Aluminum Boarding Ladder...

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After nearly falling onto my butt numerous times as I tried to get onto the boat; myself and the owner agreed that it's time for a boarding ladder... Unfortunately, it's no where near as nice as it is in this picture on the island at the moment...My plans are sitting on the bench at the shop at the moment. I'll update with pictures tomorrow. Spent some time this evening and brushed up on my aluminum MIG, though. Miller XMT 304 Spoolmatic 30A w/.035 5356 Wire100% Ar 30 CFM1/4" 1/8"Blowing 35 + knots right now. Gorgeous...Do you really know all of the work that goes into getting that fish onto your plate?
Reply:Nice looking welds! You should cut those in a couple pieces polish them and etch them!
Reply:Thanks.I'm definitely getting a burnished finish on the welds; already running 100% Ar @ 30 CFM...I'd like to get them shiny, may try bumping up my flow rate slightly.Do you really know all of the work that goes into getting that fish onto your plate?
Reply:They look cold to me. And that bead is not very big. The 1/8 looks good but not the 1/4
Reply:Can I ask what empirical reasoning you used?Do you really know all of the work that goes into getting that fish onto your plate?
Reply:Originally Posted by motolife313Nice looking welds! You should cut those in a couple pieces polish them and etch them!
Reply:Looks good but not strong
Reply:That's why I said etch it
Reply:Originally Posted by jeverichMiller XMT 304 Spoolmatic 30A w/.035 5356 Wire100% Ar 30 CFM1/4" 1/8"Blowing 35 + knots right now. Gorgeous...
Reply:Well I get to be inside today...Moto - not trying to bust your balls; I guess I just value conjecture backed by evidence. I'm not overly experienced with aluminum, and suggestions are more welcome.Thanks Dave, it's nice to actually be most dry for almost an entire day!!Do you really know all of the work that goes into getting that fish onto your plate?
Reply:When I compare the bead width of the 1/8 thick aluminum compared to the weld that one looks good but the 1/4 one looks to skinny that's my observation.im not trying to busy yours eitherLast edited by motolife313; 01-28-2015 at 03:26 PM.
Reply:Real nice looking boat!!!!!
Reply:Originally Posted by motolife313When I compare the bead width of the 1/8 thick aluminum compared to the weld that one looks good but the 1/4 one looks to skinny that's my observation.im not trying to busy yours either
Reply:nice id bump your argon up past 40cfh i run 50cfh at work .High Octane Welding
Reply:here you go
Reply:might as well post this too
Reply:only in Russia...lol...right?Of all the things I lost I miss my mind the most...I know just enough about everything to be dangerous......You cant cure stupid..only kill it...
Reply:Originally Posted by motolife313here you go
Reply:Yes ^^. Don't forget to post your work
Reply:Looks great to me Jake! I know it's a slippery profession you have on a wet commercial boat, what are you gonna use for some grip on the ladder rungs?I hate being bi-polar it's awsomeMy Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Reply:Alright guys; not trying to turn this into a swinging contest here - thanks for the advice, all...Mike - did you get that envelope? I know it wasn't much, but I bet no one else in NY has 'em.Using aluminum diamond plate, should give good traction and is within OSHA specs.Really digging this Milwaukee stand!Brownie points to whoever guesses what my bench is made from.I see BLUE!!!Do you really know all of the work that goes into getting that fish onto your plate?
Reply:Clean that aluminum real good before u weld it
Reply:Skate board grip tape is good traction. I put it on my dirtbike frame to grip my boots real good
Reply:Not too much progress; got sidetracked today.Just heard from the captain of a boat I used to engineer on, the were anchored up just off St. George Island (Pribilofs) last night, waiting out a storm. Took such a hard hit from a wave that it knocked one of the crew out of the top bunk, landed on the bunk below him - shattered the wood - and broke his pelvis. USCG medevac'd him to Anchorage.****ty way to wake up...Do you really know all of the work that goes into getting that fish onto your plate?
Reply:That sucks. Maybe they need to start putting bunk belts on during heavy wavesOriginally Posted by jeverichAlright guys; not trying to turn this into a swinging contest here - thanks for the advice, all...Mike - did you get that envelope? I know it wasn't much, but I bet no one else in NY has 'em.Using aluminum diamond plate, should give good traction and is within OSHA specs.Really digging this Milwaukee stand!Brownie points to whoever guesses what my bench is made from.I see BLUE!!!
Reply:Those practice welds looked fine to me.  I would just clean it with scotchbrite before welding fit it and weld away.  You sure have plenty of power with that machine, and I'm sure there will be adaquate bracing.  You'll be good to go when you get back to working on it!! Good luck man!