stacking dimes with a mig?

[45acp]

a roll cage is not something that you need to gain experience on as well. as howie said, some of these things can put ones life in danger. on critical things, leave it to a pro. don't get me wrong, i'm all for doing your own work, but "you need to know when to say when."

agreed 1000%. i have no problem with bumpers, shockmounts, etc... but when it came to my cage, i mocked it up, tacked it together, and then carried it to my cousin who is certified. there is a big difference in being pretty sure your welds will hold vs. making a living knowing they will.

i know when to say when.... usually its about 15 beers or a rollcage. ;D

 

[Madgyver]

If you can't crank it up, your welder is too small for the task. I've seen stacked dimes leak and that's with a root weld also. The welder thought he had it down, So pretty welds isn't always good welds. Like it was said before practice and consistancy is key. Also knowing your welder will help. All welders will be different. One setting will work with one but the same setting may be different on another similar unit.

Try welding upside down, on your back, in a 36" pipe........

 

[NicksTrix]

found this picture of some nice wire weld work. smooth, consistant, good penetration, guy knows what is going on here. nice looking part.
it's all experience.

 

[luvmybronco]

if one of my welds looked like that one, then it was by accident.;D mine hold no doubt, but dear God they're ugly...

Same here...My biggest test was when I welded on my nerf bars...They were in an hard place to weld, one side was above the rear sprink shackle, the other was under the front tub mount...Hard to get the right angle, But my test was when a 250 lbs. guy steped on them, I thought for sure they would break the welds, but held fine...

 

[howiebilt]

I am curious as to how you can tell from the photo if there is good penetration or not . I will admit there is consistency in the pattern .

 

[TexasBronco]

I am in an auto body repair and refinishing class at my High School. A while ago we learned how to do Spot welds and Lap Welds. I made a 100 on Spot Welds, and a 95 on Lap Welds.
Here is a picture of my lap weld, it is only 3-4 inchs long. It isn't pretty, but for NEVER welding before and only haveing a week to practice I think that is pretty good....what do you guys think? The rust is from me handling it and never coating it .

http://texasbronco.tripod.com/weld.html

If I were to do welds like that on a roll bar how strong would it be?

 

[Skiddy]

You can't tell from looking at any weld unless you bend it or x-ray (radiograph) it. Also helps if you know how much groove you have, it's really easy on a full pen. weld though.

 

[Synds9]

i think you have too much heat going through that, it's melting the wire too much and the bead doesn't form a pattern but the penetration looks good

 

[whitetrashfab]

Welding and fabrication is what I do for a living. I just wanted to say hi to all the other Certified Welders on this board and everyone else who just enjoys to weld!

In answer to your question, You have already done the best thing you could have possibly done. You stoped and asked for advice! Continue to practice and ask questions and your welds will start looking much better. Good luck, be safe!

 

[67ster]

There are a couple helpful websites American Welding Society and Weld Reality .com . I have used the AWS forum for problems that arise at work , you have an audience from welders and engineers all over the world to help out . I've been at this game for 45 years and still learning .

 

[Skiddy]

There are a couple helpful websites American Welding Society and Weld Reality .com . I have used the AWS forum for problems that arise at work , you have an audience from welders and engineers all over the world to help out . I've been at this game for 45 years and still learning .

yep me to they do have a lot of good info. went and got my CWI about 8 years ago, now that is a long test