Metalworking Hunttalkers!

[schmalts]

Had to do a little stainless 8" pipe work today. Wasn't terrible but I used to do better before I needed bifocals. had to do 2 inch long runs and then move to another spot to control warpage on the flange

 

[BrentD]

My son sent me this picture today. It's one of the jack stands I made in a highschool shop class in 1966 or 68! The others in the class laughed at me because they are 2' tall collapsed. I drove a pickup and the rest had a variety of other pieces of junk. Theirs were in the 8-12" height.
I used these for years and years then my son latched on to them probably around early 90's. Now my grandson uses them. They straighten them a little and powder coated them a couple years ago. I'm very proud my kid and grandson are still using them 50+ years later! View attachment 266197

Who knew there such things as heirloom jackstands? But there you have it. Sweet.

 

[Redmt]

Who knew there such things as heirloom jackstands? But there you have it. Sweet.

I told my kid our legacy is blood, grease and jack stands.

 

[Hem]

Adult Ed welding class dives right in with hands on...but I needed more background.
Side note: I bought a welder hood with the electronic darkening. First class I had the dial set at 10...no problem. Second class tried 9.5 to see if it would slightly allow an outline of the plate steel practicing beads on. My eyes are still irritated four days later.

 

[Redmt]

Adult Ed welding class dives right in with hands on...but I needed more background.
Side note: I bought a welder hood with the electronic darkening. First class I had the dial set at 10...no problem. Second class tried 9.5 to see if it would slightly allow an outline of the plate steel practicing beads on. My eyes are still irritated four days later.View attachment 266333

9.5 is a very minor difference. What brand of hood did you get?
BTW, lay some sliced potatoes on your eyes like using an eye patch. 5-10 minutes and you should be back to normal.

 

[Hem]

9.5 is a very minor difference. What brand of hood did you get?
BTW, lay some sliced potatoes on your eyes like using an eye patch. 5-10 minutes and you should be back to normal.

Thanks Redmt.

I've been having difficulty getting the arc started . Sometimes it takes 6-8 tries.
Mask gets slightly out of sync with the repeated tries. ...plus we are basically in our welding stations for better than two hours practicing.
I'll try the potato remedy.

 

[p_ham]

Adult Ed welding class dives right in with hands on...but I needed more background.
Side note: I bought a welder hood with the electronic darkening. First class I had the dial set at 10...no problem. Second class tried 9.5 to see if it would slightly allow an outline of the plate steel practicing beads on. My eyes are still irritated four days later.View attachment 266333

Thanks Redmt.

I've been having difficulty getting the arc started . Sometimes it takes 6-8 tries.
Mask gets slightly out of sync with the repeated tries. ...plus we are basically in our welding stations for better than two hours practicing.
I'll try the potato remedy.View attachment 266344

Turn your heat up a touch to help start your arc. You'll have to adjust how fast you're moving a little.

 

[np307]

Thanks Redmt.

I've been having difficulty getting the arc started . Sometimes it takes 6-8 tries.
Mask gets slightly out of sync with the repeated tries. ...plus we are basically in our welding stations for better than two hours practicing.
I'll try the potato remedy.View attachment 266344

I have one of those that I use around the house as a backup or when I don't want to get the lens on my 3350 dirty. It's a good basic hood, but it's definitely not that clear. A lot of being able to see the base material has to do with what kind of ambient light you have.

What kind of rod are you practicing with?

 

[Redmt]

Thanks Redmt.

I've been having difficulty getting the arc started . Sometimes it takes 6-8 tries.
Mask gets slightly out of sync with the repeated tries. ...plus we are basically in our welding stations for better than two hours practicing.
I'll try the potato remedy.View attachment 266344

Turning up the amps may help. Before changing settings try drag starting your rod ,sort of like striking a match. Obviously do it on a chunk of scrap. Another thing is that different rods have very different behaviors. A small diameter 60 series rod will strike much easier than a larger diameter 70 series rod. Another thing with a 7018 series rod is that if you stick it, the flux will crack and break off. That can create more strike problems for you. PLUS!!!! a 7018 rod needs a solid contact making a 45* match strike type start nearly impossible as you need to be within about 15* of vertical. You'll get it. The only way to learn is to burn rod.
Something else about your hood. I'm not familiar with the Lincoln hood. If the auto darkening has the tiniest bit of lag, you'll get flash burn and never realize it until the next day. I use a Jackson True sight. Its one of the higher end hoods without getting into the 5-600 dollar range.

 

[Hem]

Turning up the amps may help. Before changing settings try drag starting your rod ,sort of like striking a match. Obviously do it on a chunk of scrap. Another thing is that different rods have very different behaviors. A small diameter 60 series rod will strike much easier than a larger diameter 70 series rod. Another thing with a 7018 series rod is that if you stick it, the flux will crack and break off. That can create more strike problems for you. PLUS!!!! a 7018 rod needs a solid contact making a 45* match strike type start nearly impossible as you need to be within about 15* of vertical. You'll get it. The only way to learn is to burn rod.
Something else about your hood. I'm not familiar with the Lincoln hood. If the auto darkening has the tiniest bit of lag, you'll get flash burn and never realize it until the next day. I use a Jackson True sight. Its one of the higher end hoods without getting into the 5-600 dollar range.

Using 7018 at a 15 degree. Seems like it sticks most times before I can react.
Flash burn sounds about right. Both eyes.

 

[Redmt]

I'm guessing your doing a vertical poke at it. Try a 45* drag starting. Gradually straighten your angle moving your hand in a pendulum type arc. You'll get used to the strike point that works for you. You'll find it becomes natural. A restrike with 7018 is a bit easier. Use your thumb to break back the flux on one side. You'll see that the rod has formed a pocket with flux extending past the rod.

 

[Hem]

I'm guessing your doing a vertical poke at it. Try a 45* drag starting. Gradually straighten your angle moving your hand in a pendulum type arc. You'll get used to the strike point that works for you. You'll find it becomes natural. A restrike with 7018 is a bit easier. Use your thumb to break back the flux on one side. You'll see that the rod has formed a pocket with flux extending past the rod.

I'll give your explanation a whirl.
Thanks for the advice!!

 

[Redmt]

I'll give your explanation a whirl.
Thanks for the advice!!

Remember advice is worth exactly what you paid for it,,,,,,

 

[millerkiller77]

+1 on the potato hack for flash burn.
Flash burn feels like rubbing a handful beach sand into your eyes for 12 hours. 10/10 don't recommend getting it twice...

 

[Hem]

Remember advice is worth exactly what you paid for it,,,,,,

Worried there could be issues with potatos?

 

[Redmt]

Worried there could be issues with potatos?

Don't cook the 'taters first.

 

[Hem]

+1 on the potato hack for flash burn.
Flash burn feels like rubbing a handful beach sand into your eyes for 12 hours. 10/10 don't recommend getting it twice...

potatoes? Not THAT bad^^ thank goodness. Just sensitive, especially using smartphone.
I think I might err on the side of caution and get a old fashion mask...up or down.
Also might get a small fan to move air in the booth.

 

[Hem]

Anyhow, this Wednesday in class I might try MIG .
The manual i purchased has been a good read to spell out basic concepts of welding which haven't been covered in this class.
I think if I can get a handle on stick welding and MIG I should be covered for the basics I am interested in.
Getting a welder for my shop will kick the door open . Already starting to eye metal scraps.

 

[Brandon270]

Had an emergency job for one of my customers this morning.

 

[Sytes]

Looks like someone needs to buy a can of Arc Start...