my first attempt...

[joell]

So weldequip set me up so I could use the disposable bottles ive already got (thanks Weldequip) and I just tried it out for the first time on some scrap metal.

first mistake, was lazyness, i didnt clean up the metal first so there was paint on it.
second mistake was going in too long a run, and not checking progress, hence i burnt my first hole.

that aside, the join itself was as good as i expected for a first attempt, but maybe my expectations were just low!

Im not sure the gas was working though, when i turned it on too much it sounded like it was leaking, so i didnt have it on much. I suspect i need to check the connections before i try again...what do you guys think?

Thanks
Joel

 

[weldequip]

The eagle has landed
Not enough gas & you need to get that metal nice & shiney to give you a fighting chance...get rid of all that paint
weldequip

 

[Wozzaaah]

Ok Joel, you've identified pretty much all your problems, paint on the steel is a definite no-no, clean it until it's as bright and shiny as possible.
It also looks like you've got absolutely no gas coverage whatsoever. Those mini regs need to be pretty well fully open to get sufficient gas flow. Are you welding inside or outside?

I have to say, that's not the worst first attempt we've seen on here.....but it's not far off it .

Joking aside, keep practising, you'll soon get the hang of it, we all started somewhere

 

[joell]

I will practice tomorrow.

But i got to get good enough to weld this up. Any advice?

 

[weldingscotty803]

more practice lol. try on some clean metal, those throw away bottles are rubbish.get some co2 from the local, get a reg for it and try that. get use to the settings first. dont try and join 2 pieces yet. just do some straight runs first 1-2 inch long. plus the above pic shows a bit of clean steel on the car, all of it must be clean. every bit. welding on cars if 50%preperation 30%fabbin and 20% welding or there abouts

 

[joell]

Ok so i have cleaned up the metal which took me along time. But im ready to go at least ready to practice more. Thing is, i hooked up the disposable bottle via the kit weldequip sent me but at the valve where it meets the little clear plastic tube (weldequip didnt sell me this bit) it hisses loosing gas when i turn it on. there is a little silver metal bit that fits the hose into the valve but it seems sort of loose really, but looks like its designed that way.

What am i missing here? thought about applying some sealant round that bit, but it will take time to dry...

 

[gavuk]

Hi Joell sounds like the quick release pipe fitting is leaking ,either try pushing the pipe in or ,push the ring toward the reguator and pull the pipe right out (gas off of course)then cut 10mm of the pipe and push it back in,let s now how you go ,,,,Gav

 

[joell]

this is where its leaking...

 

[joell]

Thanks Gav I tried this a few times already but no luck. I havent got much clear pipe left to try it many more times. :-)

 

[zardoz]

will putting ptfe tappe around the pipe end do any good ~?

 

[madkayaker]

try rapping self amalgamation electrical tape around it

 

[malcolm]

Should the knurled bit on the connector be quite so close to the rest of the connecter? Looks like it's in it's release position. Try pulling it back in the direction of the pipe and see if it seals.

Otherwise probably a new connector. Don't imagine they are expensive.

 

[gavuk]

Joell ,pm sent ......

 

[joell]

i didnt have any ptfe tape, so i tried some cling film (several layers held on with plastic ties. Worked ok for 5 minutes, then stopped working sadly. :-(

 

[..DAZ..]

do you know the size of the fitting (the bit that screws in) and the size of plastic pipe? I can send you a new fitting in the post if you like, I use dozens of them at work. You will be able to find one reasonably local but a lot of places only sell in packs of 5 or so.

cheers
daz

 

[joell]

Right then, here is my handywork. I really dont think i show any promise, but i hope ive done it well enough to pass the MOT. Tell me what you think.
Here are some photos of the bit i mentioned before and showed some photos of before the welding. I fixed the missing bit down the side then did the rest in one go with one piece of metal that i bent and hammered into the right shape. My welds were quite thick so i grinded them down. Some bits look a little, well pitted and certainly messy...the question is is it good enough?

First two photos are of the bit you already know about...

Then these next two are of the inner sill. I had to remove the runners and plasic wheel arches to get good access, and i was welding upside down. Also very difficult to get the grinder in there so my tidying up is not great. Again it looks pitted and messy but it is solid. Question is again, will it pass the MOT?

Dont forget you wont be able to see the bottom bit really once ive put the runners back on.

 

[gavuk]

sorry can't see pictures, work has a filter or something ,sure someone will advise you ,glad you got it sorted ....Gav

 

[joell]

Thanks everyone, it passed its MOT with the welding being fine!

Ta
Joel