welding positioner needed?!

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Hello all,      Have new gig, welding part to part for local machine shop. Somewhere between 600 to 800 per month. Received test/proto-types today. I'm testing  my options as to achieve optimal time and quality results. So far a bust. I tried to used a roller table, like small roller conveyor, to spin tube with one hand while welding with other. NOT working. I need a positioning/ turn table. I've priced the commercial one, not happening. I have access to a large industrial supply, can anyone suggest what type of motor, controller, gear box, etc....would work for an adjustable speed positioner? Attached ImagesMiller TrailBlazer 251Miller HF-250-1Miller MaxStar 150 STLHyperTherm PowerMax 380 plasmaLincoln PowerMig 180Millermatic 252Miller Diversion 180
Reply:A new Atlas 100 lb is about $750 plus another $400 for a chuck.  If you have 600 to 800 pieces a month you are not going to make it with out it.I paid $1400 for my atlas 200 lb with chuck and extra face plate.  Its worth the money for work like you have.It piad for its self on the first job.David Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:i have a very old turret lathe with a 220 reastat to adjust your speed 400 dol in the whole thing with chuck
Reply:depending on the credit worthiness of the customer, i might come up wit some sort of compromise before spending the cheddar ona positioner, migth even find one for rent or loan.since these parts are premachined do you have any strict tolerances to hold ?insert thoughtful quote from someone else2000 Thermal Arc 300GTSW 3.5 hours1946 Monarch 20 x 54 Lathe1998 Supermax 10x54 Mill2004 Haco Atlantic 1/2" Capacity Lasernot mine but i get to play with it
Reply:Originally Posted by chenrydepending on the credit worthiness of the customer, i might come up wit some sort of compromise before spending the cheddar ona positioner, migth even find one for rent or loan.since these parts are premachined do you have any strict tolerances to hold ?
Reply:have you done any testing? .006 total deviation ? is this length or run-out ?if run out i would probably machine them after weldinginsert thoughtful quote from someone else2000 Thermal Arc 300GTSW 3.5 hours1946 Monarch 20 x 54 Lathe1998 Supermax 10x54 Mill2004 Haco Atlantic 1/2" Capacity Lasernot mine but i get to play with it
Reply:Originally Posted by chenryhave you done any testing? .006 total deviation ? is this length or run-out ?if run out i would probably machine them after welding
Reply:As always, the expert advice given is greatly appreciated.  I think we got a little of topic. My query was can anyone suggest a motor/drive/controller system to use in a homemade positioner/table?Miller TrailBlazer 251Miller HF-250-1Miller MaxStar 150 STLHyperTherm PowerMax 380 plasmaLincoln PowerMig 180Millermatic 252Miller Diversion 180
Reply:Check out Ebay.... I found a low speed Bodine DC gearmotor and a controller for less than $100.00 including shipping.http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=28578Rex
Reply:How much is your time worth?  You can spend the time and some money on making your own home/shop-made rotary positioner.  You'll need some sort of motor, and then depending on the motor you'll need a controller and/or some gearbox or other speed reducer, plus the structure and some shaft(s), plus the chuck, and wiring, and maybe a footpedal and some forward/reverse switches and maybe a big knob to adjust the speed.Or you can just go and buy one.    The best laid schemes ... Gang oft agley ...
Reply:Got any 7-11's in your area?  A convenience store hot dog roller would work perfectly, and you could get about 10 of them on there at a time!
Reply:Or you could just put them in a free standing vise and do them in the hori which would be about the fastest of the lot I'd rather be hunting........USE ENOUGH HEAT.......Drifting around Aussie welding more pipe up, for something different.....wanting to get home.
Reply:Tomorrow I have to quote 1,000 pieces of rebar Just caps welded on18 or 24 inch pieces.I hope I am quoting against you.Buy it and they will come Its nice work, I usually sit on a stool.Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:What process are you using?David Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:This thing will hold a tolerance of about 1/2" http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=13392Common sense in an uncommon degree is what the world calls wisdom.
Reply:Originally Posted by David RTomorrow I have to quote 1,000 pieces of rebar Just caps welded on18 or 24 inch pieces.I hope I am quoting against you.Buy it and they will come Its nice work, I usually sit on a stool.
Reply:I manage to find myself an aircraft brand, 10 or 15 yrs old, but hardly used. It was discovered in the corner of a tool crib in a plant being decommissioned. It has a foot peddle, a purge gas inlet, and is adjustable 90 degrees.Miller TrailBlazer 251Miller HF-250-1Miller MaxStar 150 STLHyperTherm PowerMax 380 plasmaLincoln PowerMig 180Millermatic 252Miller Diversion 180
Reply:Originally Posted by David RWhat process are you using?David
Reply:In that case I would be using the tig, no question.  Haven't seen anyone that can get a mig start looking that sweet.I'd rather be hunting........USE ENOUGH HEAT.......Drifting around Aussie welding more pipe up, for something different.....wanting to get home.
Reply:Wagin, no nothing personal at all.  I am just passing my experience.  I bought the positioner and the work came for it.  Its NICE work.  I can weld sitting on a stool.  I bought another positioner that will pick ME up and spin around.  Its a good investment in your business.I am glad you found one.  The job I looked at is weld a 3/8" washer on top of a piece of 1/2" rebar.  Basically making a nail. They had some and they looked pretty cheesy.  I suggested a 1/2" flat washer down the rebar 1/4" .  I'm  taking a couple samples on moday..  I'm thinking I can get more money per piece. This could be a regular thing, so I have to be sure I am going to make a few bucks.That job you have is a good one.  They will look best tigged, but you might start looking into a way to do it with wire feed.  Just $.  Those are some tight tolerances to keep.  I would make 4 tacks before starting to weld it. Tig is fun, but the # of pieces and now that you have a positioner, you might find a better way.To bid a job like that, I tig a few, see how long it takes, then If I get the job, I use pulsed spray or what works the best.  David Last edited by David R; 03-29-2009 at 08:47 AM.Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.