Warped Arcade Control Panel Help

Tue, 31 Aug 2021 14:04:36 GMT

go to see Welding Machine for Warped Arcade Control Panel Help

Of course this is my first welding project, and I hit my first (actually about 20th) problem.  I was welding up some holes in this metal control panel for an arcade game since someone decided to add in extra joysticks that shouldnt be there, and after I was done the metal has warped.I had no clue it could warp this bad.  I practiced on small pieces and didnt get burn though, but wasnt prepared for the warpage.After banging on the metal with a hammer and an anvil I cant seem to get it flat and there is also a ? kink? in the metal?  Not sure the correct term.  Where you can press the twist the metal and it will pop back mostly straight, but with the slightest touch it will pop back out and be bent again.Whats the best way to fix something like this?Here is a video that shows the panel and what i'm talking about.Thanks for the help, hope to learn and share on forum.
Replyut a small welding tip on your oxygen & acetylene torch. Heat a small circle on the highest spot. Just a dull red color should do on that thin of plate. Then spray some water on the heated area. Move to the next high spot and do the same thing. Before heating the second spot, make sure the plate is dead cold to the naked hand! Thin plate is always a PITA to heat shrink! Attached ImagesDon’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Okay will give that a whirl.  I'm not geared up yet, so Ill have to go get a plumbers torch from home depot or something to give it a try.  Will let you know how it goes.
Reply:Take your time, don’t be in any hurry! That thin plate can get away from you in a New York second! Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Sometimes heating short lines on the high spots works better than small circles. Attached ImagesDon’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Is there a trick to knowing what is truly high?  cause the middle is high if you look at it one way, flip it over, and the 2 sides are the ones that are high.  OR bend the panel's kink, and suddenly another area is high.  OR trying to press the entire panel flat on a table a few other spots pop up.Any clues?  I feel like im heating a land mine.  It was weird when i heated the panel with the torch the metal popped and freaked me out.. haha.
Reply:Originally Posted by laanguianoI feel like im heating a land mine.
Reply:Thin sheet sucks.If heat shrinking does not work for you, and hammer/dolly does not either - replace the panel and you'll be happy. Thin sheet is not very expensive and it will look perfect when you are done. Depending on how it bolts together, you may only have to replace the warped flat sheet and not the bent portion.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:Originally Posted by MinnesotaDaveThin sheet sucks.
Reply:Could you pop rivet a piece of 1/2'' x 1/2'' angle to it to hold it straight  ?  Another 90 degree brake would help too or bend another 90 and pound flat, a hem. Attachment 1437421                                     Attachment 1437431
Reply:cant replace the panel, they dont make these anymore.  Cant bend an extra lip or it wont fit.  I could try to weld a whole new top face on and cut the entire top piece off or put on the extra plate of steel on the back... possibly
Reply:Originally Posted by laanguianocant replace the panel, they dont make these anymore.  Cant bend an extra lip or it wont fit.  I could try to weld a whole new top face on and cut the entire top piece off or put on the extra plate of steel on the back... possibly
Reply:Get a sheet metal '' S '' cleat used for duct work joining from home store. Cut to length and push on. It maybe enough to hold straightAttachment 1438021