New Toy (portable gas welder) - Page 2

**cooljess76** · 10-03-2008, 04:24 AM

To reiterate in simpler terms, I don't like the inconsistencies that occur in arc welding due to the welder's need to adjust his/her speed. I also don't like to shock the metal as it causes distortion and imperfections. Gas welding allows you to apply heat evenly at your own pace and enables you to add as much filler rod as you desire.

angel318ti · 10-03-2008, 04:58 AM

I have two welders in my maintenance contact team. One worked in a fabrication shop (hot rods) and the other on an assembly line. They both feel the same way you do about gas welding.

**cooljess76** · 10-03-2008, 05:18 AM

I guess it's kinda old school. Most people don't like gas welding because it takes a great deal of patience. I'm not going to lie, when it comes to thicker materials, gas welding could be pretty difficult. That's when you turn up the heat and use a heavier rod. For most projects, I would probably use an arc welder just to speed things up, but when it comes to my car and things that will be showcased as a reflection of my workmanship, I like to make it look as nice as possible.

If I do go through with this widebody project, you probably won't even be able to see the welds as I'll more than likely grind them down and blend it, but that's exactly why I prefer gas welding because I know the actual welds will have consistent penetration and will have the strength even after they have been ground down. My plan is to cut and install reinforcement plates between the original fender and widebody skin. This way the fenders don't flex or cave in when somebody leans against it.

I also plan to weld in 3 inch sections, moving from one side to the other to allow adequate cooling so the metal doesn't warp. My buddy uses wet rags to help dissipate the heat and prevent it from spreading to other areas. I've also considered removing the gas tank or atleast placing some sort of barrier between the work area and the tank itself. This will involve removing the plastic fender liners and interior panels.So as you guys could imagine, this is going to be a huge project. For the time being, I just can't wait to get the motor swap done.

**cooljess76** · 08-05-2009, 02:02 AM

Picked up another toy today. Found it locally on Craigslist, talked the guy into letting it go for 80 bucks

Came with gauges, extra tips and 2 spools of wire. All I need is an Argon bottle. Now I can weld my oil pump nut, didn't want to use the oxy-acetylene torch for that job.

Xenocide · 08-05-2009, 02:05 AM

I need to fly out there so you can teach me to weld

**cooljess76** · 08-05-2009, 02:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xenocide

I need to fly out there so you can teach me to weld

It's pretty easy once you get the feel of things. I usually spend more time checking things over, making the area safe to work and prepping the project to be welded than I actually spend welding. Measure twice, cut once, that's the rule to live by. I took a semester of welding in college, first time I ever held a torch. Paid close attention and by the end of the semester I had it down

**lazoh** · 08-05-2009, 03:56 AM

Congratulations on the new toy Jess!!! You are for sure a lucky guy, always coming up on good deals!!!

**cooljess76** · 10-29-2009, 11:36 PM

Still need an Argon tank for my MIG welder to work properly. On another note, I picked up this cool little kit on ebay for 30 bucks! It's designed to work with oxygen-acetylene and the fittings are the same size as my portable tank regulators. The kits purpose is for welding jewelry, metal sculptures and electronics. The tips are tiny! Should come in pretty handy

**cooljess76** · 10-29-2009, 11:49 PM

For some reason I thought I already posted a pic of my portable gas welder. Here it is:

bimmerboy16 · 10-30-2009, 02:08 AM

pretty sweet goggles you got there =)

tiFreak · 10-30-2009, 03:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bimmerboy16

pretty sweet goggles you got there =)

+1, looks like something a mad scientist would wear

pdxmotorhead · 11-01-2009, 06:46 AM

I had one of those where I used to work. Pretty decent for small projects especially.

Drill a hole in the red plastic and tie wrap the hoses down, ours broke several of the hoses off the regulator from the stress of the hoses hanging on them while working.

Dave

**cooljess76** · 12-19-2009, 07:50 AM

Bought myself a 500lb Christmas present today

Picked it up locally for $350, a friend helped me load and unload it. Almost had to break out the engine hoist, but we managed to muscle it. Works great, my first project will be the M50 manifold adapter

It came with a steel platform/cabinet, but it's not made for the machine. Need to pick up a 1/4" or 3/8" steel plate and some hardware to mount it to the stand. It was also missing one of the chuck keys, I'll pick one up tomorrow.

**cooljess76** · 12-19-2009, 08:11 AM

Oh yeah, and here's a link to it:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...temnumber=5980

tiFreak · 12-20-2009, 12:03 AM

not a bad deal for $350, I usually have faith in you but when you said you were going to machine that big chunk of metal by hand I began wondering how long it would take before you just bought a machine

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