Jeff Loffert

All
16 posts
86 comments

Commented on Matt Hayden - Aluminum Boat Repair

13 Nov 17:50

Nice repair, and some great tips for welding on dirty/contaminated aluminum.

Reply

Posted

13 Nov 12:23

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!

Replied on Sam Hagan - Brush Mower

12 Nov 22:46

Sam👍

Reply

Commented on Sam Hagan - Brush Mower

05 Nov 22:33

Man that thing was trashed. I chuckled when you said "I don't want this blade coming off". You're the master of understatement, Sam! 😀 Hopefully they notice and appreciate the stark contrast of the quality of the previous repair and yours. Should make for a repeat customer.

Show replies (2) Reply

Replied on We're trying something new! WelderSki...

05 Nov 22:28

Brad GoodmanThanks Brad, appreciate that!

Reply

Commented on We're trying something new! WelderSki...

05 Nov 17:45

img_2929.jpg

Here's a my coupon for the Aluminum Plate Contest.

Coupon is 5052 .107"x2.25"x8.0"

HTP Invertig 251 set at 130A, 120hz, 70% EN, Soft Squarewave, No Pulse, and current control via TigButton on the torch.

C-K 20 torch, gas lens, #5 cup, 15 cfh Ar, and 3/32" LaYZr tungsten with just a small ball. 3/32" ER5356 filler rod.

There's just a hint of heat discoloration on the backside.

Show replies (3) Reply

Commented on WS Podcast - Jody and Brad | "Advanced Machine Settings TIG Aluminum"

05 Nov 00:48

Finally watched this one all the way through. Really good discussion guys! Sure hope you do a Part 2 and touch on tungsten grinds.

Reply

Commented on Brad Goodman - Plasma Common Line Cutting

02 Nov 12:39

Looks like nesting software is likely worth the extra $$ when buying a plasma table. Will file that away for future use, thanks.

Reply

Commented on Puke tank that we built here in the s...

02 Nov 12:31

Yes, any sort of small tank builds are of interest to me. And maybe touch on filler rod selection tailored to the tanks use. I bought my first TIG welder specifically so I could weld aluminum, and build an oil tank for one of my motorcycles. Tank is 5052 and I used 5356 filler. Only to find out later that 5356 can be susceptible to cracking if exposed to 150F+ temps. Well this tank will never be below 150F when in use! So it will be a do over with 4943. Didn't do my homework there!

Show replies (2) Reply

Posted

28 Oct 22:16

Just got an Optrel Crystal 2.0 hood. First time I looked through it, thought "holy shit, this is amazing!" I thought my 10+ year old Lincoln was awesome, but this thing is in an entirely different universe. Comfortable, and weighs next to nothing. The blue tint while darkened is a little weird, and will take getting used to. The optical clarity is super sharp, and the color....wow. Photo was taken through the hood. The downside is, it'll be one less excuse for why my welds suck!😀
4