Should I trust my welding?

[C85D4x4]

Im am going to need TnT frame stiffeners and a Axle truss welded in here soon but..................

Being that im a beginner at welling as you can see, and only having this shitty 110 flux core. I think Im going to leave the truss welding to my Off-Road shop

But I was wondering if you guys think my welling is good enough for the Stiffeners and maybe some LCA skids?

I know this isnt Advanced.....but I dont need a bunch of dumb asses posting

 

[aparke4]

as long as your penetration is appropriate then you should be good to go... it will take a while to get those overhanging and forward facing welds pretty unless you want to strip it down and do it on a rotissory (sp?)... anyways i would trust it and make sure you do some rossetts as well (cut a few holes with 1/2 hole saw and plug em up)... then have a good friend inspect before you take it over 10 mph... maybe your local offroad guys can help u in that department - remember u are using flux and it is intended for on the go jobs... i would not worry about looks... i have seem many buggies and cages done strictly with flux and it takes a while to master pure control over the bead... it has and can be done

 

[JeepFreak21]

I'll leave the critiquing to the more experienced welders, but I will say that I don't think I'd weld my truss on w/ a 110 welder... it'll be great for the stiffeners, but I'd take the axle somewhere to have the truss welded on.
Billy

 

[sjkimmel99]

On the stiffeners definitely drill 1/2" holes for plug welds. The inside edge of the stiffener (the one on the underside the unibody rail) doesn't fit flush with the rail. The rail has a bevel so there's a big gap you'll have to weld inside of or try to fill every few inches. You'll feel better if you drill a hole on both faces of the stiffener every 4" or so (I did one about every 6-8 but wish I'd made more.) Hold one of the stiffeners in place and you'll see what I mean.

.

 

[aparke4]

man my 110 lincoln hd weldpak will burn 1/4 - i have a bottle set up but i think axle trusses could be done... seriously though when in doubt hand it over to a better weld machine and welder - i would want good solid deep welds on those stress areas like a truss, control arm mount etc

 

[Weasel]

Give it a welders test and see how it does, stick in vice and hammer the welded pieces apart to form a 90 degree bend, weld holds then it's good. I'd chamfer the edges on each piece a bit so you have a V rather then a butt weld. Maybe slow the wire down a bit or move faster, looks like the bead is piling up.

 

[Jimbo_1321]

well, I think I have just the answer considering I just welded on a truss to my 44 and I'm installing some stiffeners right now.
I wouldn't trust me 110 flux core to weld the truss, I used a friends 230 flux core to weld it and am extremely happy with how it turned out.
the frame stiffeners though, the 110 is perfect turned all the way up and set to a really slow wire speed.
just take your time and remember to stitch it instead of one long weld and do the plug welds like everyone says.
also really make sure you clean your frame rails well.
have fun!

 

[jpcherokeekid]

I weld for a living and have a degree in welding, that being said you will be fine welding the frame stiffiners on but leave the axle truss to someone who has a more capable welder and the know how to weld the axle truss right. if you put too much weld on the axle in too little time or dont know how to alternate your stitch welds it will bow the axle and then your screwed. you should pre-load the axle anyways to compensate for this.

 

[XJEEPER]

You should be fine with the stiffeners and your 110. Practice joining some 3/16 scrap and 10ga sheet metal to get the temp right. Concentrate your wire on the thicker and then move out to the thinner material.
Lots of rossettes will add strength to the stiffeners. I added some, could have done more.

Never used flux core, I always use gas, but I welded a lot of 3/16 and 1/4 projects with my old Miller 130/110v on gas. I have a Miller 175/230v on gas now, which is what I used for my D30 TNT truss project. I'd not be confortable using a 110 for the truss.

 

[C85D4x4]

I’m thinking about getting a 220 to learn on, But my house only has 100 amp service.

I’m thinking that a 220 wouldn’t work so well with only 100 amp service.

What do you guys think?

Thanks for your comments

 

[RCman]

I’m thinking about getting a 220 to learn on, But my house only has 100 amp service.

I’m thinking that a 220 wouldn’t work so well with only 100 amp service.

What do you guys think?

Thanks for your comments

I think this is kinda off the topic, but since you started the thread I guess its all right. :spin1:
I'm also thinking you might be right depending on your current usage.
100amp service? Ouch. If you're planning on living there for awhile it might be worthwhile to have the service changed. Its not hard or uncommon and if you weren't in Ohio I could probably get you a decent discount from one of my electrician friends, anyway...

However, what do you have running on that 100amp service? AC? Frig? Dryer? You might be all set if none of those kick on. Also, remember just because something is rated at 30 or 40amps doesn't mean it draws that all the time. Throw a meter on the main and see what your draws really are.

What 220V welder are you looking at? IMO, get the best you can afford that way you won't end up "outgrowing" it. I wouldn't trade my Millermatic 180 for much else other than a bigger Millermatic. :flipoff:

 

[slcpunk74]

I have welded many thing flux core with 110 and I say slow that thing down and heat it up. Lets see a bit more penetration(sound like an adult movie ha ha) I would weld a truss and stiffners. If you get some good sunk in welds in practice I say you are ok. Just try to learn as you go; there are lots of old skool welders that will tell you stuff you would never know unless you were old too.

 

[scat]

I have welded many thing flux core with 110 and I say slow that thing down and heat it up. Lets see a bit more penetration... I would weld a truss and stiffners. If you get some good sunk in welds in practice I say you are ok. Just try to learn as you go; there are lots of old skool welders that will tell you stuff you would never know unless you were old too.

I have to agree, I haven't welded in a number of years but I was good and Pratice Pratice Practice make Perfect

 

[tkjeeper]

I think this is kinda off the topic, but since you started the thread I guess its all right. :spin1:
I'm also thinking you might be right depending on your current usage.
100amp service? Ouch. If you're planning on living there for awhile it might be worthwhile to have the service changed. Its not hard or uncommon and if you weren't in Ohio I could probably get you a decent discount from one of my electrician friends, anyway...

However, what do you have running on that 100amp service? AC? Frig? Dryer? You might be all set if none of those kick on. Also, remember just because something is rated at 30 or 40amps doesn't mean it draws that all the time. Throw a meter on the main and see what your draws really are.

What 220V welder are you looking at? IMO, get the best you can afford that way you won't end up "outgrowing" it. I wouldn't trade my Millermatic 180 for much else other than a bigger Millermatic. :flipoff:

I know most new homes come 200 amp service now but I'm still on 60 amp service and that runs my woodworking shop too! 100 amp is plenty now a days. Think about it, I use a natural gas stove, clothes dryer, water heater. What is running on the hydro anymore except the standard small draw items. Anyway sort of off topic, but I also run a 110 Licoln welder and am still learning but it's fine for many things

 

[ryurabbit]

I'm running a powermig pro 200 on a 100 amp service. max dead short amps is 50. Read your manuals. Welders typically are rated much higher then the amperage they pull because the converter inside. I never go obove "D" on the welder and thats good enough for 3/8". The welder goes to "G". Also on "B" or "C" were I normally run it, it draws about 15-24 amps.:bunny: