Drag Link Clearance

[joshuak]

I’ve seen way worse than that. It looks to me maybe your speed is a little fast. I would clean those real good with a wire wheel and do a second pass. Take your time and watch what your puddle is doing, not the arc itself.

Thanks for looking/sharing, 10-4 on the slower while watching puddle action.

I do tend to focus on the arc, because that's all I can see, lol. Probably time to upgrade the ol' HF autonondarkening shield so I can actually see whats going on.

 

[Fastereddie]

Thanks for looking/sharing, 10-4 on the slower while watching puddle action.

I do tend to focus on the arc, because that's all I can see, lol. Probably time to upgrade the ol' HF autonondarkening shield so I can actually see whats going on.

A decent helmet makes a HUGE difference

 

[6872xtc]

Thanks for looking/sharing, 10-4 on the slower while watching puddle action.

I do tend to focus on the arc, because that's all I can see, lol. Probably time to upgrade the ol' HF autonondarkening shield so I can actually see whats going on.

You should be able to see the arc and the puddle with the proper shade, even though the puddle will be darker. Try turning the shade up on notch and see what it may do for you.
But yes, lenses can vary a bunch with different quality levels. I used an HF one and I could see the flash before it darkened, the response time was too slow. So then my eyes had to readjust more.

 

[HankScorpio]

That looks plenty strong. I don't think you will have any trouble with it.

I welded forever with cheap helmets. The under $100 auto darkening, the under $50 fixed shade, etc. I finally got an ESAB sentinel about 3 years ago, cost about $300. I wish I had known how much better you can see out of one, its an incredible difference. I bought it because I was learning to TIG and wanted to be able to see and concentrate on the process. It now makes all my welding better. You can really see the entire puddle and see the seam that you are welding along.

 

[joshuak]

You should be able to see the arc and the puddle with the proper shade, even though the puddle will be darker. Try turning the shade up on notch and see what it may do for you.
But yes, lenses can vary a bunch with different quality levels. I used an HF one and I could see the flash before it darkened, the response time was too slow. So then my eyes had to readjust more.

That's definitely happening, I'm trying to only go 2-3" at a time to avoid warping (not sure if needed) but by the time my vision adjusts I'm there. No time to see whats what. Shucks, a few times I had to go back over the same section because I missed the joint completely.

That looks plenty strong. I don't think you will have any trouble with it.

I welded forever with cheap helmets. The under $100 auto darkening, the under $50 fixed shade, etc. I finally got an ESAB sentinel about 3 years ago, cost about $300. I wish I had known how much better you can see out of one, its an incredible difference. I bought it because I was learning to TIG and wanted to be able to see and concentrate on the process. It now makes all my welding better. You can really see the entire puddle and see the seam that you are welding along.

I hear you, new helmet is on the wanted list. Either a Senteniel like yourself, or a Lincoln 3350. I'll see which I can find when I'm able to.

 

[Blue85]

I’ll ask again, anything you would recommend to do differently settings, technique whatever? Or just posting to point out what’s wrong?

Sorry if I came off as a jerk, but I'm just looking out, thinking how much worse it will be to tear this all apart again later (or have failure!) than to get it on the right track now. I don't have experience with anything but MIG, but I know there are lots of guys here that can give you direction with stick (and have been). It looks like the welds are getting better and with the sheer linear inches of joint it's hard to see that coming apart. I only brought it up because I have seen guys weld up important stuff and have it fall right apart on the trail because penetration was so minimal. All I can tell is you can can't weld unless you can watch the pool - unless you have mega experience with that exact condition.

 

[HankScorpio]

Sorry if I came off as a jerk, but I'm just looking out, thinking how much worse it will be to tear this all apart again later (or have failure!) than to get it on the right track now. I don't have experience with anything but MIG, but I know there are lots of guys here that can give you direction with stick (and have been). It looks like the welds are getting better and with the sheer linear inches of joint it's hard to see that coming apart. I only brought it up because I have seen guys weld up important stuff and have it fall right apart on the trail because penetration was so minimal. All I can tell is you can can't weld unless you can watch the pool - unless you have mega experience with that exact condition.

I stick welded spring perches on a D44 front in a Wagoneer early in my welding learning for a spring over. Looked ok . They broke. Lousy penetration. Welded it again with more heat, learned something. Just keep welding, every bead makes you better.

 

[Joel Wilson]

If we could make that happen, I would make sure to put as much food and alcohol as I could in you in a non romantic manner. and probably send you home with some monies for your time. No free electron in this world.

And maybe we could explore the over the phone option, someone on the internet must deliver liquor.

Thank you for your service.


I gotcha, either thickness or form huh?

Well, "on call" this weekend. So came in early to work and brought my welder, got this far and then ran out of the courtesy roll of 0.30 FC wire. Narrowed it, then added some 0.25" to the bottom of the flat plate, now in the process of boxing it in with more plate.


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And dude, thanks for bearing with me here. To me that’s what forums are about.

Non romantic manner, that's funny as hell right there.

Send me a private message and I'll give you my cell phone number. My neck surgery got rescheduled for March 2, so I'll have some free time on my hands after that. Might be able to get with you before then, not sure.

I like how it's turning out so far. Learning along the way is a good thing. Never, ever stop learning.

 

[Joel Wilson]

That's definitely happening, I'm trying to only go 2-3" at a time to avoid warping (not sure if needed) but by the time my vision adjusts I'm there. No time to see whats what. Shucks, a few times I had to go back over the same section because I missed the joint completely.




I hear you, new helmet is on the wanted list. Either a Senteniel like yourself, or a Lincoln 3350. I'll see which I can find when I'm able to.

Saw a guy hardfacing a loader bucket and warped the mold board because he didn't pause along the way.

I seriously need a better helmet too, I've missed the joint (not that kind of joint) a couple times cause I couldn't see the crack I was welding on one of our transfer trailers at work. You look at it when you''re done and it's like "Good job Bonehead"

 

[joshuak]

Sorry if I came off as a jerk, but I'm just looking out, thinking how much worse it will be to tear this all apart again later (or have failure!) than to get it on the right track now. I don't have experience with anything but MIG, but I know there are lots of guys here that can give you direction with stick (and have been). It looks like the welds are getting better and with the sheer linear inches of joint it's hard to see that coming apart. I only brought it up because I have seen guys weld up important stuff and have it fall right apart on the trail because penetration was so minimal. All I can tell is you can can't weld unless you can watch the pool - unless you have mega experience with that exact condition.

Didn't come off that way. I'm appreciative you took the time to point it out, I was just hoping you hadn't bailed once you saw that and if you had some ideas on how to improve you'd share them as well.

I know you know what your talking about, your thread on Hydroboost brakes was very helpful a few months ago when I was playing with my Sub.

 

[joshuak]

snip...

I seriously need a better helmet too... snip

...
Send me a private message and I'll give you my cell phone number. My neck surgery got rescheduled for March 2, so I'll have some free time on my hands after that...

Hmm... You'd like helmet, I'd like help.
PM Incoming, lets do after surgery maybe a decent activity during rehab?
Check feasibility, outlet location, ideal wire routing, list of material, execution, future upgrades, etc.

Best wishes for full and complete recovery.

 

[joshuak]

Installed the crossmember to check fitment.



Tried to cycle suspension. but ran out of travel, both the hoist under the fender well and with the neighbor. Have to relocate.



Also, to help my welds look better I ordered a sandingbrushcuttoff attachment for my angle grinder.