Ask your WELDING questions here.

[gsweave]

Originally Posted by WIsixfitty

304 will stay prefectly rust free as long as it's clean. It's very easy for any SS to get contaminated from simply comming in contact with cs, abrassives used on cs, dust etc.

Glass bead or sand/polish with new abrasives for best results.


edit: ok maybe that's waht you were getting at. ;p

Really wasn't looking for clean, just showing incompatability of a mild steel welding electrode on SS


Stock was blasted with steel shot, Its the residue dust oxidizing, after sitting in a damp bucket over three days

[KTM640Dakar]

Originally Posted by GSWayne

I think you misunderstood my question. I was asking about converting a TIG/stick welder (Thermal Arc 185 TSW) to a plasma cutter.

Well I quess you could try. But it probably wouldn't work. You would be better off buying an air carbon arc set. It is the only way you could cut metal with it without trying to reengineer it into a plasma cutter.

[Skippii]

Originally Posted by gsweave

Skippi,

Did a test burn for ya.

304 base, 7014 rod.

The weld cracked from cooling stress before I chipped the slag off.

just so you know


http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d2...e/welds002.jpg
here's the 2100


http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d2...e/welds004.jpg



7014 on carbon

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d2...e/welds006.jpg

Thanks, I really appreciate that. Very good to know.

[Strong Bad]

Originally Posted by KTM640Dakar

Alright let's clear some things up.


Welding aluminum with a gas torch is brazing. Brazing aluminum requires a special brazing rod for aluminum. If you are really cheap go buy a little propane torch like a soldering torch plumbers use. You can then braze aluminum if you have the right aluminum filler metal.

By definition BRAZING is the process of joining two similar metals with a third where the base material is not melted and incorporated into the joint.

When the base material is melted and becomes part of the weld it is a welded joint not a brazed joint.

The process I've witnessed on race car bodies with a gas torch did melt the base metal and so it should be called welding.

I have no doubt that there is a aluminum brazing rod available and that aluminum is brazed but it is also gas welded!

[Skippii]

Okay, looks like I'll have to get hold of some 308-AC rod.
And I'll have to practice.

I was thinking about where I'd find SS on which to practice.
Then I remembered the hardware store where I buy rods is next to a thrift shop.
They sell lots of silverware dirt cheap there.
Any reason I shouldn't practice by welding knives and forks together?

[Poolside]

Originally Posted by Skippii

I was thinking about where I'd find SS on which to practice.
Then I remembered the hardware store where I buy rods is next to a thrift shop.
They sell lots of silverware dirt cheap there.
Any reason I shouldn't practice by welding knives and forks together?

Not a bad idea. I am not sure, but I think flatware is usually type 318 stainless.

[klrbaer]

OK here are some more ?’s.
1. What is the best mig for under $ 400.00?
2. I have a Miller Thunderbolt 225 stick welder and I am wanting to know the best rod for welding up to 1/8 inch thick mild steel? I weld stock that is .060, .090, and .125.
3. Is there a rod for welding Aluminum?
4. What is the best way to store welding rods?
5. Do the rods go bad?
6. How long can I keep the rods?
7. Can I add a spool gun to my stick welder?
These are all the questions I have right now. T
Thank you all so much for the help and information.

[grizzzly]

Originally Posted by Strong Bad

The process I've witnessed on race car bodies with a gas torch did melt the base metal and so it should be called welding.

I have no doubt that there is a aluminum brazing rod available and that aluminum is brazed but it is also gas welded!

Try this link
http://www.lindsaybks.com/bks7/airweld/index.html
I have seen it done but never tried it (I bought the book and supplies/torch and as soon as I get time I will try it). After watching it being done I believe that it is a skill that would take time to develop if you are not already an exultant TIG welder I think it would be very difficult learn. I would recommend just buy the TIG or MIG

[josjor]

Originally Posted by Strong Bad

By definition BRAZING is the process of joining two similar metals with a third where the base material is not melted and incorporated into the joint.

When the base material is melted and becomes part of the weld it is a welded joint not a brazed joint.

The process I've witnessed on race car bodies with a gas torch did melt the base metal and so it should be called welding.

I have no doubt that there is a aluminum brazing rod available and that aluminum is brazed but it is also gas welded!

It is possible to weld aluminum with a torch. This is NOT brazing. Here's a link: http://www.cut-like-plasma.com/info_...g_aluminum.htm

I own this torch set and it is very versatile. I have used it on aluminum, but primarily use it on steel. With practice it does cut just like the video shows. When using it like a traditional oxy/ac rig it is a lot more comfy and controllable due to the design of the torch.

Pricey? Yep. Worth it? That's up to you. I have a MIG welder and use it for most of my actual welding, but I also do some copper and steel sculpting and the heat control of the Henrob is better than any Victor (or similar) I've ever used.

[rolandska]

What do I have to be careful about other than cleanliness, when I weld on Monel?

Henry

[Davis53]

I have a Lincoln Idealarc SP-100. I bought this rig new in 1988. It has about two spools of wire run through it. It is in new condition. I need new tips for the gun and the local dealer says they are no longer available. I need contact tips number S18704-1 .025, S18704-2 .030, S18704-3 .035.

I bought this Lincoln because I thought parts will be available for it in the future. But instead it seems like a throwaway. Where can I buy some tips for this welder?

[mark1305]

Check some other dealers. I hate to say it, but there are some real idiots in the business. Odds are the gun is made by Tregaskis or less likely OXO and there should be tips a plenty out there. Even Forney welding supplies at the local Ace Hardware may have the right kind of tips for you.

[Davis53]

Originally Posted by mark1305

Check some other dealers. I hate to say it, but there are some real idiots in the business. Odds are the gun is made by Tregaskis or less likely OXO and there should be tips a plenty out there. Even Forney welding supplies at the local Ace Hardware may have the right kind of tips for you.

I have been to several welding supply dealers with no luck. The gun is a Bernard E-Z Feed 160. It is what came with the welder and I have the paper work for the gun.

[grizzzly]

Originally Posted by Davis53

I have a Lincoln Idealarc SP-100. I bought this rig new in 1988. It has about two spools of wire run through it. It is in new condition. I need new tips for the gun and the local dealer says they are no longer available. I need contact tips number S18704-1 .025, S18704-2 .030, S18704-3 .035.

I bought this Lincoln because I thought parts will be available for it in the future. But instead it seems like a throwaway. Where can I buy some tips for this welder?

Contact tips are a common item, just take one in with you, and say “I need a few of these”

[grizzzly]

Originally Posted by Davis53

I have been to several welding supply dealers with no luck. The gun is a Bernard E-Z Feed 160. It is what came with the welder and I have the paper work for the gun.

http://www.bernardwelds.com/products...ion_chart.html