[CK 187]

I learned mig followed by stick and really ran with those for years in my youth. Then I was lucky enough to learn brazing and I think that helped immensely with my progression to TIG. Brazing taught me how to read heat and materials and stick taught me to move uniformly. Both were good for understanding filler

I don't/haven't thought top awful much about dexterity because I shake like a mother all the time (I blame caffeine dependency) but am somehow able to get myself in a zone for welding, shooting, etc.

 

[Smoker]

when i took welding in community college it was pretty solitary. we had "class" where the instructor would do some demos and such then we were off to our cubicles to practice for the rest of the class. we def spent more time actually welding than being lectured in a group.

Sounds like this class. One day of lecture & demos, three days of welding per week. Should get about 3 hours of welding time per class. Everyone gets their own cubicle.

 

[Smoker]

Is the class MIG and TIG? I always heard that if you learn oxy/acetylene welding first then everything else is easy. My metal shop teacher tried to teach me oxy/acetylene welding in HS, but I fked that up really bad! A few years later I had a certified welder friend teach me the basics and rules to live by with MIG and I got the hang of it quick. TIG is a whole different animal. I really struggle with it. I think I lack the fine dexterity. Interested to hear how your class goes!

No MIG and no TIG. Intro class is o/a and stick welding. O/a is definitely similar to TIG (without the pedal). Strong hand moves the puddle, weak hand dabs the filler rod.

I think 99% of new welders lack the fine dexterity. Plus, the only thing they do to improve is more welding. With so many things going on, it takes years to get good. Some never get there.

I stopped cursive writing after elementary school. Not great dexterity with my strong hand, but not bad. Weak hand is totally retarded. I developed a tool specifically for increasing bilateral fine dexterity, timing, and speed. Works the hands separately or together. I've only done a little, and it's helping. Also using a regular pen to try and draw perfect beads holding the pen in different ways. If I can't draw them, I definitely can't weld them. Also trying to write sentences with my weak hand. I use a metronome for consistent speed, rhythm, and to push faster.

 

[Smoker]

I haven't done much. This isn't my tool, just practice with my pen and metronome.

I'll definitely be better when I fire up the torch.

 

[MikeGyver]

Dang man, you're all in, I love it!

 

[Larry02ACR]

If you have some vacation time, you could shoot over to Vegas...

Fab & Welding Classes — The Fabrication Series

 

[Smoker]

Good to hear from you Larry!

First welding class last night. Didn't learn anything. Just gave us answers to the safety test and basic info.

I could already have COVID. Instructor had his mask down for the whole class. Said it fogs up his glasses. Small classroom, no windows, door closed. A couple of people wearing welding respirators which filter about 99% - except they have an exhalation valve, so their unfiltered breath comes straight out into the room. No social distancing.

I know too much so it makes me crazy. Got to get through 4 more lecture nights. Lab is more open. Next semester in 4 weeks. No lecture, just lab. TIG lab, and I might be able to do what I want. They also have basic metal fab machines.

Will be melting metal tonight.

I'm not a man of faith. But, I have to believe in myself, and my N-95 mask.

 

[Smoker]

Well, the instructor came in tonight with a nice fitted mask. Too bad he had it hanging down all night. If he could figure out to squeeze the metal piece around his nose, it would be fine. I'll try to find the right words to let him know. Other offenders came in with masks without valves. Unfortunately, at least half the class had their masks down under their noses all night.

On his own, the instructor offered me a work station with just one other person, instead of two.
I already talked to a young dude wearing a good mask and I took the very last work station, so I wouldn't be sandwiched between two.

I also got a Miller shade 5 face shield because my Lincoln goggles don't fit perfectly with the N-95 mask. Only wear it when welding, but it's a COVID thumbs up.

By the time I got to start welding, class was almost over. Threw down my second bead after they called for clean up.

First problem is I need more light. Lost my soapstone line on both trys. Only have an 00 tip to use, which seems big for 16 gauge steel. The tip of my cone was 3/4" to 1" away from the puddle. Tomorrow, I'll use less acetylene than recommended. I noticed the instructor doing it and he had a tiny cone.

Instructor said my beads are no good because he wants concave on top and convex on the bottom. My bottoms are flat. Not enough penetration.

But, not one hole. And some kinda-sorta dimes in there. I'm happy. Need to make 6 proper beads to finish this first project.

 

[Smoker]

Should have said that those are fusion welds (no filler rod). Filler rod is a couple of projects away.

Looking online for some kind of small light I can use at my work station. May have to be battery-powered, which sucks.

 

[shinyribs]

What's up, Pete?

You using a number 5 shades lens? O/A flames are intensely bright, often brighter than electrical welding. The 5 might not be dark enough so everything is washing out, like pointing your camera lens at the sun. No 5 shade is ok for cutting and some low temp soldering, but a darker lens may actually help you see better. Fume buildup on the lens seems like not a big deal, but it can block your vision more than you'd think. Keep it clean as possible.


Also, I don't know how your instructor expects you to create a bulged up bead with fusion welding on flare plate with no filler. The whole point of fusion welding is preventing buildup of weld bead. Without a seam to fuse ( which would help you since you could follow the cut edges easily) you are just melting the parent metal and it's got nowhere to go. Two 1/8" flat coupons stood up like a teepee ( naturally creates a slight gap) is the classic setup to learn fusion with a torch. I'm really confused. He expects you to build up a bead on flat plate with no filler rod?

Ask him for a demonstration. If he can pull it off, I'd love to see it. Good luck, man 👍

 

[Smoker]

What's up, Pete?

Yo, my dude! Where you been?

Maybe I didn't explain it right. On the top of the 16 gauge steel, he wants the bead concave. Like the pic I posted. But, on the bottom side of the plate, he wants the bead to be convex. Mine was flat on the bottom.

So, I need to let the puddle sink down, but not make a hole. And he wants the entire bead to be uniform from start to finish on top and bottom. Definitely not easy for a beginner.

Tonight, my beads were mostly shit. Didn't take pics, and threw my coupons in the trash. Figured out some good stuff, though. Adjustment of the flame is critical. Too weak- takes forever to start the puddle, and it hardly moves. Too strong- burns right through.

Figured out I need a reasonably hot flame, and a torch angle closer to 30 degrees. 45 degrees pushes down on the puddle too much.

Not much instruction in the class. Reminds me of my military training. No read one. Just see one and do one. Keep practicing until you do it right.

Looking forward to Monday!

 

[shinyribs]

You'll get there. Just takes time,man. Sounds cliche, but it's just one of those things.

I've been hiding in my little corner. Thinking, taking notes and hoping to knock the dust off the build table before too long.

 

[Smoker]

Not sure why I'm talking about welding school in my bike thread, but I don't care. Supposed to lead to a one-off fuel tank for this bike. Potentially good news. Spoke to the instructor because next semester is long, and I'll only be (TIG) welding about 3 hours per week in the advanced lab class. Asked if I could get into the final class for welding certification. Also just a lab, no lecture. Gave me the thumbs up, even though I'm not taking any of the classes for certification. Instructor is lacking with the COVID, but he has a good heart. So, I moved up from 3 to 6 hours per week next semester.👍

 

[XxGRYMMxX]

my schooling for O/A was what shiny said too. two coupons stacked and follow the edge. I dont understand why convex/concave on a flat plate with no actual weld makes any sense... is it just to get a feel for heat pattern and HAZ?

 

[Smoker]

my schooling for O/A was what shiny said too. two coupons stacked and follow the edge. I dont understand why convex/concave on a flat plate with no actual weld makes any sense... is it just to get a feel for heat pattern and HAZ?

Teacher didn't give any explanation. Just a demonstration.

I think he wants concave on top and convex on the bottom to learn heat/puddle control & penetration. To do it well, the bead has to sink down. To get the entire bead convex on the bottom of 16 gauge steel isn't easy without burning a hole. Well, not easy for a beginner.

 

[goonie82]

found this thread yesterday , what an awesome build

 

[Smoker]

Threaded bung for the side panel lines up with the frame on the left side.

It's around 3/16" off on the right side.

Double-checked the subframe to see if it's obviously bent. Looks slightly off, but I think it could be corrected just by loosening & retightening the 4 mounting bolts. My method for measuring is janky, at best.

First time mounting any white bodywork.

Rear panel template doesn't fit exactly like on the black bodywork. I'd better keep the panel symmetrical, for now. I'll try to hand draw a new template to try out. Not sure how accurate it will be.

 

[929_adam]

Mf'in updates!!! Love this Pete!

 

[Streetfighterkz]

Threaded bung for the side panel lines up with the frame on the left side.

It's around 3/16" off on the right side.

I didn’t read through everything but why is the frame mounting lug on the left side thinner than the right? That’s where your discrepancy lies. The right lug looks to be your 3/16” thicker. Compare the threads protruding on the left side vs none on the right. I assume they’re the same length bolt?

Later, Doug

 

[Smoker]

Yeah, I bought one different length Ti bolt, so they all fit properly. Never had the whole bike, just bought parts, but the parts fiche shows the same part number for all 4 subframe mounting bolts.

Those frame lugs, and the subframe, don't look modified at all. The parts and plastics seem to line up properly. I've looked at pics of several other SXV frames, and all have the same lugs as mine.

Not sure why it's like that.