The post whore thread.

[Great-Kazoo]

Tack the ends, weld down sides. Don't try to go around ends. Small parts/edges heat up faster. Work both parts same time, alternate passes.

Am not a trained welder, just my own observations over the years.

Definitely seems like trying to weld around the corners was unnecessary.

I would have clamped the 2 pcs, tack welded all 4 sides, then welded. Why are you not using a drill to knock that hole out?

[Irving]

I don't have a drill press and figured this would be faster anyway.

[buffalobo]

You'll have to drive to Dallas to pick up the personal lubricant.

https://www.repurposedmaterialsinc.c...nal-lubricant/

Ho trip road trip.

[buffalobo]

Why are you not using a drill to knock that hole out?

Glad you brought that up. Saw that hand press/punch and thought it must be Irving being old school or redneck for the experience, not just being dumb ass.

[buffalobo]

I don't have a drill press and figured this would be faster anyway.

Possibly faster but as torn stitch indicates only done if no other choice.

Tack piece to scrap, clamp to bench and drill with cordless on low speed with couple drops of cutting oil. Center punch, drill 1/8, 3/16, 1/4. Bang, done 10 mins and no hernia from hand press.

[Great-Kazoo]

I don't have a drill press and figured this would be faster anyway.

A stitch in the mouth cost how much more than a used drill press on CL? As if you don't have enough issues with your teeth now.

[buffalobo]

Irving, you need to get your family out of city.

Land, critters, shop...

[Irving]

I tried to buy that press that Kevin was selling but I couldn't respond in time because I was hunting and breaking my phone in the mountains. My neighbor has a drill press, but I didn't want to go over there.

I'd like to be able to use that 12 ton press that I bought from Jim to punch holes as well. Seems way easier. I held onto that punch at the request of my neighbor who regularly messes with leaf springs, which apparently just burn up drill bits.

[buffalobo]

Can stack and tack both pieces and drill both same time.

Also get a bench grinder. Any welding shop needs vice/vices, drill press, bench grinder. Or the ability to improvise accurately.

Back bevel edge of pieces where they will be welded. Good spatial reference when running bead, crutch for me to keep moving.

[buffalobo]

Pieces the size you were welding back bevel 1/16 when cleaning up from cutting. I like to space 1/32 when tacking, allows to knock to square/plumb.