Bobs 2024 Build Off Build

[bob58o]

So what’s the trick to welding with with a Harbor Freight flux core 120v machine.

0.120 - 0.125” thick rectangular tube
same thickness “pipe”

Videos say to come in at a 45 degree angle.
So I’m guessing I should split the angle between the wall of the rectangular tube and the tangent of the pipe.

Then the 15 degrees so hand leads the tip and I can drag the puddle.

I think my biggest issue is not being able to see well. Like shooting a gun, I just close my eyes and pull. lol

Second issue is not knowing how fast or slow to move the puddle with this machine.

Should a 3” weld take 10 seconds? 15 seconds?

 

[bob58o]

I’ve already converted unit to DC.
Other suggestions just mention making sure surfaces are clean, using good 0.030 wire (0.035 might require more power), 3/4” stick out, and hold the tip in place for 2 seconds when starting to form the initial puddle before starting to move it.

 

[Whitetrashrocker]

I have the can't see when welding problem. I got a new helmet. It's a yeswelder brand. It has 2 options for darkening weld and cut. There'd also a grind mode but it just stays at the light tint. I think its a 4.
Any way the cut mode goes from 4 to 8 and the weld is 8 to 12. IIRC.

I use it at 7. It was a world of difference being able to see what I was doing.

I also saw helmets with head lights. So I got a little head band light puck and taped it to my helmet. Putting a spot light right where I need it. This also made much improvement in my welds as I could really see what I was doing.

Other than that just practice on scrap. Lay beads by pushing, pulling, try vertically up and down.

Make adjustments to the weld power and feed. Learn the machine.

Listen to the arc. When you have it right it sounds good. Popping and sputtering are signs of a dirty base material or not setting the machine correctly.

Definitely a learned skill.


YESWELDER Large Viewing Screen 3.93"X3.66" True Color Solar Power Auto Darkening Welding Helmet, 4 Arc Sensor Wide Shade 4/5-9/9-13 for TIG MIG Arc Weld Grinding Welder Mask LYG-M800H https://a.co/d/0XLN95i

 

[Denny]

Humans are not made to fly Bob. That is why we go splat when we hit the ground from great heights. Gravity, it sucks!

 

[bob58o]

I have the can't see when welding problem. I got a new helmet. It's a yeswelder brand. It has 2 options for darkening weld and cut. There'd also a grind mode but it just stays at the light tint. I think its a 4.
Any way the cut mode goes from 4 to 8 and the weld is 8 to 12. IIRC.

I use it at 7. It was a world of difference being able to see what I was doing.

I also saw helmets with head lights. So I got a little head band light puck and taped it to my helmet. Putting a spot light right where I need it. This also made much improvement in my welds as I could really see what I was doing.

Other than that just practice on scrap. Lay beads by pushing, pulling, try vertically up and down.

Make adjustments to the weld power and feed. Learn the machine.

Listen to the arc. When you have it right it sounds good. Popping and sputtering are signs of a dirty base material or not setting the machine correctly.

Definitely a learned skill.


YESWELDER Large Viewing Screen 3.93"X3.66" True Color Solar Power Auto Darkening Welding Helmet, 4 Arc Sensor Wide Shade 4/5-9/9-13 for TIG MIG Arc Weld Grinding Welder Mask LYG-M800H https://a.co/d/0XLN95i

This probably needs cleaning, or replacing the glass/plastic, or just a better one.
It worked ok to view to eclipse.

I think bright lights will help a bunch. The welding was always in a dark place.

 

[Denny]

Bob just don’t start your carpet on fire.

 

[bob58o]

Bob just don’t start your carpet on fire.

In my last apartment I spattered all over the linoleum kitchen floor. It burns.

Now I got some “welding blankets?”.

Amazon.com

 

[Whitetrashrocker]

That blue flame special was what I had. I wouldn't give it to my enemy after seeing what a difference a different brand made.

 

[bob58o]

That blue flame special was what I had. I wouldn't give it to my enemy after seeing what a difference a different brand made.

I ordered a new helmet.
The brand you mentioned.

LYG-M800H $69
It was $55 after 20% coupon.

Amazon.com

 

[bob58o]

I have a tentative welding session with a professional welder either tomorrow or Monday.

I think he uses sticks. Or MIG at his shop. I asked if I could bring my machine and try on it so I know how to use it in the future.

Im going to try to grab some Anti-Spatter spray.

 

[Master Hack]

Practice, when ya get it right it sounds like frying an egg.....

 

[bob58o]

Not really sure if this is the good stuff?
This is what I got for some anti-spatter.

 

[Master Hack]

Apparently nobody complains about the lights dimming in the building?

 

[Whitetrashrocker]

This was a really cool video with good footage and explanation.

 

[bob58o]

Apparently nobody complains about the lights dimming in the building?

Ain’t nobody walking the mile to ask those questions. We blame that on aluminum wires without the proper aluminum wire goo in the electrical boxes.

Electricity shall now be passed through your body until you are welded in accordance with state law. Roll on Two.

 

[Denny]

Be careful with that welding blanket. I’ve started them on fire before.

 

[bob58o]

I have the can't see when welding problem. I got a new helmet. It's a yeswelder brand. It has 2 options for darkening weld and cut. There'd also a grind mode but it just stays at the light tint. I think its a 4.
Any way the cut mode goes from 4 to 8 and the weld is 8 to 12. IIRC.

I use it at 7. It was a world of difference being able to see what I was doing.

I also saw helmets with head lights. So I got a little head band light puck and taped it to my helmet. Putting a spot light right where I need it. This also made much improvement in my welds as I could really see what I was doing.

Other than that just practice on scrap. Lay beads by pushing, pulling, try vertically up and down.

Make adjustments to the weld power and feed. Learn the machine.

Listen to the arc. When you have it right it sounds good. Popping and sputtering are signs of a dirty base material or not setting the machine correctly.

Definitely a learned skill.


YESWELDER Large Viewing Screen 3.93"X3.66" True Color Solar Power Auto Darkening Welding Helmet, 4 Arc Sensor Wide Shade 4/5-9/9-13 for TIG MIG Arc Weld Grinding Welder Mask LYG-M800H https://a.co/d/0XLN95i

To use this helmet at level shade level 7, it needs to stay in “cut mode” correct? I think I understand the way this works.

Cut mode contains levels 5-9 and once I switch to weld mode, the same knob control switches to levels 9-13? So “all the way dark” on “cut mode” should be the same as “most light” on “weld mode” at a level 9 shade?

And just to be sure… you are welding at level 7? In cut mode? Shade Knob in middle?

 

[bob58o]

I believe shade level 7 is the minimum recommended for arc current less than 60Amps.
I don’t remember how many amps this old Chicago Electric flux core is? 90 Amps?

 

[bob58o]

This might have been the video I used to convert the AC machine to a DCEN machine.

Another HF 90 Amp Flux Core DCEN Conversion

The first hurdle for me was removing the plastic screw that holds the grounding cable in place. The screw basically turned to putty the first time I tried to unscrew it. But I got it out! I needed some more slack. This wire will get cut and the side coming from the transformer will go to 1...

www.diygokarts.com

 

[bob58o]

Not sure what this video was for.
Right after completing the conversion.
Sounds ok though. And some practice beads after the conversion.