Ask your WELDING questions here.

[Twin-shocker]

Save up some more money. Trying to get good results with a cheap Chinese welder is a bit like trying to paint a turd....................

[Alton]

Originally Posted by Twin-shocker

Save up some more money. Trying to get good results with a cheap Chinese welder is a bit like trying to paint a turd....................

Does that include a recommendation to bypass the Hobart and Lincoln 115v models I found on craigslist? I know that part of my post was easy to overlook.

[Krazyjohnny]

The method for that I have seen used would be to install a carbon rod into the hole you are wanting to maintain round and then weld in the crack. I have also seen a hole drilled in the small end of the crack to elimimate the stress point and stop the fracture.

As far as weldedrs go Lincoln, Miller/Hobart, and Esab are the commonly seen in most production shops.

Originally Posted by WR_guy

I need a butt-kicking TIG welder that can weld up a small crack radiating from a small pilot bearing hole in an MC crankcase. Gotta keep the hole round so that I can press in a new pilot bearing after the weld.

The hole is about 10mm wide. He will need to V-out and weld the crack I guess.

Know anyone good as this sort of stuff?

[David R]

A used brand name mig beats the crap out of a new cheapo.

IF you understand the limitations of a 110 mig, go for it. I have used the inexpensive models and the wire feed sucks. With inconsistent wire feed, you are guaranteed a crappy weld.

True mig instead of gasless or flux core makes a nicer weld with almost no spatter.

David

[Alton]

Thanks for the input guys. I'm going to watch CL for a couple months and save up some cash to get one of the 220v good quality MIGs. Looks like they run 400+ used without the tank, but I know where I can rent the tank locally.

I don't "want" to wait. Go go instant gratification, but I'm going to wait anyway.

[ER70S-2]

Originally Posted by Alton

I don't "want" to wait. Go go instant gratification,

This is bad for your future economy.

Originally Posted by alton

but I'm going to wait anyway.

This is good for your future economy.

Buy good tools, they aren't an expense, they're an investment. If you buy cheap crap, you'll get to cuss it every time you use it...............forever.

[bcguide]

Is there any way to save welding cables once the rubber coating starts to break. I have 100 ft of heavy cable and the coating is pretty much shot
Scott

[GSWayne]

Originally Posted by bcguide

Is there any way to save welding cables once the rubber coating starts to break. I have 100 ft of heavy cable and the coating is pretty much shot
Scott

Here is a random idea I have never tried .
You could try cutting the ends off some garden hose and pulling the cable through that. Probably two 50 foot lengths with a plastic coupler in the center. Pull the cable through 50 feet at a time. You could use a wire fishing tape or perhaps try blowing some string through with an air compressor to use to pull the welding cable through. Probably want to use some wire pulling lubricant when you are trying to get the cable through.

[Nightrunner]

Alton,

Have you considered an oxy-acetylene setup? Yes, you'll need two tanks instead of one, but used torches are pretty easy to find.

[TheOtherBart]

Originally Posted by Nightrunner

Alton,

Have you considered an oxy-acetylene setup? Yes, you'll need two tanks instead of one, but used torches are pretty easy to find.

I've been wondering about this...I'd like to be able to do some light welding, but the electrical service in my garage is sketchy at best. I did a little OA welding in college and it seems like it could probably handle whatever little projects I came up with. Any huge downsides?

[small_e_900]

The only downside to having an OA setup that I found was the near $1000 increase in homeowners insurance.

Check with your insurance agent.

[David R]

When I started a forklift repair business, all I had were torches on my truck. I could do a lot. Cutting, welding and heating things to get them apart. If you can become proficient with torches, you have the best start to be an excellent welder.

[P B G]

Originally Posted by small_e_900

The only downside to having an OA setup that I found was the near $1000 increase in homeowners insurance.

Check with your insurance agent.

How'd they figure that you had the OA setup?

[ER70S-2]

I had a similar problem, old house, no 220v. So I bought Sear's best O/A torches. They served me well for 16 years. Easier to use once you know how to set a neutral flame: no wire feed issues, almost no contamination issues. If you can solder, you can probably weld with a torch.

[small_e_900]

Originally Posted by P B G

How'd they figure that you had the OA setup?

I checked with them before I bought a torch set and didn't but a torch set.

I'd hate to have burned down the garage and then found out that they wouldn't cover the damage.