new member, my project pictures

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Hey guys, I've been reading this forum for a few weeks now and have been learning a lot of tips and tricks from many of you, and have been very impressed by your pictures and projects.I work full-time as a highway maintainer for the IL. Dept. of Transportation.  I've been doing this job for 4 years, before that, I was a prison guard for 2 years.  Before that, I was a mechanic on just about anything you can think of.   I don't really consider myself a welder, but I can and have built many pieces of equipment over the years.  My latest project was building a new end "boot" for our salt auger at work.  This auger is 8 years old and sees about 300-400 tons of salt run through it yearly.  Even with washing it out after every use, the salt has really taken a toll on it.  I've patched this thing together for the past 3 years, and they finally decided it was time to do something with it.  ThIS picture shows the "before" condition.  No explanation necessary - this thing is JUNK!!! Here I have the new boot and hitch beam all welded together.  I used 1/4" steel for the boot, the hitch beam is 2"x4" x1/4".  I didn't take any pics of the cutting and fitting together process, but now I wish I would have.  I spent about 5 hours cutting and fitting everything together.  I just used common shop tools, (since the state is too cheap to equip us with a really functional fab. shop) - a framing square, and oxy/acetylene torch, and a 7" Dewalt grinder.  Our welder is an old (it's old to me - I'm 35 and never seen one like it before) Miller - just a power switch and different holes to plug the leads into to change amp settings.   This picture shows the cleanout door on the bottom side of the boot, along with one of my co-workers holding a dry mop - I think he thought I might actually get a picture of him working - but not a chance.  Here I have laid out the holes for the boot to bolt to the auger tube.  After getting everything marked and double checked, I drilled all the bolt holes and then cut out the hole for the auger screw.Next was the hole in the top for the salt to enter the boot.Here's the installation phase - hopefully I didn't make any mistakes marking all those bolt holes!!Installation complete!!  Everything fit and lined up as it should.  Last edited by Road Warrior; 05-01-2007 at 11:59 PM.
Reply:Looks good, very functional and great fit! Welcome to WELDING web !John -  fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!-  bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com
Reply:Nice job...interesting. Is this a machine used to load tucks w/ salt or does it fill the storage shed with salt ?   P.S. I hope you get to charge extra for welding on the job !  -Graham-Mechanical EngineerAutosport Mechanic/Fabricator
Reply:Originally Posted by grahamtheengineerNice job...interesting. Is this a machine used to load tucks w/ salt or does it fill the storage shed with salt ?   P.S. I hope you get to charge extra for welding on the job !
Reply:One question, why not stainless?DewayneDixieland WeldingMM350PLincoln 100Some torchesOther misc. tools
Reply:Originally Posted by littlefuzzOne question, why not stainless?
Reply:Originally Posted by PookieWanna bet it is $$$ ?
Reply:You don't consider yourself a welder? You should , and so should your boss who probably saved considrerably more than the $1500 you quoted him. Nice work. Welcome."Si Vis Pacem Para Bellum"Lincoln Idealarc 250 AC/DCMillermatic 251   Syncrowave 300   30A spoolgunLincoln MP210Hypertherm 45(2) LN 25(2) Lincoln Weldanpower 225 CV(4) SA200   1 short hood    SA250    SAM 400
Reply:Originally Posted by kolotYou don't consider yourself a welder? You should , and so should your boss who probably saved considrerably more than the $1500 you quoted him. Nice work. Welcome.
Reply:you are a welder ,and a very good fabricator ,welcome.
Reply:Oh yea, you pass.  Id definately be hinting to your superiors, is there a pay grade for DOT maintenance and welders.Various GrindersVictor Journeyman torch200cf Acet. 250cf oxygenLincoln 175 plus/alpha2 gunLincoln v205t tigLincoln 350mpEsab 650 plasmaWhen you can get up in the morning, Its a good day.Live each day like its your last.
Reply:Originally Posted by Road WarriorThanks for the compliment, I really appreciate it, but I don't think I'm on the same page as some as the other guys on here!!
Reply:Originally Posted by zapsterWe're all on the same page.. Diffrent Paragraphs..Thats all.. ...zap!
Reply:Originally Posted by DoolittleOh yea, you pass.  Id definately be hinting to your superiors, is there a pay grade for DOT maintenance and welders.
Reply:Maybe we can take a closer look at the welds of your great project!My Babies: HF Drill pressHF Pipe Bender3   4.5" Black and Decker angle grindersLincoln Electric PROMIG 175that´s it!