Couple of welding questions...Allen, mrblaine, etc...

[Ary'01XJ]

First, I'm sorry if this is the wrong forum, wasn't sure if this should go here or the technical forum.

Anyway, I'm hopefully going to be putting my Tera 50 together and under the Jeep over the holiday period. I will need to weld all of the brackets on after I make them. My problem is that the MIG I have access to is now 4 hours away. I do have a cutting torch setup and have welded proficiently with OA on 1/8" plate before. I'm just wondering if it will A) be strong enough for axle bracketry(mostly 3/16s and 1/4), and B) penetrate well enough to feel safe about. If not, I can probably dig up a stick welder from my friend's dad's construction company, but I'd rather not pull the favor if I don't have to(I can weld proficiently with stick as well, welding classes in college are great ). If I were to go with stick, can I get away with 6013? or should I use 6011(I really don't like 6011), or should I even consider something else? Thanks

Ary

[karstman]

I don't see why the OA would not work, but it will be slow going. I'd worry about heating the tube too much and warping, but I'm also not very proficient with OA.

I've done all my brackets with my stick machine. DC+, about 85-90 amps, and 7018 rods. If I were limited to 6011 or 6013, I'd use 6013. 6011 always looks like crapola, at least when I burn them.
YMMV

[Ary'01XJ]

Originally posted by karstman
I don't see why the OA would not work, but it will be slow going. I'd worry about heating the tube too much and warping, but I'm also not very proficient with OA.

I've done all my brackets with my stick machine. DC+, about 85-90 amps, and 7018 rods. If I were limited to 6011 or 6013, I'd use 6013. 6011 always looks like crapola, at least when I burn them.
YMMV

I'm not TOO worried about warping the tubes, they're 1/2" thick

7018 was the third rod I had in mind, but I've never used it. I also can't get a decent looking bead with 6011 without practicing for an hour before I attempt the weld in question. My 6013 however usually comes out beautiful.

Ary

[karstman]

I'd use which ever method you are most comfortable with then.

We can't all have axles with 1/2 tubes (without selling the house first, I suppose).

If you go stick, 7018 should get you a little stronger weld. Play around with it a little, it's not much harder to burn than 6013.

[Ary'01XJ]

Anyone else?? Did kartsman pretty much just nail it on the head and everyone agrees with him?? Thanks

Ary

[karstman]

I guess I was right?


Did you decide on OA or stick?

[Ary'01XJ]

I will of course go with stick if I can get ahold of the equipment, but that's not a given at this point. Thanks

[Allen]

I have a very hard time recommending Oxy/Acetelyne for anything.....

The heat is too difficult to control, compared to all other welding processes.....

Even on .500" wall tube.....

A simple heat analysis when welding using a laser heat indicator would amaze many.....

Sorry.....

I vote for Arc or MIG.....

Whatever your proficient in and have available.

If you Arc, 6013 should be just fine.....

Allen