Maggie’s The Welding and Metalworking Thread

[sea2summit]

As promised in an earlier post. Here are some photos of a pedestrian bridge we are building for UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill, NC. If you are a UNC fan, or know the area well, this bridge will cross Manning Drive and West Drive. It connects an existing parking garage to the oncology clinic. This bridge we are building replaces a bridge that (I think) did more or less the same thing except it wasn't curved. The original bridge has been demolished and this one takes its place. This is one of 5 total sections of the bridge. The other sections are straight....so not quite so interesting. This bridge is complicated in that it both curves and changes in elevation. Sounds simple, but it really isn’t.

As you can see we built this thing on shoring posts to replicate its final position (the change in elevation, etc.). Essentially, this is just like its final resting place other than it will be 20-ish feet from the ground. For something like this it always pays to shop-assemble it prior to sending it to the site. I'm sure you can only image the problems something like this would create if it got to the site and didn't fit....we'd have a pissed off CM and ironworkers. Always better to bite the bullet and do it right the first time.

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Very cool to see.

My wife’s favorite show is Gold Rush and every time I see them pulling apart a dredge I’m in awe that those things could be assembled back in the day.
My wife’s favorite show is Gold Rush and every time I see them pulling apart a dredge I’m in awe that those things could be assembled back in the day in the location/conditions they did it.

 

[sirhrmechanic]

As promised in an earlier post. Here are some photos of a pedestrian bridge we are building for UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill, NC. If you are a UNC fan, or know the area well, this bridge will cross Manning Drive and West Drive. It connects an existing parking garage to the oncology clinic. This bridge we are building replaces a bridge that (I think) did more or less the same thing except it wasn't curved. The original bridge has been demolished and this one takes its place. This is one of 5 total sections of the bridge. The other sections are straight....so not quite so interesting. This bridge is complicated in that it both curves and changes in elevation. Sounds simple, but it really isn’t.

As you can see we built this thing on shoring posts to replicate its final position (the change in elevation, etc.). Essentially, this is just like its final resting place other than it will be 20-ish feet from the ground. For something like this it always pays to shop-assemble it prior to sending it to the site. I'm sure you can only image the problems something like this would create if it got to the site and didn't fit....we'd have a pissed off CM and ironworkers. Always better to bite the bullet and do it right the first time.

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That makes my toys look like, well, toys! Amazing!

Sirhr

 

[stello1001]

This thread makes me wish I could have gotten into being a machinist, welder, metalworker, etc.

 

[LeftyJason]

This thread makes me wish I could have gotten into being a machinist, welder, metalworker, etc.

Not too late as a hobby. Which are you most interrested in?

 

[stello1001]

Not too late as a hobby. Which are you most interrested in?

I would think welding would benefit me the most as I plan to buy rural land. Maybe 20 acres or so. I could probably build or work on gate, entrance decorations, and just about anything lol. My dad has a small welding machine but has never been a welder nor does he know how to use it lol. He just bought it in case he needed work done around his house, he would call over the neighbor or someone who could weld.

I wanted to learn how to weld using his machine but somehow I never started. I also do electrical work in refineries and it would probably yield me more income to be a multicraft worker.

 

[LeftyJason]

I would think welding would benefit me the most as I plan to buy rural land. Maybe 20 acres or so. I could probably build or work on gate, entrance decorations, and just about anything lol. My dad has a small welding machine but has never been a welder nor does he know how to use it lol. He just bought it in case he needed work done around his house, he would call over the neighbor or someone who could weld.

I wanted to learn how to weld using his machine but somehow I never started. I also do electrical work in refineries and it would probably yield me more income to be a multicraft worker.

weldingtipsandtricks

Clear Arc Shots and Plain Talk to help you Pass a Test, Fix Stuff, Build Stuff, Get a Raise, Build a Better Life. Disclaimer: These videos are intended for e...

www.youtube.com

 

[1moaoff]

Got a bumper put together for my ‘57.View attachment 7259395

Is the bed curved or is it optical illusion?

 

[346ci]

I would think welding would benefit me the most as I plan to buy rural land. Maybe 20 acres or so. I could probably build or work on gate, entrance decorations, and just about anything lol. My dad has a small welding machine but has never been a welder nor does he know how to use it lol. He just bought it in case he needed work done around his house, he would call over the neighbor or someone who could weld.

I wanted to learn how to weld using his machine but somehow I never started. I also do electrical work in refineries and it would probably yield me more income to be a multicraft worker.

Check your local community colleges for a welding course, ours has a afternoon class where you go after normal work hours.

 

[Geno C.]

Is the bed curved or is it optical illusion?

It’s the camera. Not sure why it does that sometimes

 

[sirhrmechanic]

On the subject of toys... a bit of model shop work today... new Project! Goes with the wheels!

Sirhr

 

[Barneybdb]

 

[Decoy]

As promised in an earlier post. Here are some photos of a pedestrian bridge we are building for UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill, NC. If you are a UNC fan, or know the area well, this bridge will cross Manning Drive and West Drive. It connects an existing parking garage to the oncology clinic. This bridge we are building replaces a bridge that (I think) did more or less the same thing except it wasn't curved. The original bridge has been demolished and this one takes its place. This is one of 5 total sections of the bridge. The other sections are straight....so not quite so interesting. This bridge is complicated in that it both curves and changes in elevation. Sounds simple, but it really isn’t.

As you can see we built this thing on shoring posts to replicate its final position (the change in elevation, etc.). Essentially, this is just like its final resting place other than it will be 20-ish feet from the ground. For something like this it always pays to shop-assemble it prior to sending it to the site. I'm sure you can only image the problems something like this would create if it got to the site and didn't fit....we'd have a pissed off CM and ironworkers. Always better to bite the bullet and do it right the first time.

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Very nice work, make sure you post a picture installed!

 

[Decoy]

I had a job.

I was good at it.

Now I get to do vertical rock stacking whenever I want!

Cheers,

Sirhr

Sirhr,

Are you the one that runs around and stacks the round rocks at every damn hiking trail in the Columbia Gorge?

 

[Decoy]

View attachment 7163767

That stuff also works well on your teeth!

 

[DAMNKID]

Alittle turn and burn making a new cat drive shaft housing

 

[TxWelder35]

Anyone in the market for a new hood?

 

[missed]

No but that looks slick, tons of viewing room, full flip up grinding. Is there a setup for supply air/filtered air? Which one is it?

 

[Punkur67]

A little off road fab I did on my personal buggy

 

[TxWelder35]

No but that looks slick, tons of viewing room, full flip up grinding. Is there a setup for supply air/filtered air? Which one is it?

I believe Lincoln does make one for this hood. I believe the model is FGS 3250

 

[Barneybdb]

 

[roostercogburn98]

Thank you trash dump for the free fork lift tines. Will be fabricating a frame/rack so I can use these in my midget tractor soon

 

[sirhrmechanic]

Yup, I am still building models at my age... Well, not exactly from the kit box...

Cheers,

Sirhr

 

[sirhrmechanic]

Sirhr,

Are you the one that runs around and stacks the round rocks at every damn hiking trail in the Columbia Gorge?

The short version is...

No.

Cheers,

Sirhr

 

[DAMNKID]

Any of you welders running an Optrel Crystal 2.0 hood?

 

[DaveinCO]

Not me but they look interesting. At this point I'm pretty happy with the miller T94 and I am a little concerned about the temp rating of these. I melted a couple of miller and lincoln hoods by doing a lot of plasma gouging.

 

[mtrmn]

Here's the cheapest price I could find on the hood posted a few posts ago. Me likey

Lincoln Electric VIKING 3250D FGS Welding Helmet - K3540-3

Top Features Integrated clear grind shield with anti-fog coating Exclusive 4C™ Lens Technology reduces color saturation, improves clarity and reduces eye strain Perfect Optical Clarity eliminates bluriness and distortion while maintaining an even shade Shade 5 side windows notably increase...

weldingmart.com

 

[sirhrmechanic]

My 1/6th model continues to go well... keeps me from going nuts while watching the news...

What are people working on for fun and distraction?

Cheers,

Sirhr

 

[Dobbs02si]

It didn't take but 45 mins total, but my ghetto bag rider is done. Ignore the hardware, it's all I had laying around. The hardware stores are only open to account holders and I didn't feel like going through work.

 

[DAMNKID]

Had some time on my hands and made a bag rider for my ACC too. Made from 6061

 

[ggmanning]

Got a lot of free time lately thanks to.........well plenty of threads about the current hysteria. Built some T post target hangers and a dueling tree. Going to build a manual reset knock over target rack next.

 

[502Chevelle]

You guys are amazing. Man art for sure.

 

[sirhrmechanic]

Very tiny parts....

sirhr

 

[rg1911]

Very tiny parts....View attachment 7284311View attachment 7284312

sirhr

Damn! That is bloody beautiful! Is the finished model going be powered? Radio control?

Cheers, Richard

 

[Dobbs02si]

Got a lot of free time lately thanks to.........well plenty of threads about the current hysteria. Built some T post target hangers and a dueling tree. Going to build a manual reset knock over target rack next.
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Are you going to cut a ramp on the tubes to passively hold the plates down, or lean the post toward the shooter? I built one years back that I had to do both to keep the plates from slapping the opposite side so hard the returned back where they were shot. Just something to think about. Otherwise you've built the perfect reason to load more pistol ammo.

 

[sea2summit]

Very tiny parts....View attachment 7284311View attachment 7284312

sirhr

Do you a tinny little torque wrench or something? I would strip every single one of those screws

 

[sirhrmechanic]

Do you a tinny little torque wrench or something? I would strip every single one of those screws

No... just patience! The issue is not the threads stripping. It is tapping a 12ba thread into aluminum without breaking off a tap that about .050” at its major diameter!

RG. Display only. No RC. Though some do that! Not me.

cheers, Sirhr

 

[ggmanning]

Are you going to cut a ramp on the tubes to passively hold the plates down, or lean the post toward the shooter? I built one years back that I had to do both to keep the plates from slapping the opposite side so hard the returned back where they were shot. Just something to think about. Otherwise you've built the perfect reason to load more pistol ammo.

Not sure.....got to shoot it and see. I allowed about 270 degrees of spin to account for bounce back. Good ideas though, thanks

 

[sea2summit]

No... just patience! The issue is not the threads stripping. It is tapping a 12ba thread into aluminum without breaking off a tap that about .050” at its major diameter!


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RG. Display only. No RC. Though some do that! Not me.

cheers, Sirhr

Wow, that is amazing.

 

[AKMarty]

Got a lot of free time lately thanks to.........well plenty of threads about the current hysteria. Built some T post target hangers and a dueling tree. Going to build a manual reset knock over target rack next.
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I like the dueling tree. You might want to give it a tilt forward or you run the risk of bullets returning to visit you. Most manufacturers use about 23 degrees. Still easy enough for a 9mm to turn it but all the bullets get deflected down. And when you hit it the paddle will swing and stay.

 

[mgsutton336]

Any of you welders running an Optrel Crystal 2.0 hood?

I've been using one for about 6 months

 

[DAMNKID]

I've been using one for about 6 months

How are you liking it? Pros and cons? Heard it’s really lite weight and the clarity off course is top notch. What hood did you have before and what type of welding do you do the most?

 

[mgsutton336]

How are you liking it? Pros and cons? Heard it’s really lite weight and the clarity off course is top notch. What hood did you have before and what type of welding do you do the most?

I'll start by saying I hated auto lenses until I bought this one. Super light weight and yeah the clarity is awesome. The shade 2 for grinding and whatnot is cool too. Mostly used a passive hood, but have had a Miller (10 years ago), a Speedglas 9000 series, and a Jackson Truesight II the Optrel has my vote. The only downside is the cost and the headgear isn't great. Oh and I mostly Tig weld stainless

 

[TxWelder35]

It didn't take but 45 mins total, but my ghetto bag rider is done. Ignore the hardware, it's all I had laying around. The hardware stores are only open to account holders and I didn't feel like going through work. View attachment 7281735View attachment 7281736

I’ve been wanting to make a bag rider. No Cnc though. Let’s see how good I can do with just a grinder and a drill

 

[DAMNKID]

I'll start by saying I hated auto lenses until I bought this one. Super light weight and yeah the clarity is awesome. The shade 2 for grinding and whatnot is cool too. Mostly used a passive hood, but have had a Miller (10 years ago), a Speedglas 9000 series, and a Jackson Truesight II the Optrel has my vote. The only downside is the cost and the headgear isn't great. Oh and I mostly Tig weld stainless

Thanks I’m really looking at getting one just trying to decide if I want to get the PAPR system or not. Deciding factor would be using the papr hood with out the blower Unit wondering if it would get hot and fog up or if you can remove the face seal.I’ve read guys have change out the head gear with the New miller headgear too

 

[Dobbs02si]

I’ve been wanting to make a bag rider. No Cnc though. Let’s see how good I can do with just a grinder and a drill

No cnc either on this project ; ) I stuck the round stock out the side of a vise and machined it in a knee mill. Drilled and countersink with a drill press. It could easily be done with a hacksaw, file, and hand drill.

I actually just recieved another chassis, so I will do another one 100% with hand tools ; )

 

[Jethro3898]

I’ve been in the structural steel industry my entire adult life. We don’t typically do the cool looking stuff like car frames and the beautiful TiG welds you see on pipe. We MiG almost exclusively because we need to pump weld quickly.

Most of our work is hospitals, multi-story buildings, etc., but we have done some cool stuff over the years for certain good customers.

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine; Ground Zero, NYC, NY
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Most people never see our welds, so they are more purposeful than beautiful (full-pen, partial-pen, and simple fillet welds), but the two projects above had a lot of AESS which has pretty strict criteria for welds and material surface condition.

A little bit of a shameless plug.
Tomorrow on 60 Minutes there is a segment on the rebuilding of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church that we fabricated back in 2016. I’m under no illusions that my company will be mentioned, but I hope they have some good shots of the steel from the inside. Since it is virtually all exposed, if they take any interior shots, our steel should be pretty obvious.

I just hope it still looks good after sitting for nearly 3 years with no activity. They stopped work about 4 months after we completed Erection.

Happy Easter y’all.

EDIT:

Nearly 20 years after being destroyed on 9/11, a New York City church is being resurrected

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and the iconography it housed were destroyed in the attack on the World Trade Center. After almost two decades, the church is rising again with new iconography from a monastery on Mt. Athos.

www.cbsnews.com

Above is a link to the segment on the church. There was actually some good footage of the steel we fabricated and they even had footage of the cross I designed for the topping out ceremony being hoisted into place. Pretty cool.

 

[ggmanning]

Manual reset knock over plate rack. Waiting a strip of AR 500 to protect the crossbar.

 

[packratt]

I need to cut a bunch of these hinges from 1/8×1 aluminum bar. My father would hacksaw and file but he was retired and had time. Best way I can think of to speed the process is angle head and cut off wheel.

Any suggestions for speeding the process with standard shop toold?

 

[Sean the Nailer]

I'm assuming that you don't have access to a milling machine? Those are pretty much a "shop tool"....

 

[DAMNKID]

I need to cut a bunch of these hinges from 1/8×1 aluminum bar. My father would hacksaw and file but he was retired and had time. Best way I can think of to speed the process is angle head and cut off wheel.

Any suggestions for speeding the process with standard shop toold?

View attachment 7296689

miter saw and a metal blade