Hiya Kiwi. I've been using the Metalmaster 215 Elite from Tokentools for a couple years now. Can't fault the machine or the seller - always ready with backup regardless of when I call. I've welded thin steel tube, thick plate (when making a bender) as well as thin aluminium, stainless...all sorts. I...

I have a size 9 flex head torch on a flex cable that is mostly set up with a Furick 14 cup on a gas lens, running a 2.4mm electrode.The torch has a paddle switch. I use this rig mostly for thin mild steel - the Furick cup gives me the ability to use more stick out but is also just great for visibili...

Coldman wrote:Do you have ER70S-2 mig wire?, it's not commonly used. Most common mig wire is ER70S-6 which would give you a better result in this case.

Interesting. Mine is S2, but I can get my hands on some S6 no problem if you reckon it would be better.


Moz

This is terribly sad and he will surely be missed. I always remember reading through his epic posts and feeling completely inadequate at the amazing scope of the projects he took on. I was also often awestruck by the scenery within which he worked. Gone way too soon. If there's ever welding to be do...

I picked up a pair of riggers gloves from my local hardware store when I first started welding - they were $10. The idea was that I'd just use them until I found some 'proper' gloves, but I'm on my third pair now. They are soft, fit well and give me plenty of dexterity for Tig welding. Bargain. Moz

Thanks again guys.

As much as I'd like to use stainless tube, I can't find it in the diameter I need. I'm going for the very best fitup I can - I learned early that its worth the prep. Next step, as mentioned before, will probably be to use Mig wire (ER70S2) as filler, with pulse.

Cheers,


Moz

More good advice, thanks guys. 1pps helps me when I work with filler, just sets a 'metronome' for me, but its use is possibly limited without filler. I am actually considering using some ER70S2 Mig wire I have as filler at this pulse rate...will give it a try. The only reason I've not yet used fille...

Try a 6W led spot instead. Less IR for the helmet to trig on. Nice first try though. Thanks Anders, good tip. I have resolved to try all sorts of different lights as the fluoro seems to send my helmet bananas with little provocation. I am also considering drawing lines either side of the fit up sea...

Thanks guys.

I'm using a fluorescent light source (lamp) on my welding table but the light from it isn't great and my helmet seems very sensitive to it. That might be part of the problem...


Moz

DC pulse.jpg Right. Most of my work lately has been aluminium but I started today practising fusion welding of some 38mm OD (inch and a half?) mild steel tube with 1.6mm wall thickness (One sixteenth? Two president's fingernail clippings? Something?) I am using a needle sharp 2.4mm, 2% lanth tungst...

It's nice when they come with a story, isn't it? My 'big' band saw (14") was free, a gift from an aircraft building mate of my father's. I've refurbished it and now use it all the time to cut aluminium. My smaller saw, a 10" Woodfast, is a beautiful old saw and cost $140. I've spent a bit ...

Yeah, the crap gets everywhere. It's simply not a healthy environment in which to work on engines. I'd hate to have a race bike go 'bang' on the track and always be left wondering if it was due to a little bit of grit getting in somewhere despite my best efforts. Dust is one thing, abrasive grit and...

Nice find. Damn.

As something of a band saw enthusiast (and borderline collector...) I would love to stumble across something like that. Very useful for sure.



K

Good grief...inspiring work.


K

You don't just want to have a go with a roll of flux core for the time being? No, not really. The idea of maybe buying a Mig is that I can tack joints and brackets on my bike projects while in the shed, then move it to my garage (where the Tig lives) for final welding. I don't want to have to clean...

I've tried 4043 of all sizes and brands.

Cleaned the filler, cleaned the work, ran cold, ran hot, varied balance, hz, gas, tried whistling, tried humming, stuck my tongue out the corner of my mouth...the bead is always sandy.

I use 5356 now.


K

You are right Josh, that's a '74 DeTomaso Pantera. My baby. It looks to be in immaculate condition from the limited photo. But the deck spoiler, isn't that aftermarket? Would be worth a King's Ransom if it were a RH driver!!!! Yes a RHD model would be nice, but rarer than golden rocking horse shit ...

How'd you go with the loaner mig? What brand is it? Late reply, sorry. Don't know what brand yet but the guy in question is a solid bloke and I'm willing to bet it's a big brand machine, I just haven't had time to take advantage of his kindness yet - because of course when I grab the Mig I'll also ...

Great stuff Steve!



Moz

Gotta say this is most likely my next saw.

I am so sick of the sparks, abrasive, soot and crap covering everything in my shed.



Moz

Southwark...green death. Good grief no! When I drink beer I tend to drink Asahi. How's this...talking with a guy at work today, turns out he used to be a full time welder and boilermaker. "I've got a really decent quality Mig at home, it's been used about twice. You're welcome to borrow it and ...

Beautiful work, Flo.



Moz

Thanks for the tips guys.

I agree that a clean, quality brand used machine makes a lot of sense. Shame I am in South Horse Trailer, backwater of the universe. It'll take a lot of patience but I'm sure I'll find such a machine eventually.



Moz

Okay then uzz, stop being such a big tease and tell me about the bikes!



Moz

Hey Kym! Good to see you mate! Yes I can see a FUPA 12 in my near future! It's funny because the first project that I want to use the 304 for is a coolant tank for a torch water cooler. I have a lovely little CK20 that is crying out to be used but is redundant without a cooler. It would be perfect ...