Fabricators Corner

Stairgod · Dec 29, 2019

On vehicle I prefer MIG strictly because it's usually an issue of space. Getting two hands in a spot to work can be quite a challenge. I have tried it. Really depends on the situation. And there have been times when stick works best because bent rod...lol.

A good fit up makes for a better weld regardless of process. Having to bridge a gap makes for janky shit no matter what. And I honestly prefer TIG if the fit up isn't good as I find it easier to manipulate the puddle and not burn through.

Regardless of material I use TIG most often because it is the newest process that I have learned and need the most practice with it. Stainless and aluminum I only TIG. I have an upcoming project that I may end up getting a spool gun for the MIG to run aluminum because fuck a foot pedal when I will be moving around a bigger project. Or maybe just get a torch switch for the TIG but that is a whole nightmare issue(Vulcan TIG does not easily hook up to a torch switch).

@Arcticelf only TIGs and does a shit ton of on vehicle welding. He may be willing to share some tips on doing it successfully.

PCTaco · Dec 29, 2019

Stairgod said:
Side note:
I am a natural righty. I can MIG and stick with both hands but prefer gun/stinger in right.
But everytime I set up to weld with TIG I grab the torch with my left hand. Also noticed I feed filler differently between the left and right hands. Anyone else this fucked up?

I TIG either way but usually run torch in left hand as well, I find I need higher dexterity to feed the filler on long beads, whereas the torch needs less fine movement.

Arcticelf · Dec 29, 2019

Chris In Milwaukee said:
Ive had a MIG for years but have never used it. Hobart 140. I’ve had and used a Meco oxy/acetylene torch for years and got pretty decent with it. But I don’t want to use it in the basement lest I blow up my house in case of an acetylene leak. So I bought a TIG a couple years back (Lincoln Square Wave 200) and intend for that to be my primary welding tool. As I see those of you who are welding up vehicles, it seems like a lot of on-car stuff would be more easily accomplished with a MIG, especially since you can be a little less picky with fit-up. I guess it’s all a matter of use case. Which process do you use most often. Let’s assume steel for this question. Aluminum is a different animal.

Tig is great because you can adjust temp on the fly, but mechanical fit, prep (cleaning and alignment) and position of yourself and the work is key. Make sure you can reach the whole pads with the torch and the filler rod before starting.

I usually run the pedal with the back of my knee when I'm under the truck.

Being ambidextrous definitely helps too.

AssBurns · Dec 29, 2019

Stairgod said:
Side note:
I am a natural righty. I can MIG and stick with both hands but prefer gun/stinger in right.
But everytime I set up to weld with TIG I grab the torch with my left hand. Also noticed I feed filler differently between the left and right hands. Anyone else this fucked up?

Write lefty. (I cannot write for shit with my right)
Swing right
Eat mostly left
Play drums right
Wipe my ass left
Throw right
Weld no preference
Skating/snowboarding was comfortable both ways until I got into my late teens.

cynicalrider · Jan 2, 2020

Finished my first fabrication project with my new welder.

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d350467c-7873-47c1-ae9a-d039505d622d-jpg.3716610

b012b53c-2238-4dbc-b550-83223d438fb7-jpg.3716612

I built it to keep the welders extension cord off the ground.

Subway4x4 · Feb 19, 2020

I’m gonna be working with 1/8” sheet aluminum project for my kayak. Can I cut and mill this stuff with a jigsaw, circular saw, router?
Could use some suggestions for blades/bits etc.

MyNewToy · Feb 19, 2020

Subway4x4 said:
I’m gonna be working with 1/8” sheet aluminum project for my kayak. Can I cut and mill this stuff with a jigsaw, circular saw, router?
Could use some suggestions for blades/bits etc.

Yes. Any blade for cutting metal should work. I prefer a jigsaw but that’s just personal preference. An angle grinder with a cutoff blade works too

Stairgod · Feb 19, 2020

Subway4x4 said:
I’m gonna be working with 1/8” sheet aluminum project for my kayak. Can I cut and mill this stuff with a jigsaw, circular saw, router?
Could use some suggestions for blades/bits etc.

Any good quality carbide blade for wood will work on thinner aluminum. I typically use my chopsaw and Festool track saw to cut aluminum angle and diamond plate.

Slim-Whitey · Feb 19, 2020

For metal you want a high tooth count, with a fine kerf, and no chipping profiles on the blade.

One that looks like this

Stairgod said:
Any good quality carbide blade for wood will work on thinner aluminum. I typically use my chopsaw and Festool track saw to cut aluminum angle and diamond plate.

You beat up a festool and cut metal with it?
You curr

Stairgod · Feb 19, 2020

Slim-Whitey said:
For metal you want a high tooth count, with a fine kerf, and no chipping profiles on the blade.

One that looks like this

View attachment 19247

You beat up a festool and cut metal with it?
You curr

It works. Aluminum is no big deal. Didn't even buy the specialty blade for cutting aluminum.

Slim-Whitey · Feb 19, 2020

Fair.

I get the specialty blades through work, so I use them. :laugh:

Alex Fleming · Feb 19, 2020

Working on some rock sliders for the Sherpa Motorsports 4600 build.

Chris In Milwaukee · Feb 20, 2020

Alex Fleming said:
Working on some rock sliders for the Sherpa Motorsports 4600 build.View attachment 19255 View attachment 19257
View attachment 19259 View attachment 19260
View attachment 19254

What kind of rig do you have for notching, or do you do yours by hand?

Alex Fleming · Feb 21, 2020

Chris In Milwaukee said:
What kind of rig do you have for notching, or do you do yours by hand?

I did all of these by hand with a sawzall and angle grinder for clean up, then I just sand the ends with sand paper.

Stairgod · Feb 21, 2020

little shifter handle project

85straight · Feb 21, 2020

Finally made it to the steel yard today for some material for a swing out, a storage box/drawer system, had some thin gauge already laying around I’m going to turn into a new center console( 1st gen problems)
Hopefully get started tomorrow

keep debating between the dime a dozen red handle locking mechanisms or just a bolt with a handle to secure the swingout

4runner DOA · Feb 21, 2020

85straight said:
Finally made it to the steel yard today for some material for a swing out, a storage box/drawer system, had some thin gauge already laying around I’m going to turn into a new center console( 1st gen problems)
Hopefully get started tomorrow

keep debating between the dime a dozen red handle locking mechanisms or just a bolt with a handle to secure the swingout

Get the locking mechanism. Mines a pain in the ass and I actually forgot to put it back on once. Fortunately there was no one around me and I wasn't going fast with the swing out popped off.

4runner DOA · Feb 21, 2020

Slim-Whitey · Feb 21, 2020

4runner DOA said:
Get the locking mechanism. Mines a pain in the ass and I actually forgot to put it back on once. Fortunately there was no one around me and I wasn't going fast with the swing out popped off.

Where's that's Morgan Freeman "he's right you know" photo when I need it?

Itaro · Feb 21, 2020

85straight said:
Finally made it to the steel yard today for some material for a swing out, a storage box/drawer system, had some thin gauge already laying around I’m going to turn into a new center console( 1st gen problems)
Hopefully get started tomorrow

keep debating between the dime a dozen red handle locking mechanisms or just a bolt with a handle to secure the swingout

Okay, the best latching system I’ve seen is the one pelfreybilt used on their swingouts. I believe synergy manufacturing made them because I saw it a couple years ago on polyperformance.com but it’s no longer listed anywhere. 4xinnovations makes a similar one here: https://www.4xinnovations.com/Swing-Out-Tire-Carrier-Latch-Assembly_p_110.html

They also have a hinge assembly that looks pretty solid. I think we need to retrofit @4runner DOA ’s swingout with this latch

Fabricators Corner

Stairgod

Two bad decisions away from buying a bulldozer

PCTaco

36 Hour Build

Arcticelf

Head BFH Operator at Gray Man Fab

AssBurns

will wheel for beer

cynicalrider

Subway4x4

OLD NOOB

MyNewToy

Stairgod

Two bad decisions away from buying a bulldozer

Slim-Whitey

Canadian hoser, Eh?

Stairgod

Two bad decisions away from buying a bulldozer

Slim-Whitey

Canadian hoser, Eh?

Alex Fleming

Owner at Sherpa Equipment Co.

Chris In Milwaukee

Ain’t no mo’

Alex Fleming

Owner at Sherpa Equipment Co.

Stairgod

Two bad decisions away from buying a bulldozer

85straight

Starbucks gold card holder

4runner DOA

Hold my beer

4runner DOA

Hold my beer

Slim-Whitey

Canadian hoser, Eh?

Itaro

Seriously, FJB