Welding Tips and Tricks

So, I bought a Fronius TIG welder and started practising. No prior experience, but I have spent a lot of time watching videos on how to weld. The way Jody shares his experience is amazing. Such a wealth of good information.

After getting the Fronius I soon realized that a metal band saw would be a great asset in the garage. I found one, but the stand that came with it was rather flimsy. Then I decised that my first poject will be a new stand for the band saw.

Here it goes

The band saw with the stand that came with it:




The first item on the list was to start practising laying down beads.




Then cutting the parts for the stand.




Then welding the top frame together.




Checking the angle.




Top of frame completed.




Detail of the weld.




Next was to drill some holes for the attachments screws.




Then get the holes threaded.




Then get the legs welded on. This caused some gray hairs. I wanted the legs to angle a bit out. Both sideways and fore/aft in order to make the stand more stable.




Stand finished. By pure luck, I guess, it was standing straight.




Painted the frame in the same color as the Fronius.




Pretty happy with the finished result








Sent from my Commodore 64

Rusts a nice stand you built there and a nice selection of tools to start off with.

great job! using a tool that moves around sucks.
also nice welding table (jealous)
craig

Farmwelding wrote:Rusts a nice stand you built there and a nice selection of tools to start off with.

I have wanted to learn to weld for as long as I can remember. Now having turned 50, I decided it was time. I also decided to get proper equipment. The Fronius and the Siegmund welding table is kind of an overkill for a hobby welder, but this was my gift to myself for surviving for a half hundred years If I decide to stop welding I think all this should be very easy to sell again without loosing to much money..


Sent from my Commodore 64

Nice work. Love that table.

Great result from a first attempt.
My only comment would be put wheels on it, I have found wheels very handy on my band saw.
Nice table.
Cheers

Well done, and extra credit for making angled legs and not just taking the easy straight path.
So, what are you up to the next 50 years now that you have learned welding?

Looks good -Clean and functional. Angled stuff always make it more interesting. I just noticed your original bench had trailing wheels and a swing up handle. Couple of X braces on each side would stiffen it up to make a little tool cart or something. Just thinking

EtroniX - nice stand! I just joined the forum this morning, and the first thing I did was a search for bandsaw stands. You must have posted right after I did my search. I have a HF 4X6 that needs the stand replaced. I may not copy your design, as I already have casters and a bunch of angle I want to use, but thanks for the inspiration. Seeing your work might be the kick in the rear I need to get going.
I have a multipurpose machine (only used Mig so far) and am getting ready to try Tig for the first time - double inspiration!

Somebodies been practicing aluminum welding. I see that big chunk of practice laying on the floor near your cycle lift. We are shop snoopers here...you've been warned

don't make excuses about what tools you buy, buy the best you can afford
and maybe you will only have to do it once.
craig

exnailpounder wrote: We are shop snoopers here..

And you Sir, are the undisputed master of that art

AndersK wrote:

exnailpounder wrote: We are shop snoopers here..

And you Sir, are the undisputed master of that art

And I think of it more like a sport than an art...lol

we need a new thread " send in your shop photos and have Jeff find
the hidden treasures" lol
craig

AndersK wrote:

exnailpounder wrote: We are shop snoopers here..

And you Sir, are the undisputed master of that art

If Jeff shows up at your front door, don't let him in

LtBadd wrote:

AndersK wrote:

exnailpounder wrote: We are shop snoopers here..

And you Sir, are the undisputed master of that art

If Jeff shows up at your front door, don't let him in

You might not get a choice.

"Are you finished with this door?"



Kym

motox wrote:don't make excuses about what tools you buy, buy the best you can afford
and maybe you will only have to do it once.
craig

Amen!!!

Have a look that the rouges gallery picture of Jeff. If Jeff turns up at your door, you are about to have a very good day or a very very bad one. (Hi Jeff, the cases of beer are on the way mate.)

LtBadd wrote:

AndersK wrote:

exnailpounder wrote: We are shop snoopers here..

And you Sir, are the undisputed master of that art

If Jeff shows up at your front door, don't let him in

He would be welcome at my house





(I don't have any tools in my house )

jrporter wrote:EtroniX - nice stand! I just joined the forum this morning, and the first thing I did was a search for bandsaw stands. You must have posted right after I did my search. I have a HF 4X6 that needs the stand replaced. I may not copy your design, as I already have casters and a bunch of angle I want to use, but thanks for the inspiration. Seeing your work might be the kick in the rear I need to get going.
I have a multipurpose machine (only used Mig so far) and am getting ready to try Tig for the first time - double inspiration!

If my first project is an inspiration, by all means go ahead

exnailpounder wrote:Somebodies been practicing aluminum welding. I see that big chunk of practice laying on the floor near your cycle lift. We are shop snoopers here...you've been warned

A lot of practise and lots to learn...

EtronX wrote:

exnailpounder wrote:Somebodies been practicing aluminum welding. I see that big chunk of practice laying on the floor near your cycle lift. We are shop snoopers here...you've been warned

A lot of practise and lots to learn...

It looks like you are well on your way there my friend. You have some nice toys to play with.

Just a thought. Any solid fixtures that I have built ( work stands -stoves etc. ) with 4 legs I put 2 leveler screws on one side at the feet. With a solid structure no matter how accurate you build it the floor under is seldom perfect. That way if you move your saw around a quick turn of a bolt will fix any wobble. Also as was mentioned -wheels are a marvelous tool. All my movable fixtures have wheels and its easy to reconfigure the shop for whatever project your working on.

exnailpounder wrote:

EtronX wrote:

exnailpounder wrote:Somebodies been practicing aluminum welding. I see that big chunk of practice laying on the floor near your cycle lift. We are shop snoopers here...you've been warned

A lot of practise and lots to learn...

It looks like you are well on your way there my friend. You have some nice toys to play with.

Thank you, exnailpounder I am having a lot of fun. Tried on some Stanley blades today. The one to the left is the first try. Second on the right.




Sent from my Commodore 64

homeboy wrote:Just a thought. Any solid fixtures that I have built ( work stands -stoves etc. ) with 4 legs I put 2 leveler screws on one side at the feet. With a solid structure no matter how accurate you build it the floor under is seldom perfect. That way if you move your saw around a quick turn of a bolt will fix any wobble. Also as was mentioned -wheels are a marvelous tool. All my movable fixtures have wheels and its easy to reconfigure the shop for whatever project your working on.

I was thinking about putting some leveler screws in, but the material in the square tubing is pretty thin. I also thought about welding in some small nuts for adjustments, but also disregarded that due to the size of screw that would fit inside.

The band saw will have its own place in the garage. I don`t think I will be moving it around much. Maybe some wheels after a while. Time will show.


Sent from my Commodore 64