Cracked frame

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Dec 26, 2015 | 04:34 PM

#46

dixie460

Postmaster

Joined: Nov 2011

Posts: 3,533

Likes: 17

From: SW Florida

That Harbor Freight auto darkening hood is fine for what you'll be doing. I have one too and it works just as well as my Jackson hood. Actually I grab the HF one more often because it has a grinding mode which disable the AD feature and lets you use it as just a face shield.

Beware it has NO visible indication inside the hood that it is set to grind mode. I now have a habit of touching the dial before striking an arc and the only way that habit formed was because of that hood and forgetting that I had it set to grinding mode.

You don't need a top of the line welder and I didn't suggest you buy one, I said step up just a little bit to get the DC output model. Then later on when you're ready you can sell it and pick up a good DC capable stick welder for under $300 or a MIG welder for a little more money. No need to buy brand new when shopping for a welder, especially if you choose a transformer-based welder.

As for your question about what type of welder, I had both and sold my MIG but that is a matter of personal preference. Sheet metal is where MIG excels but I don't do much of that. You can of course weld heavy steel with MIG as well.

Good luck with your repairs and let's see some pics of that headache rack when you're done.

Dec 26, 2015 | 05:42 PM

#47

tjc transport

i ain't rite

Joined: Mar 2005

Posts: 65,579

Likes: 5,611

From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.

i have a variety of machines. 2 migs, a small 110 volt and a lincoln 215 powermig.
plus a miller bluestar 2E, and a miller bobcat 250.
and a harbor freight plasma cutter along with 2 sets of oxy acetylene torches.
each machine has it's own designated use.

Dec 26, 2015 | 05:45 PM

#48

tankguy

Junior User

Joined: Sep 2015

Posts: 63

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'Fish Plating' would be my choice..

Dec 26, 2015 | 05:57 PM

#49

AKHunter93

Elder User

Joined: May 2015

Posts: 785

Likes: 2

Fish plating can be a beneficial piece of an effective crack repair, but if you don't repair the crack itself then just throwing a bandaid over it is only prolonging the inevitable.

Dec 26, 2015 | 06:04 PM

#50

tjc transport

i ain't rite

Joined: Mar 2005

Posts: 65,579

Likes: 5,611

From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russell F Cary

Fish plating can be a beneficial piece of an effective crack repair, but if you don't repair the crack itself then just throwing a bandaid over it is only prolonging the inevitable.

yup. a fishplate without welding the crack in just a temporary bandaid.

Dec 27, 2015 | 05:52 AM

#51

mpriester

Freshman User

Joined: Oct 2010

Posts: 44

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The HF wire feed welder will do just fine if used properly. Just prep the area as instructed earlier, and i can not stress enough to make sure it is clean and shiney before welding. Practice with it first to learn the welder. I have one of the HF 90amp welders and it serves its purpose but i also have a Hobart140 which is a night and day difference.

Dec 28, 2015 | 11:52 AM

#52

1Austin112

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Joined: Feb 2015

Posts: 155

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Yes I do plan on making the surface area extremely clean, Grinding / wire wheel everything to make sure its a clean work area. Just got my 20a outlet / breaker installed and running to HF in a bit with a long shopping list

Will post back how the repair went once done as soon as the stupid ice stops falling from the sky and i can get working