View Full Version : Newbie in Atlanta area
tadner
04-25-2009, 08:26 AM
I've been hiding and watching for quite a while. It's finally time to come out in the open.
As I gather parts to build my Overkill, I'm building a 3/4 size Spincycle for my 9-year-old son. My goal is to have both completed by July so we can ride them in our community's 4th of July parade.
Ten years ago I attended welding school for the fun of it. About 5 years ago I "stole" a Lincoln AC/DC stick welder that was on clearance at Home Depot. I'm pretty good on flat materials but working with the thin wall bike tubing is giving me a rash. I'm using 1/16" 6013 electrodes but either I blow holes in it or the weld is loaded with slag. (I know the latter is caused by a long-arc.) Any tips, pointers or info on trade school refresher courses would be most appreciated.
KoolKat
04-25-2009, 08:34 AM
Welcome! Glad to see you out from the shadows! :jester:
graucho
04-25-2009, 10:50 AM
Welcome tadner. Only a suggestion, if your going to be welding a few things here and there (mostly tubing) get a 110v gasless mig welder.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=94056
http://search.harborfreight.com/cpisearch/web/search.do?keyword=welder&Submit=Go
Yes I know there are a wide variety of Mig's. Some I listed are lower cost models that are good for someone who may weld 2-10 times a year. Well anyways, glad your here.
trikeman
04-25-2009, 04:42 PM
Welcome aboard from Smyrna, tadnor. Try some 1/16" 7014s on that arc welder. They weld like butta on thin material. I get em at Harbor Freight for like $5 a pound. And remember the master himself uses an AC only arc welder to build all the prototypes.
BTW - where did you take your welding course?
pcorbett
04-25-2009, 08:48 PM
Welcome tadner! It took me a while to step into the light but hey......... I would have burst if I waited any longer.
It is always easier to weld the flats that are thicker than it is to weld tubing let alone thin tubing. It took me a while and I'm not to bad now. My Craftsman and Miller welders collect dust now. I know all the other boys are using their wire flux core fancy welders and some day I may give in and get one but for over a year I have used 2 transformers from a micro wave oven rewound to weld thin walled tubing. If I'm not careful I can burn a hole just like everyone else but I'm doing that less now. I have used those 1/16 inch 6013 rods but I couldn't get the hang of it. I went to the 3/32 inch 7014 and had great success with those. After a couple of pounds of those I switched to the 3/32 inch 6013 and continue to use them. Maybe you just need more practice or a lower heat range, I dunno what do ya think, try those 7014's and give them a chance.
Pete
tadner
04-26-2009, 12:02 AM
Thanks guys, and KoolKat, for the warm welcome.
I like the idea of trying the 7014. Too bad I didn't grab some when I was at HFT on Friday because both stores are a haul for me. Northern Tool, here I come!
Trikeman, it's ironic you mentioned that Brad uses AC. It occurred to me today that I need to try that. Both DC+ and DC- provide more penetration than AC. Using the 7014 and AC may be just the ticket.
Also Trikeman, I went to Gwinnett Tech. My intention was to go for one quarter but ended up taking the entire two year program... all on a HOPE scholarship. It's sad that after so much training my welding skills are in such dreadful shape, but I've never worked any tube, only pipe.
I don't want to get too far off-topic in this forum so please look at my post, "HFT Tubing Roller" under General Building Tips & Tricks.
trikeman
04-26-2009, 12:14 AM
Trikeman, it's ironic you mentioned that Brad uses AC. It occurred to me today that I need to try that. Both DC+ and DC- provide more penetration than AC. Using the 7014 and AC may be just the ticket..
I'd stick with the DC when running the 7014s. AC is doable, but DC is much easier. As mentioned, it takes some practice to keep from burning through on the thin tubing we use. You just have to keep moving and not try to weld too much at a time. About 1/2" of weld is about all you can do before letting the metal cool some. If you can handle the 6013, its probably better, but the 7014s are a bit easier for new welders to strike and run. I believe Brad has mentioned before he only uses 6013s.