first timer mot weld up....any advise

[steveo3002]

right ive got a matchbox sized piece of jacking point missing both sides and a finger sized hole in the floor near the jacking points

i dont have oodles of tools and machinary (just bought clarke pro 90) anyway i was thinking about the finger sized holes...idealy id like to cut it back to a clean square and drop in new metal , but i dont have the gear to tidy it up that nice

is it that much of a bodge to just plate over the hole, id like to make a nice job of it all if i can

i picked up a plasma cutting disc from machine mart..but its too big to make the cuts i need on the floor

 

[lexi]

If your tools are really limited you could drill four holes to form a square then take an old wood chisel and cut it out with hammer and chisel. Keep the blade parrallel with floor..........this is the way an air chisel works. Use your cutting disc to cut the metal squares to fit. Be carefull with the heat...... have a hose or extinguisher at the ready.

Disconnect battery and alternator. Watch out for any ECUs near where you are welding.

 

[jaylo]

Lexi , i just welded a wee patch -- first time ever -- with my clarke 160 , but did not disconnect batteries ( tis a ole campervan , arrr , 1986 vw ) or alternator (or fridge or zig unit ) ---- is this really important ?? jaylo

 

[fingers99]

It's always a good idea to at least pull off the negative terminal(s). Alternators seem to survive surprisingly well, but there will always be an exception. Cheaper to disconnect it.

 

[shenion]

I would leave the batt connected as it provides some surge suppression. If disconnected, then connect the two batt leads together.

 

[lexi]

Seen more damage done to alternators etc with battery connected.............some fried instantly. Never seen any workshop here not doing it.