Hi folks, meant to fill this out after first joining the site, but spaced it out. I've always been primarily a " I'll weld when I need to weld something" kind of guy for most of my 60 years. Started stick welding in high school and on the farm. Got into MIG and then TIG later in life. After a hitch in the USAF, I worked in telecommunications all over Alaska for 30+ years. Primarily into doing machinist work on the side, but welding a lot more after selling the mill and lathe ( preparing for our move to the "lower 48" ). With the machine work gone, welding is the new focus, and would like to up my skills. Main interest is motorcycle related welding, saving machined parts from the scrap barrel, general repair work, and just plain "making stuff". Has been a great way to spend time after retiring, and enjoying welding more and more. Also volunteer doing machine and fabrication on a steam locomotive restoration , which has been very rewarding. Sure do appreciate the knowledge shared on here. Thanks!
Repaired the tongue for a hunting guides ATV/UTV trailer. It had a custom made swivel built into the hitch end, so the trailer and ATV can roll without stressing the hitch. It sees pretty hard use, and was just worn out. Mainly due to him not being able to periodically tighten the 7/8"-9 nylok nut to keep the play at a minimum. So, when I made the new one, I drilled/tapped a 1/4"-20 hole on the sides so set bolts could be screwed in to trap the nut. Then the whole assembly becomes the wrench to tighten the nut. When they're backed out it's free to swivel again. He also wanted a duplicate solid version made to keep on hand for an emergency spare. The camp is a good hours bush flight away( no road access ), so failures are expensive out there. No McMaster-Carr deliveries there!
Just got my stickers last night , really digging em. Thanks all.
I was listening to a podcast the other day. They had a man named Bill Newell on, and he was absolutely death on walking the cup. Something about lack of fusion between passes, from sharpening the tungsten down to a needle and tipping the torch way back. I can kind of see what he’s talking about, but I thought it was sort of extreme. Curious about your thoughts and experience.
Good evening. Have had a subscription here since its inception. Just now noticed the community board. Our company fabricates aluminum gates and this platform really helped get technique and processes down.
Aberdeengate.com
Jeffery Presbaugh
The bead challenge contest is over and we have winners!
1st - Jeff Loffert 🥇
2nd - Mike Murphy 🥈
3rd - Kenneth Lawrence 🥉
4th - Everyone else who entered, we're sending you something too!
Email me joey@welderskills.com with your name and address info so we can reward everybody who participated.
To recap, prizes are:
1st: Goodman Metal Products Kit, 1 on 1 call with Jody, Brad, JD, Sam, or Aren, TIG Finger Bundle, Gloves, and hat
2nd: Gloves, TIG finger Bundle, and Hat
3rd: TIG Finger Bundle
Everybody else who entered will get something nice too as a thank you and a early Christmas gift.
We're cooking up the next challenge as I type this, so look forward to that! We'll be highlighting the winners on socials likely starting tomorrow.
I'm doing some 1/8" 5052 & 6061 aluminum but welds and they are cracking at the beginning of the weld. I've been able to minimize the cracking, but not eliminate it. I know the cracking is caused by heat/cooling cycle, but I could use any help I can get to eliminate this problem.
Podcast with Gene Scholler of Primeweld is up!
WS Podcast - Jody, Brad, Ge...
Question for the instructor crew.How wide should a tig bead on steel be when not using? Trying to gauge whether or not what I am getting is appropriate . I know I need work on keeping them straight .JODY COLLIER
I am getting shocked sitting at my welding table. It's clean I'm grounded well none of my cables are touching. I sit down position myself hit that foot pedal and wham I'm getting tickled where I'm resting my arm. What could be going on? Brad Goodman