Richard.
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Go silicon hoses. You won't look back.
- Thread starter Gizmo.Y
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Richard.
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Depends on what the bank will take. They ain't cheap that's for sure. Ck, weldcraft, weldtec been the top 3 in my eyes. Having owned all 3 at some point Id put the weldtec speedway sw320 firmly at the top for quality and feel but you won't go far wrong with any of those.
If it's an air cooled 17 your after with a plug and switch you could probably secure a ck17 with flex cable from rapid for around £100 with vat. That's as cheap as the good ones get in this country. You could look at importing as they are all usa made and cheaper if they exchange less hands along the way.
If it's an air cooled 17 your after with a plug and switch you could probably secure a ck17 with flex cable from rapid for around £100 with vat. That's as cheap as the good ones get in this country. You could look at importing as they are all usa made and cheaper if they exchange less hands along the way.
Richard.
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The thing is though mate you can get away with going cheap on a lot of the gear but the torch IMO is the 2nd most important thing to achieving results because it's the difference between been comfortable and been tied up in knots. (The first is you the guy driving). Id buy cheap regs, pedals, even a cheap machine before skimping on a horrible snake like torch.
You held my weldtec when you were here and noticed just how light and flexible it was yet it would cope with anything the unit could throw at it without breaking a sweat.
IMO because of the jobs ive seen you doing I think it's time you went water cooled.
Lots of Alu thick and thin lots of long runs is probably the reason your torch is giving up.
Get/make yourself a cooler and buy a nice wp20 torch and your set up for good. Perfect size with perfect current rating and your welding WILL improve. Simply on the base that you'll be more comfortable, consumable parts will last ten times longer and even your gas shield will be more effective not been forced through a glowing red cup.
I do a lot of Alu just like you do and I would never go back to gas cooling now. I sold my Kemppi with the cooler and bought a Rehm . First thing I did was build my self a cooler and bought a wp20. Number one priority IMO.
You held my weldtec when you were here and noticed just how light and flexible it was yet it would cope with anything the unit could throw at it without breaking a sweat.
IMO because of the jobs ive seen you doing I think it's time you went water cooled.
Lots of Alu thick and thin lots of long runs is probably the reason your torch is giving up.
Get/make yourself a cooler and buy a nice wp20 torch and your set up for good. Perfect size with perfect current rating and your welding WILL improve. Simply on the base that you'll be more comfortable, consumable parts will last ten times longer and even your gas shield will be more effective not been forced through a glowing red cup.
I do a lot of Alu just like you do and I would never go back to gas cooling now. I sold my Kemppi with the cooler and bought a Rehm . First thing I did was build my self a cooler and bought a wp20. Number one priority IMO.
Richard.
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Giz it's poor in comparison to your Alu work.
In fairness I can only see one edge.
Now the first thing I'm going to say is why didn't you clean off the box scale.
If you put up your work for an opinion surely it makes sense to put up your best work.
Even if your just having a kick about sticking bits together don't settle for second rate welding. Clean all your metal up and make a job of it.
In fairness I can only see one edge.
Now the first thing I'm going to say is why didn't you clean off the box scale.
If you put up your work for an opinion surely it makes sense to put up your best work.
Even if your just having a kick about sticking bits together don't settle for second rate welding. Clean all your metal up and make a job of it.
Richard.
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Look forward to seeing your best work Giz. Like the alu.
Thankyou Richard. I was messing with the RAGE Saw earlier and these are some offcuts as a result. a bit of a spur of the moment, i just wacked the welder in DC and had a bash, Pretty much zero prep...My bad! But i will cut some more offcuts tomorrow and do some proper prep work and setting up.
On another note. Another tank i was asked to do. Pretty happy with these welds. The welds on the center pipe are not that great. I really struggle with getting nice "Beads" on any tight radius. The center bit sticking up is 25mm OD 3mm Tubing, the outer diameter is 60mm x 3mm wall aswell.
On another note. Another tank i was asked to do. Pretty happy with these welds. The welds on the center pipe are not that great. I really struggle with getting nice "Beads" on any tight radius. The center bit sticking up is 25mm OD 3mm Tubing, the outer diameter is 60mm x 3mm wall aswell.
Sod it...I thought! went out to the garage and cut up some fresh steel. did some prep...Sanded the plate and box with some 240 grit on a Mini 2" DA. Cleaned down with brake cleaner and dried. Set to 45 amps, sharp tungsten and had a bash. No filler this time round. Please note this is my 3rd attempt in Mild steel. I haven't touched steel before hand, I've only been welding ally, other than an hour or so with some stainless at Richards.
Richard.
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This is your next mistake Giz.
Use filler. I'm pretty certain I can see porus welds there.
