Search found 48 matches

by Josh MacD
Tue Apr 28, 2020 4:42 pm
Forum: Welding Forum General Shop Talk
Topic: Welding Helmet suggestions
Replies: 12
Views: 1836

Welding Helmet suggestions

I've done a thorough search of the backlog and found that the Lincoln 3350 is a pretty solid helmet and not a bad price point. I do see some members talking about some comparable 'knock-offs" but I don't see any specific names. Also, facebook Big Brother saw my searching and sent me an add for ...
by Josh MacD
Tue Feb 18, 2020 11:42 pm
Forum: Mig and Flux Core - gas metal arc welding & flux cored arc welding
Topic: 1/2" AR400 plate weld to railroad track
Replies: 15
Views: 3040

Re: 1/2" AR400 plate weld to railroad track

I'm making an anvil. Went with the suggestion of adding hardened alloy steel to the top. Now I'm second guessing that decision. I can add some other plating to the top or just leave it and level the top of it.

I can always bug my uncle again and use his 220v welder. Thanks.
by Josh MacD
Tue Feb 18, 2020 1:55 pm
Forum: Mig and Flux Core - gas metal arc welding & flux cored arc welding
Topic: 1/2" AR400 plate weld to railroad track
Replies: 15
Views: 3040

1/2" AR400 plate weld to railroad track

I'm looking to weld 2 pcs of 1/2" thick AR400 to the top of a railroad track to make an anvil. I'll cut the 2'x2' piece into 4" wide strips with acetylene torch, then try to weld to the railroad track. Here's my question: I have a Lincoln 140 thats 110v. If I use 35 wire and shield gas wil...
by Josh MacD
Sun Feb 02, 2020 12:46 am
Forum: Metal Cutting
Topic: Any OxyAcetelyne cutting tips/tricks?
Replies: 13
Views: 2808

Re: Any OxyAcetelyne cutting tips/tricks?

True, cutting is a little bit different, but it's a great video to learn how to set up neutral-flames. This one is also really good -uPAjIOkLVA In case I haven't linked it before, here is my Google Folder that has some charts you can print out as guides. Oxy Acetylene Google Folder Thanks for the l...
by Josh MacD
Fri Jan 31, 2020 4:59 pm
Forum: Metal Cutting
Topic: Any OxyAcetelyne cutting tips/tricks?
Replies: 13
Views: 2808

Re: Any OxyAcetelyne cutting tips/tricks?

I’ve used Victor, Smith and Airco torches cutting from light to very heavy materials. Both manual hand cutting and mechanized track machine cutting methods. In my opinion, the most important thing (esp when learning) is learning how to properly set a neutral flame. You don’t need to have a big roar...
by Josh MacD
Mon Jan 20, 2020 12:08 pm
Forum: Metal Cutting
Topic: Any OxyAcetelyne cutting tips/tricks?
Replies: 13
Views: 2808

Re: Any OxyAcetelyne cutting tips/tricks?

That's great. Youtube has so much. Just gotta know who is good and who to avoid.
by Josh MacD
Mon Jan 13, 2020 11:31 pm
Forum: Metal Cutting
Topic: Any OxyAcetelyne cutting tips/tricks?
Replies: 13
Views: 2808

Re: Any OxyAcetelyne cutting tips/tricks?

Looks like the used kit I bought has Victor Brand torchs. I have a 100, 315 and what looks like a ST1600C (Big ass torch). Will there be a seprate chart for each one? My teacher/uncle said I should be fine with the smallest 100 gun since I'm doing mostly home projects and DIY stuff.
by Josh MacD
Mon Jan 13, 2020 8:34 pm
Forum: Metal Cutting
Topic: Any OxyAcetelyne cutting tips/tricks?
Replies: 13
Views: 2808

Any OxyAcetelyne cutting tips/tricks?

I bought all of the gear except the tanks for learning OxyAcetelyne cutting. I got a great deal for everything for $50. A benevolent uncle gave me a quick and dirty tutorial and I cut some stuff and ruined some sweatpants. I love it. I already weld with MIG but wanted to be able to cut bigger stuff....
by Josh MacD
Sun Jun 30, 2019 3:40 pm
Forum: Welding Projects - Welding project Ideas - Welding project plans
Topic: Gabion BBQ island
Replies: 2
Views: 1005

Gabion BBQ island

I've spent the last 4 weekends (and weeknights) working on fabricating this BBQ island. It's 1.5" x 1/8th" angle iron, welded wire mesh and the counter is a 3/16th sheet of steel. The counter is sealed in Everbrite and the vertical angle iron and wire mesh is rattle can sealed. I included ...
by Josh MacD
Tue Jun 25, 2019 11:35 pm
Forum: Metal Cutting
Topic: How to drill a 1.5" diameter hole
Replies: 21
Views: 5708

Re: How to drill a 1.5" diameter hole

Update: I used a Lenox hole saw. Drilled an 1/8th pilot, then a 1/4" pilot. Given that it was on a large piece and I only have a table top drill press I stuck with my handheld drill. I was trying to fit in a faucet into the hole so a slightly bored out hole that was a little bigger and not tota...
by Josh MacD
Thu Jun 20, 2019 4:13 pm
Forum: Metal Cutting
Topic: How to drill a 1.5" diameter hole
Replies: 21
Views: 5708

Re: How to drill a 1.5" diameter hole

A Lenox bi-metal hole saw is the easiest. Drill the 1/4" pilot hole first and then replace the drill in the mandrel with a piece of 1/4 steel rod. Run the drill motor in reverse to score the metal and then forward to drill the hole. By using the rod as the guide instead of the drill, the pilot...
by Josh MacD
Thu Jun 20, 2019 3:34 pm
Forum: Metal Cutting
Topic: How to drill a 1.5" diameter hole
Replies: 21
Views: 5708

Re: How to drill a 1.5" diameter hole

You can rent a mag drill and use an annular cutter. Same principle as a hole saw, but it's a beefier setup. Or just take it to a welding shop that has oxy-acetylene, and have them cut the hole for you. The steel shop thought acetylene might warp it as it's on a relatively narrow piece. That's why t...
by Josh MacD
Thu Jun 20, 2019 12:17 pm
Forum: Metal Cutting
Topic: How to drill a 1.5" diameter hole
Replies: 21
Views: 5708

How to drill a 1.5" diameter hole

I need to put a 1.5" diameter hole in some 3/16th" sheet steel. I don't have access to a plasma or acetylene torch. I've been told that a bimetal hole saw with lots of oil is my best option. Any other great suggestions here?
by Josh MacD
Fri Dec 21, 2018 11:21 am
Forum: Welding Projects - Welding project Ideas - Welding project plans
Topic: How to polish steel
Replies: 9
Views: 1535

Re: How to polish steel

If you are trying to polish carbon steel to a high shine, you’ll be a while, use numerous grit disks or belts, and still have miles to go. Switch to stainless. It will polish up to a mirror with the right amount of work. I did some research and I'm not sure I have the set up to weld Stainless Steel...
by Josh MacD
Thu Dec 20, 2018 11:30 pm
Forum: Welding Projects - Welding project Ideas - Welding project plans
Topic: How to polish steel
Replies: 9
Views: 1535

Re: How to polish steel

Thats solid help. Thanks for the feedback. I'm in Phoenix so the frigid 60 degrees might not need much warming. But I'll give it a little warming love to speed the process.

Thanks again. This forum and all of the experts are always great.
by Josh MacD
Thu Dec 20, 2018 12:11 pm
Forum: Welding Projects - Welding project Ideas - Welding project plans
Topic: How to polish steel
Replies: 9
Views: 1535

Re: How to polish steel

90 degree die grinder with a scotch bright roloc wheel is about as good as it gets wipe with acetone or reducer warm it then clear it asap Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk This all makes sense except the last part. I am not familiar with the "warm it then clear ASAP" part. I can see mys...
by Josh MacD
Wed Dec 19, 2018 10:28 am
Forum: Welding Projects - Welding project Ideas - Welding project plans
Topic: How to polish steel
Replies: 9
Views: 1535

How to polish steel

I don't have any more projects I 'need' to build at home as I learn to weld. So... I'm going to play around with some fun artsy things. I found a cool optical illusion square I'd like to try. It's mostly just a bunch of miter welds that will allow me to practice with thinner square tubing material a...
by Josh MacD
Wed Aug 01, 2018 10:00 am
Forum: Mig and Flux Core - gas metal arc welding & flux cored arc welding
Topic: Where do you set your gun between welds?
Replies: 7
Views: 898

Re: Where do you set your gun between welds?

I have pieces of 1.25" pipe tacked all over my tables so I can rest the gun when not in use. I like this idea. Its simple and easy. I don't have a dedicated table yet, just a 3.5' x 3.5' sheet of 1/4" sheet steel I put on my workbench when its time to weld. But I'm hoping to have a small ...
by Josh MacD
Tue Jul 31, 2018 1:28 pm
Forum: Mig and Flux Core - gas metal arc welding & flux cored arc welding
Topic: Where do you set your gun between welds?
Replies: 7
Views: 898

Where do you set your gun between welds?

I struggle on where to put my gun between welds. If I set it flat on the table the weight of the hose pulls it off and it crashes to the floor. Not good. I tried using a magnet and welded a c-clamp to it to make a little tool holster, but the magnet wasn't quite strong enough. I am all for making so...
by Josh MacD
Thu Jul 26, 2018 12:26 am
Forum: Metal Cutting
Topic: Why buy nicer cutting discs?
Replies: 6
Views: 2235

Why buy nicer cutting discs?

I'm still new to welding and steel work. I am about to inherit a very large steel cart (15' long x 3' wide x 4 feet tall) and I need to chop it into manageable pieces to transport. I see expensive brands of cutting discs and the cheap-o ones at Harbor Freight (10 for $8.99). This thing is made out o...
by Josh MacD
Thu Mar 08, 2018 8:15 am
Forum: Welding Projects - Welding project Ideas - Welding project plans
Topic: Gas fire pit
Replies: 9
Views: 1440

Re: Gas fire pit

It looks great. It might be a dumb question but where is you gas line running to? And what kind of rocks in the top? Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk We planned ahead and have the 3/4” natural gas line riser coming up between the inner and outer rings so that all plumbing is hidden, and protect...
by Josh MacD
Mon Mar 05, 2018 12:11 pm
Forum: Welding Forum General Shop Talk
Topic: Has anyone have or had Dupuytren's (trigger finger)
Replies: 16
Views: 2015

Re: Has anyone have or had Dupuytren's (trigger finger)

I am a Certified Hand Therapist (and a novice welder) in Phoenix, AZ. Dupuytren's is not typically a long recovery. Depending on your doctor's preference you will likely be in a splint to hold your hand flat for a few weeks, then wearing that same splint only at night for more weeks. As the wound he...
by Josh MacD
Sat Mar 03, 2018 12:07 pm
Forum: Welding Projects - Welding project Ideas - Welding project plans
Topic: Gas fire pit
Replies: 9
Views: 1440

Re: Gas fire pit

Prototypetom wrote:Can you share you gas setup? Iv been looking at making one in a rectangle box
For what it’s worth, i needed to go back and add in a regulator to take the pressure down to 125,000 BTUs
by Josh MacD
Thu Mar 01, 2018 9:27 am
Forum: Welding Projects - Welding project Ideas - Welding project plans
Topic: Gas fire pit
Replies: 9
Views: 1440

Re: Gas fire pit

Can you share you gas setup? Iv been looking at making one in a rectangle box I bought a kit off this site. https://www.spotix.com/fire-pits/fire-pit-burner-kits/match-light/penta-stainless-steel-match-lit-gas-fire-pit-burner-kits.html It was very simple. I needed a reduced coupler since my supply ...
by Josh MacD
Thu Mar 01, 2018 12:27 am
Forum: Welding Projects - Welding project Ideas - Welding project plans
Topic: Gas fire pit
Replies: 9
Views: 1440

Gas fire pit

I finally finished our new fire ring. It’s 14 ga steel, 17” tall, 38” OD and 23” ID. It’s elevated 2.5” off the pad for venthilation. There is some internal bracing and feet. The finish is premature rusting with vinegar, salt and hydrogen peroxide. I sealed it with Flood Penetrol. I welded with MIG ...