Stacked dimes is very difficult. Most of us aim for it and only get it by accident. Flux core makes it tougher because of the slag. It's easiest with TIG. Function out weights form. If the welds are strong, that's all that matters. Grind them smooth but don't risk weakening it too much.
$50 Arc welder?
- Thread starter Flexibel_kampfe
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r97
Measure twice cut once
take your time, show us a weld that you feel you would trust on a kart, my first "weld" was...... lol
p.s. if i'm really focused i can manage what i would consider a stack of dimes, but nothing compared to tig!
p.s. if i'm really focused i can manage what i would consider a stack of dimes, but nothing compared to tig!
devino246
Official DIYGK Chem Nerd
Not to brag or anything, but this is just about the nicest looking weld you can get out of a flux-cored welder. I used my 90amp Century welder. Its 1/8", the thickest the machine can weld. I also cut and etched the weld to see penetration. Note the 'stacked dimes'. This was done moving in a straight line; no circles, no V's. If I had a better ground clamp, I would have slowed the wire speed and gotten better penetration, but the arc was too jumpy below a wire speed setting of 5. Also, I didnt move the nozzle at a constant speed. I moved a little, stopped for a second, moved a little... That seems to get the best looking weld. Mabe today I'll go to HF and get a better ground clamp and retry this weld. Dont expect to get a perfect weld any time soon. I got this welder for my 12th birthday. Ive had lots of practice.
This 1/8"x3/4" steel is the best to practice on IMO. Its about $4 for 3 feet at Lowe's. You should be able to find it in the Hardware department, right near where you found the sheetmetal.
As for welding galvanized, I built my entire kart out of galvanized. I've never gotten galv. fever or had any ill effects from it. Grinding near the weld helps, but you cant get to the galv. on the inside. Just keep your head out of the fumes and/or point a fan toward your weld.
BTW, one of these welding jackets are great to have. Not too expensive either.
This 1/8"x3/4" steel is the best to practice on IMO. Its about $4 for 3 feet at Lowe's. You should be able to find it in the Hardware department, right near where you found the sheetmetal.
As for welding galvanized, I built my entire kart out of galvanized. I've never gotten galv. fever or had any ill effects from it. Grinding near the weld helps, but you cant get to the galv. on the inside. Just keep your head out of the fumes and/or point a fan toward your weld.
BTW, one of these welding jackets are great to have. Not too expensive either.
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brendonv
New member
When welding galvanized metal you need to grind off the zinc coating (galvanize coating) otherwise it wont weld. If you dont grind it off you are burning zinc which is highly toxic. Not only do you get a **** weld, you can also get some nasty side effects. Dont weld on galvanized metal, grind it first, ALWAYS!
r97
Measure twice cut once
i made this one,(flux core), can sometimes get better ones, but this isn't too tough if i'm concentrated.
p.s. i was comparing circles, to another technique (forget what it was) thats why the top doesn't look too pretty.
Flexibel_kampfe
Hopeful for building kart
LOL R97...
Well, today I am going to practice a little more... I still have a bit of wire left....like a big bit.. Today I made the common sence move to wear boots, and a hat... I got metal in my shoe yesterday.. and it wasnt fun... I also could feel it hitting my hair... no bald spots yet...
Typing up my sign now... Hopefully people figure out to read the sign... else they will after they get arc eye...
I also cleaned my bench off, and moved all my woodworking tools well away from the area... so I no longer have to worry about damaging them... as much so...
Well, today I am going to practice a little more... I still have a bit of wire left....like a big bit.. Today I made the common sence move to wear boots, and a hat... I got metal in my shoe yesterday.. and it wasnt fun... I also could feel it hitting my hair... no bald spots yet...
Typing up my sign now... Hopefully people figure out to read the sign... else they will after they get arc eye...
I also cleaned my bench off, and moved all my woodworking tools well away from the area... so I no longer have to worry about damaging them... as much so...
devino246
Official DIYGK Chem Nerd
The welds look pretty good. I still dont understand the circles. Remember, it may look good, but that doesnt mean it stuck good. You'll get used to the sparks. BTW, if you get a piece of metal stuck in your skin, a wet rag soaked in epsom salt/water gets it right out.
That sign will be good. That way its 100% their fault if they burn their retnas.
Flexibel_kampfe
Hopeful for building kart
Ill have to remember that epson salts trick.. I am always getting slivers of various materials... I still got a few metal slivers from almost a month ago...
I found that gloves really dont keep the heat out... Although they do more than bare skin...
Now the fun part will be after... cleaning up all the metal... grr..
I found that gloves really dont keep the heat out... Although they do more than bare skin...
Now the fun part will be after... cleaning up all the metal... grr..
Flexibel_kampfe
Hopeful for building kart
Yay! I just managed to get some really good consistant weldeds.. they look purty... and I could stand on it(200lbs) w/o the welds failing... I took too small 6in pieces of sheetmetal, (6x1) and overlapped them, welding up the edges, as well as the sides.. Now I am practicing over head and uphill.. just to get a feel.. I learned I need a hat..
Bluethunder3320
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yeah a hat helps.
im going to pick up a ground clamp soon and tell you if it works better than the original one.
hopefully i can get it tomorrow.
im going to pick up a ground clamp soon and tell you if it works better than the original one.
hopefully i can get it tomorrow.
Flexibel_kampfe
Hopeful for building kart
I have to get some drop clothes, as well as a fire extinguisher.... before I burn the joint down... it never donned on me how far sparks fly...
Flexibel_kampfe
Hopeful for building kart
Do you guys know: Can that small little welder take a 10lb roll? I was looking at the costs.. and its uneconomical to buy 1lb rolls, at $15/lb versus 10lb rolls, at $60/10lb.... $6/lb compared to $15/lb...
Bluethunder3320
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uhh, the only problem i see is it not fitting inside the machine. you could either roll it up onto 2lb rolls or the one it came with, or modify the unit.
you could unscrew the cover maybe.
you could unscrew the cover maybe.
devino246
Official DIYGK Chem Nerd
Go measure the max diameter roll you could fit in the machine. Ill measure my 10lb. roll.
r97
Measure twice cut once
i believe 10lb rolls are 8" dia, its pretty standard to have a 8" fit . get this(if you have .035 wire, other wise get the correct wire), mine is in the mail, http://weldingsupply.securesites.com/cgi-bin/spider.pl?ED016354||1|340|
p.s. i know it takes more than looks to get a weld pass my standards. my test is vice clamp + sledge hammer,the metal (1/4" on 1/8" max machine set to wire speed 4.5 (lincoln weldpak hd)is too distorted to hit with the hammer any more before i can even scratch the weld.
p.s. i know it takes more than looks to get a weld pass my standards
. my test is vice clamp + sledge hammer,the metal (1/4" on 1/8" max machine set to wire speed 4.5 (lincoln weldpak hd)is too distorted to hit with the hammer any more before i can even scratch the weld.
Flexibel_kampfe
Hopeful for building kart
Is the centre hole larger than that of a 2lb/1lb?
r97
Measure twice cut once
nvr mind,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VI8ucN4XRs
i have thought of making a kart like in that vid, but the only reason i would do that is so i could fit a 25lb spool, lol, but may be worth it to you for that 10lb.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VI8ucN4XRs
i have thought of making a kart like in that vid, but the only reason i would do that is so i could fit a 25lb spool, lol, but may be worth it to you for that 10lb.
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