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!

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!

 

[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.

 

[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

 

[Sdannenberg3]

OHH NO!!! But YAY in the end!!!

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

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!

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

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

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!

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

I use a $30 grinder