuh uh! You'd just get really buff in a short amount of time! Besides, with a good blade and cutting fluid, making cuts with a hacksaw isn't all that bad. I've done it before.

Who needs the lube!

[kibble]

Well ya, I just meant do you think it would be worth buying a metal cutting blade in my wood cutting saw since im doing so many cuts. But I heard that its not the best idea to do that. But then some people say its 100% OK. soooo

I've done it and it works fine for me. I have a Dewalt though and I don't know if that makes a difference. When I need to cut wood, I switch out the blade.

Who needs the lube!

You'll last longer with lube, well, the blade will last longer with lube. :arf:

[Kenny_McCormic]

So long as it fits and the motor is decent I dont see why not.

[sayre315]

i use a reciprocating saw

[Kenny_McCormic]

i use a reciprocating saw

Sawzalls are the epic win!

[newrider3]

Sawzalls are the epic FAIL!
/fixed
Nothing like having your piece vibrate at a high enough frequency to move the table it's clamped to, and not cut at the same time. Even using the guide, and a brand new blade.
Grinder w/ cut off wheel works AMAZING. If you don't cheap out, the more expensive blades last ages longer.

[Kenny_McCormic]

You must not have the weight to hold the mofo down!

[2or3wheels]

I use a sawzall. anyone know where to buy new blades?