Putting a new floor in and lifting the axles on a stock trailer. Really glad it was one of my coworkers and not me that washed it out before it got brought in here lol
Hey everybody, I have a rather unfortunate announcement to make. We're gonna be closing WelderSkills in late July. Many of you have likely noticed that things have slowed down a bit around here lately. That's largely because my Dad (Jody) is currently in the hospital receiving treatment for a rather serious diagnosis. He has a long, hard road ahead, and his treatment will require 100% of his focus for the foreseeable future. Closure is certainly not what we'd like to do, but without my Dad's contributions (both on camera and behind the scenes) WelderSkills just won't be getting the attention it deserves, and won't be able to earn your membership fee every month with new content. WelderSkills is a product whose quality we are committed to maintaining. If it's beyond our ability to meet that quality standard, then we don't feel right in offering it to you all. For those of you who have signed up with an annual membership after July of 2024, I realize you won't be able to get your full year of access. For that reason, I'll begin processing prorated refunds very soon for members who won't be getting their full year (For instance, if you signed up last October, you'll receive a refund for 3 months of service). If you signed up for an annual subscription using the App Store or Google Play, send me an email to get your refund because that process works a little differently (joey@welderskills.com).As a thank you for signing up with us, our full course library (Intro to TIG, MIG, Stick and mini courses) will be made available to download until we close the service for all active members. Aside from that, the WelderSkills service will maintain all functionality until we go offline. Thank you all so much for giving this thing a shot. I had a great time working on it, and please believe me that this announcement absolutely sucks to make. It's truly been an honor and something I'm really proud of building with my Dad, all of our awesome instructors, and each of you. -JoeyFeel free to comment here or email me with any questions at joey@welderskills.comI'll continue to post updates as I have them!EDIT: moved to new channel 'WelderSkillsClosure' where I'll discuss all details related to that!
Here's the dedicated channel for questions to make sure we don't miss anyone! Leave your questions here. If you'd like to ask a specific instructor, use the '@' feature. For example, type '@jody collier' followed by your question. That will notify the instructor directly. The attached image shows what it looks like if you were to tag jody.--This feature also works on videos! So if you have a question about a specific video, be sure to tag the instructor in the comments of that video.--We will be sure to check this thread for general questions as well! Thanks to Aaron Laughlin for prompting this new thread.
in ❓ questions
January 17
• Edited (Jan 22, 2025)
Edit. I thought that I'd posted this in the questions but ended up in General. So I thought I'd tag Matt Hayden in case he doesn't see it here.
Not real crazy about what I saw when cut and etched some sample 2F welds with the dual shield at 25V/250 IPM 35 CFH C25. They look OK on the surface, but about zero root fusion, and pretty shallow penetration. The etch wasn't great and didn't photo well. The 1/4" material was spotless clean and square; no rounded over sheared rolled edges. It was belt sanded square. Maybe I was traveling a little too fast? The throat is definitely under 1/4". Thoughts anyone?
Photo 1 cross section is pull beads top left/bottom right, and pull top right/bottom left. Photo 2 is pull, and Photo 3 is push.
Edit to add: Not sure what the hell is going on. Ran two more beads. Photo 4 is 25/250 and photo 5 is the Auto Set suggested 22.9/265. Slower travel speed to build up a bigger bead, which it did, but as you can see in the last photo, the root fusion in both is terrible. Squashed it in the 40T press and it held up OK, but I would hope so, welded on both sides.
March 10
• Edited (Mar 12, 2025)
Hey everybody, this channel is where I'll continue to provide updates and answer questions as we move closer to our site closure. Feel free to post in here with any questions about that.
As of now, I've started work on refunds/cancellations.
Some of you will see automated emails stating that your account has been cancelled. This is to prevent you from getting billed prior to the site closing down.
Just to be clear - you'll still have full access for your subscription period. I just don't want anyone getting hit with an annual auto renewal days or weeks prior to us shutting down.
If you'd still like to have access at the end of your annual subscription (but BEFORE site closure), email joey@welderskills.com and I can help you with that!
in 🛠️ projects
February 17
• Edited (Mar 20, 2025)
In the process of adding a motor drive to a rotary positioner kit, that was originally designed to be driven my a cordless drill motor. I bought the positioner kit knowing this, and never intended to use the drill motor, as that seemed pretty useless. Welded an adapter plate to one of the shoulder bolt axles, so it all moves as one unit, and happy with how it works. The combo of the 100 RPM 12VDC gearmotor, and the 40:1 gear reduction in the positioner, makes for a turntable that rotates at 0-2.5 RPM. Next is to make an enclosure for the motor, and a control box that will have the speed/direction control board and the battery( this will be powered with a Milwaukee M12 tool battery ). A foot switch will start/stop the table.
Before sinking too much effort, decided to run a test bead in DC and AC to make sure the HF start and/or AC freq didn't screw with the electronic speed control and motor. Didn't miss a beat, so will proceed with the remainder of the project. First beads ever using a positioner.
Edit. Thought I'd add a rundown of the major parts I used to motorize this Weltables rotary positioner. My subscription here expires in a few days, and not sure if I'll be renewing. Some work came in, so I won't have time to finish this project until next week.
PWM Speed Control-https://makermotor.com/pn00218-cyt13-25amp-7v-58v-high-voltage-dc-motor-driver-speed-controller-md25hv/
I got the flex coupler, 12V battery adapter, and foot pedal on Amazon, and should be simple enough to find in a search. I had to turn the hex end of the positioners shaft on a lathe. You could also simply adapt a socket to the motor shaft.
Edit to add: Another follow up, with a few photos of the final assembly of the motor housing and battery holder. Positioner works great and has plenty of torque. Set a 60 pound chunk of 1045 bar on the plate, and it rotates it smoothly at any speed. Very happy with it.
October 17, 2023
Let's see your projects! Start a post describing what you're working on and show some pics and videos! Let's help each other out with that build, repair, or modification. Credit to WelderSkills member Michael Kearsey for the idea!
in 🛠️ projects
February 14
Yesterday's project was welding up today's V-day gift for The Woman.
in ❓ questions
February 16
I’m looking for some info on a stick rod it is an ALL-STATE 24-AC i have never used this rod and I had a bunch given to me what I can find online about it is very little not very informative thanks
February 13
last night's podcast recording is up!
01:02:20
WS Podcast - Sam & Aren EP0...
Aren and Sam discuss the circumstances that lead to them...
February 12
Latest in the welding rig build from Sam
12:28
Sam Hagan - Welding Rig (Pa...
The next installment in Sam's latest series putting together a...
