Learning to Weld Again

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I looked at some of daddy's welds on the trailer, and a lot of others since I joined the site.  Also Oldtimers reply to the trailer thread was pretty right on this evening.I haven't really used the DC side of the Lincoln crackerbox since I bought it.  Only times I tried it I used a magnetic ground thingy and messed around with some scrap.Decided today to use that damn 7018 all day long even if it killed me  Y'all know I'm a 6013 kinda guyTwo big changes.  Went to a better clamp on ground, and quit bangin' the rod to start an arc.  Scratched it on an old file to get rid of the excess flux coating before restarting the rod.  They always seemed to run ok until I had to restart 'em.  Then the arc started movin' around.  I think I ruined the coating and left bare spots on the side of the rod by whackin' it.  I ain't no damn weldorAnyhow the following crap is the "EPIC PROJECT" (Not really epic, just a cage to keep the f'n cows from tippin' the stock tank over)Flat welds 105amps DCEP,  fillets 115amps DCEP, material 2x2 11ga square tubing.Don't laugh, I'm still figgerin' out how to run the damn thingsI gotta say, I'm startin' to really like 'em.  The noise of the arc is easier on the ears/nerves, and the heat seems easier to control.  It'll take a while to get the hang of it.  Stuck the rod twice, and had one burnthrough.Pic One- A flat weldPic Two- Flat ground down in order to fit another piece of tubing.  I really like the fact that there are no voids.  These welds are always a PITA for me because you're trying to fill the gap where the shoulder of the tubing meets the thin edge of the other piece of tubing butting to itPic Three- The better ground I've gone toGonna be a ton of pics.  I had one hell of a good time today, best in a while Attached Images"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Some fillet welds Attached Images"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:This is one of the coolest things of all (to me anyhow)The 6013 doesn't work well flowing around corners unless you actually have the rod, and the work, in a good position to flow the metal around the corner.  The 7018 flows well around the corner and allows a really good tie in for the next weld.  (A watertight thing to me) Attached Images"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:I never had this kind of control over heat before.  A speedy, fast and sleazy wash bead to tie in the the edge.  These kind of welds are a PITA also.  I always have a hard time washing the puddle into the thin edge without blowin' it away Attached Images"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Just some general fabrication stuffPic One- The actual project.  Stock tank fits inside and can't be tipped over.Pic Two-  The usual FUBAR.  Got so carried away with the new rod that I welded all corners of the uprights before tackin' 'em to the rest of the frame.  Pulled about 1/4" out of square.  Tacked the backside, then used the jack to spread it out to fit..  If I had a brain, I'd be dangerousPic Three- Same same Attached Images"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Finally- Usin' the bag of tricks to put tension on the top runners in order to hold them really firm while tacking.  A come along is one of the handiest things in the worldWas one hell of a fun day.  Haven't had this much fun in a long time Attached Images"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Well, at least with my clothes on"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Welds look good from here samm.Looks like the weather was nice for you. A bit of sun on your face goes a long way this time of year.Next thing you know you'll be searchin' a rod oven for all them lo-hy's. The other thing you might do, is compare a couple of destructive tests between your new found love, and the old nasty 6013 "farmer rod"    I've been surprised at times just how strong a very small 7018 weld can be.
Reply:Originally Posted by daddyWelds look good from here samm.Looks like the weather was nice for you. A bit of sun on your face goes a long way this time of year.Next thing you know you'll be searchin' a rod oven for all them lo-hy's. The other thing you might do, is compare a couple of destructive tests between your new found love, and the old nasty 6013 "farmer rod"    I've been surprised at times just how strong a very small 7018 weld can be.
Reply:Definately sounds like you had a fun day.  And a good looking day too.  Now if we can only get you to try it with the color blue.Someone commented here not too long ago that if you've only ever run AC, you'll really be impressed using DC.  It appears that held true today.MM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!
Reply:I've learned quite alot here. One thing is for sure... no shortage of opininons on how you should do something !!Seriously, glad to hear you are "thinking outside the stock tank"
Reply:Looks good Sam, entertaining and informative post.If you don't want to stand behind our Troops, feel free to stand in front of them.
Reply:daddy- It's an eye opener for an ol' fart.  Duane- I have a secret weapon.  I'm thinkin' of firin' up the Ranger to do some thicker stuff(only thing I've used it for is AC).  I think the crackerbox doesn't have the gonads to do much more."Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Well done, well done!  You bring tears of memories to those days when life was simplier, and we just did it cause it had to be done, not thinking twice if we were really qualified!  Your welds look really good, those cows don't have a chance now!I can tell your year is going to be a Great one!  You will be amazed how good that rod runs when connected to a blue machine (LOL)TimPS: only thing better then one come along is (two) and another BFHA rich man is not the one who has the most but instead one who needs theleast. Retired IUEC local 19AK Bush pilot,  Chaplain  CMA Chapt 26victor torchesMiller110v migDynasty 200dx (new in Dec 08)Hypertherm PM-45MM-252 (new 2/09)
Reply:Psssst!  I heard from a very reliable source that duaneb used to use red welders back in the day . . . but you didn't hear it from me!MikeConstans Fides et IntegritasLincoln Weldanpower 150 ACAirco Aircomatic MIGet CAV II w/ spoolgunMillermatic 30a wirefeeder
Reply:Pssst!  We all did,  but that was a lonnnnnnnng time ago!TimA rich man is not the one who has the most but instead one who needs theleast. Retired IUEC local 19AK Bush pilot,  Chaplain  CMA Chapt 26victor torchesMiller110v migDynasty 200dx (new in Dec 08)Hypertherm PM-45MM-252 (new 2/09)
Reply:hey farmersamm you are an inspiration. i been workin on tiggin, and first time in several weeks burnt some rod yesterday and it seemedlike ive lost my fine touch   lollollol, beads looked a little rough...gonna practice with 7018 today...was that some new rod or some old rod you were burnin?
Reply:Well Farmersamm looks like you got the DC side of the machine under control now. I knew there was a reason I wanted a stick machine with DC. Thanks for refreshing my memory. I don't think the wife will be to happy about you refreshing my memory though. But the blame will all be on you, thanks again.Miller Thunderbolt 225Millermatic 130 XPLincoln HD 100 Forney C-5bt Arc welderPlasma Cutter Gianteach Cut40ACent Machinery Bandsaw Cent Machinery 16Speed Drill PressChicago Electric 130amp tig/90 ArcHobart 190 Mig spoolgun ready
Reply:STwelder,I you really want to see sparks fly (pun intended) do like I did and buy a Dynasty200 so you can have the tig and DC stick,  it really does a sweet job (the little I have done with it) with 1/8" 7018.I am blessed with an amazing Wife of 31 years!!!  We now have a rule, if I want something new I have to sell something old!!  works for me! (as long as it isn't my hand toolsl.TimA rich man is not the one who has the most but instead one who needs theleast. Retired IUEC local 19AK Bush pilot,  Chaplain  CMA Chapt 26victor torchesMiller110v migDynasty 200dx (new in Dec 08)Hypertherm PM-45MM-252 (new 2/09)
Reply:Looks good sam. I know what you mean about being a 6013 kinda guy I run a decient amount of it. I don't care what people think i really don't hate using it. Also sam, How is that cracker box working? Home deopt usually has the dc/ac ones onsale for a good price.ShaneYa gotta spend money to make money!
Reply:Originally Posted by [email protected] am blessed with an amazing Wife of 31 years!!!  We now have a rule, if I want something new I have to sell something old!!  works for me! (as long as it isn't my hand toolsl.Tim
Reply:Saaammm!!!!   Those are some real nice lookin' welds!   The close-up photography is pretty good, too!!  Have another on me!!  -MondoMember, AWSLincoln ProMIG 140Lincoln AC TombstoneCraftsman Lathe 12 x 24 c1935Atlas MFC Horizontal MillCraftsman Commercial Lathe 12 x 36 c1970- - - I'll just keep on keepin' on.
Reply:Originally Posted by farmersammPic Three- The better ground I've gone to..
Reply:Originally Posted by farmersammdaddy- It's an eye opener for an ol' fart.  Duane- I have a secret weapon.  I'm thinkin' of firin' up the Ranger to do some thicker stuff(only thing I've used it for is AC).  I think the crackerbox doesn't have the gonads to do much more.
Reply:Well Samm, I gotta tell you the truth. Those welds aren't too slouchy. Honestly, I have seen guys that were professionals, made their living welding, and couldn't do that good. Forget that 6013.I haven't used an AC stick welder for anything since around 1966. I have an AC crackerbox but it has had a DC converter sitting on it almost since it was new. Even when arc blow rears it's ugly head, I still use DC. There are ways to overcome that problem after you learn some tricks. And cussing seems to help too.Hey, any welder that has an engine on it needs to have LINCOLN written on it somewhere.By the way, I see you are a pretty good southern engineer too.Took a while to think this out. Really don't know what to say.  Thank you."Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Now that your into DC Samm, you should get you some 6010 5P+ for any rusted metal you might have. It's a fast freeze rod. When your welding on junk or pipe it's the rod to have. Man you can close a gap with them.I heard an old weldor say once that he could weld any thing from the crack of dawn to a broken heart. I asked him what rod he used for that and he replied a 5P of course.
Reply:I guess it's next.  If it's anything like 6011, I'm gonna be patchin' a lot of holes at the beginning.  I just look at 6011, and it's like magic, a hole appears in the metal.  Took me a long time to figure out the right arc length, and speed."Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:had a counterman at a lws tell me he could weld a fart under water. i said"craap rod at 60 amps?"
Reply:Gee Sam it all looks good to me. The welds, the photo's, the projects (I really liked the orange ones ) and even your weather. I've always enjoyed your posts. Seems like your always doing something there. Happy New Year friend. PaulMiller 302 Trailblazer/Custom TrailerMillermatic 350P/Spool gunMillermatic 252Miller Spectrum 875Miller Dynasty200DxHypertherm Powermax 85Tracker CNC 4X8 Pro Table (Down Draft)Visit us @ www.specialtyrepairscustommods.com