Project #3 from Trip - Mission style decorative accents

[Trip59]

I take it you didn't buy your new TIG yet.

You are right about the look though, it wouldn't be nearly as nice without the different tube sizes.

My financial situation prohibited this, I could describe it, but it would probably just be all asterisks after the censors got done... Planning to order first thing in February once the new job's paycheck kicks in, or if Uncle Sam doesn't bend me over too hard.

The difference in sizes definitely improves the aesthetics.

In earlier posts you were trying to overcome a tall weld bead... were you able to resolve it to your satisfaction?

To a degree... I wound up doing 6 tacks per corner. One on the outside corner, adjust, one on one face, adjust, one on the other face, adjust, then a second on each, then after checking, I cranked it up another notch and burned it in then ground it down. Part of the issue was low pressure in the 75/25 bottle, I got a new one, part of it is still too tall for the inside corners. I decided to face weld the smaller inserted area front and back, and weld it to the outer frame on just the back where it's flush. It's not structural, will be painted, so a spray with rust converter, a swipe of bondo, then paint and it'll look welded all the way around and still be strong enough.

I'd really rather use a TIG, but I can't push this off till Feb/March so I'm welding as best it can be done, then grinding and dressing away

[redbeard]

My financial situation prohibited this, I could describe it, but it would probably just be all asterisks after the censors got done... Planning to order first thing in February once the new job's paycheck kicks in, or if Uncle Sam doesn't bend me over too hard.

Sorry to hear that things are sub-optimal in that area of your life. I hope the uncle at least supplies you with a generous amount of KY jelly.

[Trip59]

IRS doesn't know what KY is...

I am at a point where I can tell the light at the end of the tunnel ISN'T a train, but that's about it. Couple more months and all should be well. Took about a 45k cut in income 2011 vs 2010 (cut started in late 2010, so it's probably about 50-55k overall) Lots of money to figure out how to cover.

Welder is first on my list though, I've got jobs lining up ranging from small repairs to rebuilding a full size reefer. Welder should pay for itself in a month or three, too bad it won't pay for itself first

[redbeard]

too bad it won't pay for itself first

That's why God invented credit!

[Trip59]

F**K that, that's half the reason I'm in this sinking boat to begin with... LOL

[everlastsupport]

Trip,

Try to tack it up first (low volts), let it cool, then repeat, then weld? I know you don't have a TIG and that would help, but that would be one approach for using a MIG.

Strong hands are nice, but the price, I hear you there. But they are slick if you have all the parts. See Jody's videos.

What saw did you use for all the cuts?

[67cudafb]

Trip don't feel bad you are not alone alot of us are in same boat. I with you on credit cards they will get you in trouble thats for sure. Hopefully things will improve.

[Trip59]

Trip,

Try to tack it up first (low volts), let it cool, then repeat, then weld? I know you don't have a TIG and that would help, but that would be one approach for using a MIG.

Strong hands are nice, but the price, I hear you there. But they are slick if you have all the parts. See Jody's videos.

What saw did you use for all the cuts?

Yup, tacked low, tacked low, tacked low (etc.) full pass high. Worked well enough to get the job done.

I wound up using the Milwaukee 14" abrasive saw I bought. I took a bunch of pics, just been too busy to do a review on it. I hope to soon. Consistent cuts once trued up, I've been able to shave 1/32" off the end without deflection and it can cut and leave a blue sliver outboard of the blade (runs smooth, no runout).

Trip don't feel bad you are not alone alot of us are in same boat. I with you on credit cards they will get you in trouble thats for sure. Hopefully things will improve.

I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and it's close enough to know it's not a train

[redbeard]

I was half kidding about the credit, we were pretty weighed down with CC debt in the 90s, so you have my sympathies.

The half that wasn't kidding though, figures that if you can hustle up enough work for a new machine in the next couple of months to pay for it plus the interest plus put some extra beer on the table, then it might be worth at least considering.