Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: Webby the Bear on 05 November 2014, 14:35:46

Title: Heavy metal
Post by: Webby the Bear on 05 November 2014, 14:35:46
Alreet guys,

I get my welder in 2 weeks :):):):):):):)

Well excited. I have an old nackered pug door to practise on.

However, after that i am going to make my own welding cart :):):):)

I am going to be using 2x2 inch metal tubing and i'm going to copycat one from this dude on youtube (looks awesome).

Where's the best place to buy this shizzle? eBay looks surprisingly expensive. prob going to need quite a few feet of it.
Title: Re: Heavy metal
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 05 November 2014, 14:36:43
Find a local metal stockist and either order some (delivery will cost) or pop in and see if you can buy off cuts.
Title: Re: Heavy metal
Post by: Webby the Bear on 05 November 2014, 14:40:36
Thanks Mark,

Any idea what i should be paying for say 5ft of 2x2 steel just so i have a rough idea? :)

ps, are you excited that im learning welding?? :):):) i am. if you can tell. :):):)
Title: Re: Heavy metal
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 05 November 2014, 14:42:40
What wall thickness?
Title: Re: Heavy metal
Post by: Webby the Bear on 05 November 2014, 14:44:47
An excellent question. i didnt note that.

at a guess it looked about 3mm
Title: Re: Heavy metal
Post by: Broomies Mate on 05 November 2014, 14:45:44
Stop using Imperial measurements, you naughty boy!  >:( ;D
Title: Re: Heavy metal
Post by: Webby the Bear on 05 November 2014, 14:47:36
Stop using Imperial measurements, you naughty boy!  >:( ;D

 ;D Sorry Broomie..... 50mm x 50mm.... approx  ;D
Title: Re: Heavy metal
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 05 November 2014, 14:51:13
3mm is bloody heavy duty for a welding cart!

last stuff I bought was actually 3mm wall 50mm  x  50mm and 6M cost 35 quid.
Title: Re: Heavy metal
Post by: aaronjb on 05 November 2014, 14:58:37
3mm is bloody heavy duty for a welding cart!

It definitely won't blow over in a gale.. ;D
Title: Re: Heavy metal
Post by: Broomies Mate on 05 November 2014, 15:07:54
3mm is a good thickness for an amateur welder though!  :y
Title: Re: Heavy metal
Post by: Webby the Bear on 05 November 2014, 15:10:31
Thanks boys :)

It could've been 2m... t'was just a guess.

But if its easier to weld then ill take that for a first project :)
Title: Re: Heavy metal
Post by: Broomies Mate on 05 November 2014, 15:15:16
Get yourself a cheap Angle Magnet Mr Bear.

Will come in handy when making your welding cart.  Saves having the clamp everything all the time  :y

(http://www.powertoolsdirect.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/thumbnail/600x600/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/e/i/einhell-angle-magnet-for-welding.jpg)
Title: Re: Heavy metal
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 05 November 2014, 15:17:24
3mm is a good thickness for an amateur welder though!  :y

I would disagree, 2mm will be better as 3mm would require more care to get good penetration (possibly requiring extra prep with V-ing) with a welder on a 13A supply.  :y
Title: Re: Heavy metal
Post by: Broomies Mate on 05 November 2014, 15:19:43
3mm is a good thickness for an amateur welder though!  :y

I would disagree, 2mm will be better as 3mm would require more care to get good penetration (possibly requiring extra prep with V-ing) with a welder on a 13A supply.  :y

That's primarily the reason I would suggest it, as more surface area = more chance of being able to get a decent flow going.  More time and effort, but *hopefully* a better end result.
Title: Re: Heavy metal
Post by: Webby the Bear on 05 November 2014, 15:20:15
Thanks guys,

Yep, that magnet was used in the video. looked very handy indeed! :)

Re the thickness.... the clarke welder comes with a list of settings to use for various thicknesses. should i not simply follow these>?
Title: Re: Heavy metal
Post by: Broomies Mate on 05 November 2014, 15:25:11
Thanks guys,

Yep, that magnet was used in the video. looked very handy indeed! :)

Re the thickness.... the clarke welder comes with a list of settings to use for various thicknesses. should i not simply follow these>?

There aren't any rules as such.  All Steel will be a different density, so 3mm Mild from one supplier will be harder/softer than the equivalent from another.

I always start a little lower than I think I will need and crank up the power to a point where I'm happy.

The settings on your welder may be a good starting point though.
Title: Re: Heavy metal
Post by: Webby the Bear on 05 November 2014, 15:27:26
Thanks mate,

Ok, so if i have setting too low what will happen? and what will happen if theyre too highj? presumably too high ill be blowing holes through?
Title: Re: Heavy metal
Post by: Broomies Mate on 05 November 2014, 15:32:42
Thanks mate,

Ok, so if i have setting too low what will happen? and what will happen if theyre too highj? presumably too high ill be blowing holes through?

Too low and you wont sufficiently heat the metal to get decent penetration, it'll just leave blobs of pigeon shit on the surface  ;D

Don't worry about that though, nothing your new angle grinder won't sort out.

Too high, and yes, holes..... you have to be ramping it up and sticking far too long in one spot to blow holes in 3mm though.

Seam welds will obviously distort the metal.  When I'm welding box sections together, say at 90deg to eachother, I'll tack on edge, flip it over and tack the opposite edge, then when I'm happy that it IS 90deg, I'll fire a seam on the two untouched sides, if that makes sense?
Title: Re: Heavy metal
Post by: Broomies Mate on 05 November 2014, 15:33:36
Thanks mate,

Ok, so if i have setting too low what will happen? and what will happen if theyre too highj? presumably too high ill be blowing holes through?

Too low and you wont sufficiently heat the metal to get decent penetration, it'll just leave blobs of pigeon shit on the surface  ;D

Don't worry about that though, nothing your new angle grinder won't sort out.

Too high, and yes, holes..... you have to be ramping it up and sticking far too long in one spot to blow holes in 3mm though.

Seam welds will obviously distort the metal.  When I'm welding box sections together, say at 90deg to eachother, I'll tack one edge, flip it over and tack the opposite edge, then when I'm happy that it IS 90deg, I'll fire a seam on the two untouched sides, if that makes sense?

Ballsed that up, didn't I!  ;D
Title: Re: Heavy metal
Post by: Webby the Bear on 05 November 2014, 15:38:09
That makes sense made.

seem weld being one continuous bead? you therefore tack it to stop it moving? :)

so if im seeing too much pigeon shite i crank it up a tad?
Title: Re: Heavy metal
Post by: Broomies Mate on 05 November 2014, 15:42:08
Yup, that's the jist of it.

I'm sure there is a lot of Science involved that could be explained by someone far more intelligent than me, but I consider welding to be more of an art.  You just get the knack, and there is no better pleasure than knocking off the slag and seeing a beautiful weld.

I'm no expert mind you.  I'm pretty tidy at welding large plate and large box sections, RSJ's and the like..... I'm piss poor at lightweight stuff, and that's where the real skill comes in!
Title: Re: Heavy metal
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 05 November 2014, 15:51:52
They will be 'optimistic'   :y
Title: Re: Heavy metal
Post by: tidla on 05 November 2014, 18:58:40
3mm angle iron will make a lighter and more suitable metal for something to put wheels on.
Title: Re: Heavy metal
Post by: Nick W on 05 November 2014, 19:34:54
3mm angle iron will make a lighter and more suitable metal for something to put wheels on.

Beat me to it!
3mm thick 50x50 will make a decent chassis, and is way over the top for a welding cart. It's expensive, heavy and hard work to cut.
The last one I made was from 1.5 thick 25mm wide angle, which is much more suitable. Panel the cart with ply, decking or skirtingboard offcuts and you're done.
it is worth buying decent casters.
Title: Re: Heavy metal
Post by: Figureman52 on 05 November 2014, 19:54:35
Last time I ordered some metal I used these people.

http://www.fhbrundle.co.uk
Title: Re: Heavy metal
Post by: Webby the Bear on 06 November 2014, 12:41:59
Thanks boys.

So welding iron?  ??? I thought steel was the only option?
Title: Re: Heavy metal
Post by: aaronjb on 06 November 2014, 12:47:49
"Angle iron" would refer to steel ;)
Title: Re: Heavy metal
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 06 November 2014, 12:54:57
Steel angle is the 'modern' (post 19th century) term  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D :D :D :D
Title: Re: Heavy metal
Post by: aaronjb on 06 November 2014, 13:56:32
It is still 1875 in parts of the Midlands, you know ;)
Title: Re: Heavy metal
Post by: Webby the Bear on 06 November 2014, 14:22:16
 :-[ :-[ :-[

Still a lot to learn  :)

So, I know what MIG is, I have a rough idea on what TIG is...what on Earth is arc welding and stick welding? Or are these also just different names for the same thing?  ::) ;D
Title: Re: Heavy metal
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 06 November 2014, 15:19:54
Arc and stick is the same thing, simply put you have a rod which is the filler surrounded by a flux.

You strike the arc with the end of the rod, the metal melts into the weld pool and the flux burns to create a shield around the weld pool. Very good for welding outside as the shield gas is less likely to blow away but you do have to chip the crud off the top of the weld after.
Title: Re: Heavy metal
Post by: henryd on 06 November 2014, 17:43:37
:-[ :-[ :-[

Still a lot to learn  :)

So, I know what MIG is, I have a rough idea on what TIG is...what on Earth is arc welding and stick welding? Or are these also just different names for the same thing?  ::) ;D

Yep :y :y

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaDsmeB5ywM
Title: Re: Heavy metal
Post by: Webby the Bear on 06 November 2014, 17:45:12
Thanks Mark 'n' Henry  :y :y :y
Title: Re: Heavy metal
Post by: TheBoy on 07 November 2014, 14:32:45
It is still 1875 in parts of the Midlands, you know ;)
Aye, we don't like strangers and their new fangled witchcraft around these parts, young'un