jcw, I tell this and sell this, rinse, and repeat.... If you've put in a solid weld you're confident in, but you want better cosmetics, WASH it! With no additional filler, go over the entire weld with enough current to melt the surface, put both hands on the torch, and weave that li'l sumbitch back...

I'm a new solidworks user, too. Awesome tool.

Used it to plan frame bracing for my motorcycle.



One of the best things is that you can unfold the tubes and create tube coping patterns for complex joints.

65amps, I'm basically pushing the wire .040" in constantly to keep the puddle controlled and moving pretty quick. Whole weld done in about 1 minute. Felt like it was mig with two hands. No brushing, the discoloration gets washed out with the flash. It's not your stack of dimes... Damn how do th...

There is a gentleman on this forum, Mike Zanconato (http://www.zanconato.com/#splash-f4da1) that welds custom frames and has been very helpful sharing his expertise in welding aluminum, steel and titanium frames. check his site out. maybe he'll respond in this thread. As an outsider, it seems that t...

I've read of bike builders some with very good reputaions making two passes on their welds. Zank I'm sure can fill us in more on that. I tried turning up the amps. I went from 55 to 65. I swear that the everlast welders run a little hot. at 65 amps, i was basically able to basically push the puddle ...

It's strange, I feel I'm always playing catch up on the "lap" edges of the weld. The puddle wants to get out of control. Just thinking out loud, perhaps that's a coping issue. I might have to really pay attention avoiding knife edging the cut tube. But even when I have the heat "right...

Thanks a million, Zank!
I'll try that.

I'm still new at this but I was looking for suggestions on how to clean up this type of weld and make it look even better? This particular tube is mild steel 1" 0.065 wall. Welded at 55amp, 1/16" 2% lant tungsten. I experimented a little with pulsing with the foot pedal and I seemed to hav...

OH NOW I SEE! The reason I can't weld is I've been using the wrong machine. ;) ;) ;) No but seriously, Once I step up to AC/DC tig, the dynasty 280 would be on the short, short list. I've had mine for about a week. You are going to be thrilled. I am still working at getting the arc dialed in for my ...

the 210 is an inverter machine in the synchrowave line that has traditionally been transformers, right?

Very cool solution. I have to remember that one!

less argon?

I ended welding both sides and ground the underside flat as I'm going to fillet weld a length to it to create sort of an I beam to support that middle section of the frame. I was welding at 110amp with the foot pedal. Any hotter and the bead has that dull grey overheated look. Maybe from not big eno...

I haven't yet.

Not sure if I want a chop saw or a portaband with a table.

ideally both!

Found this
http://mewelding.com/welding-butt-joint/
which has a nice chart that looks like from some textbook.
bad on them for not referencing it.

but it gives different joint preparations for different thickness metal.

looks like on 1/8 you could weld both sides.

Following. I'm seriuosly considering one as well. And getting a table for it as well.

Usaweld, weldingsupply are two i use. Butthey are localto me.

I have the itig T, the digital one. It goes down to a little lower amps if i recall and pulses higher, but for the thickness you list it should be fine. Even for 1/8", you could save even more money and go with a smaller unit. 200 on steel is a lot. Aluminum not so much. Everlast sells an upgra...

Thanks for the input. The plate will form a gusset for a motorcycle frame, mild steel. I beveled the edge but left a little land. I'll see if i get adequate penetration. http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd94/jcwk12r/yamaha/topplate.jpg Interesting on fillet welds, you don't get complete penetratio...

Newbie question it's easy enough to fuse 1/8" plate but if you're looking for full strength weld what is the proper joint prep and technique? when I tig welded two 1/8" plates together and turn the sample over, am I supposed to see a bead on the back? that would require way more heat then ...

Is it dusty in here? I've got something in my eye.

Awesome!

All I've ever done is mild steel so take my advice for what it's worth... I agree with above that the rod sticking to the puddle is a combination of welding too low amps with too large a filler rod. I would use 3/32" on my 1/8" fillet welds but would floor the peddle and weld pretty fast a...

Well, searching the net hasn't yielded much on what to do with the front so I built this.



Not exact, but close enough to give me an idea where would be the best to brace the head stock.

I always thought 7 series aluminum was not considered weldable.

But I have a bike at home (GIant I think) that is obviously welded and says 7000 series made in the USA on it too.

I hate to keep bringing them up(I promise I don't have anything to do with them) but usaweld will modify their ck torches to fit everlast. I have a ck aircooled flexloc that fits my ever last itig.