installing step notch (i need some pointers)

[texastrendz]

i would really try a couple of test pieces before you weld your truck frame. search this forum and you will find all the threads, videos, and pics.
i am not trying to offend anyone at anytime but if you told me you welded your truck frame with a 110v welder with flux core wire i would not get in it.
i am not a professional welder, but i know a professional welder would not do it with a 110 machine.

[70jnktrk]

Originally Posted by texastrendz

i would really try a couple of test pieces before you weld your truck frame. Search this forum and you will find all the threads, videos, and pics.
I am not trying to offend anyone at anytime but if you told me you welded your truck frame with a 110v welder with flux core wire i would not get in it.
I am not a professional welder, but i know a professional welder would not do it with a 110 machine.

x2

[laid_out_70]

alright man, ill play with some 3/16 plate. and it doesnt have to be the strongest because the frame wont be supporting anything at or past the notch. and fyi flux core burns hotter then with gas.

Originally Posted by texastrendz

i would really try a couple of test pieces before you weld your truck frame. search this forum and you will find all the threads, videos, and pics.
i am not trying to offend anyone at anytime but if you told me you welded your truck frame with a 110v welder with flux core wire i would not get in it.
i am not a professional welder, but i know a professional welder would not do it with a 110 machine.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by laid_out_70

alright man, ill play with some 3/16 plate. and it doesnt have to be the strongest because the frame wont be supporting anything at or past the notch. and fyi flux core burns hotter then with gas.

That is not the best way to approach building a vehicle.

It needs to be as strong or stronger than original. Do you weld for a living (or did you @ one time and/or were certified)? I'm not saying it can't be done w/a 110 machine..... I would just make sure everything is perfect & that my design approach was overkill to start with.

I'm curious to see how the pro's will weigh in on using the 110 to get it done.

[b&a72]

Originally Posted by texastrendz

i would really try a couple of test pieces before you weld your truck frame. search this forum and you will find all the threads, videos, and pics.
i am not trying to offend anyone at anytime but if you told me you welded your truck frame with a 110v welder with flux core wire i would not get in it.
i am not a professional welder, but i know a professional welder would not do it with a 110 machine.

Missed the part about being flux core wire, Up to 3/16 inch is no problem for my Hobart as long as the area being welded isn't too large. But there is a duty cyle of around 20% so you have about a 2 minute weld time and then have to let the machine cool. I use gas so can't comment on the flux core, from what i understand it is a hollow cored wire and not solid like standard MIG wire.

[WellBilt Kustoms]

I do ALOT of metal fabrication/chassis work at my shop. Both MIG and TIG welding. Personally, I wouldn't weld up a notch into my frame with a 110v machine.

Also, are you going to be putting the bag mounts onto the notch, or onto a bridge in between the notches? If so, it will need to be strong, to carry the weight of the truck.

Like others have said, you might be best off getting the notch all setup, tacked in place, have the bed off, and have a welder burn it in for you. It probably won't cost too much. Or, see if there are any board members close to you with a 220V machine that can help out for a little cash on the side.

Just my opinion. But if you lay out some test pieces, and do a few passes on them, and it looks like your getting good penetration between the two, go for it. But definately test it first.

[M5-]

Greetings
I've just recently joined the forum (65 Chev C10 Shortbox Stepper) and have been reading a ton of late but as yet no posts but this is a topic I can comment on. I do ALOT of welding and I guess a question that should be asked is what welder are you using as all 110 welders are not created equal. I'm a Miller guy and have both their small 140 and a larger 220 machine. If it were me I would reach for the 220 machine for sure but if I only had the 110 I'd probably still do it. I never weld with flux core as its just too messy for my liking. I always weld with C25 on mild steel. If you are going to weld it with the 110 use the largest diameter wire your machine will push, probably 0.035". Like was mentioned before vee out the weld and multipass it in order to get the weld strength. You can weld 1/8th" all day with a good 110 welder single pass but anything thicker it depends on your machine. You will get better penetration by pushing the bead when you weld it but it may or may not look as pretty depending on your experience level. Again as was mention get some steel of the thickness you want to weld and practice some multipass beads. If possible weld the piece from both sides, if you do this vee it from both sides as well. Another thing to consider is investing in the gas setup for your welder if it is a good quality welder it'd be worth it IMO if you don't already have it, cause once you have it you'll never go back. JMO.

Thats the nice thing about steel if it doesn't look good grind it out and do it differently.

Good luck with your project and post some progress pics.
M5

[dv8customs]

Originally Posted by texastrendz

i would really try a couple of test pieces before you weld your truck frame. search this forum and you will find all the threads, videos, and pics.
i am not trying to offend anyone at anytime but if you told me you welded your truck frame with a 110v welder with flux core wire i would not get in it.
i am not a professional welder, but i know a professional welder would not do it with a 110 machine.

So this means you won't go on a ride along with me when I get mine finished

I have done all my work with my Lincoln SP125+. What welder you use will depend on your skill level as a welder. I have had no problems out of mine but your results may vary...

[texastrendz]

once again, not trying to offend anyone at anytime. i pick up a mig welder gun almost everyday. i have a 110v machine and a 220v machine keep in mind. you bring me your truck to step notch it, i pick up the 110v mig gun, what would you say? i know what i would say. lol.

[lofly'a]

Originally Posted by texastrendz

once again, not trying to offend anyone at anytime. i pick up a mig welder gun almost everyday. i have a 110v machine and a 220v machine keep in mind. you bring me your truck to step notch it, i pick up the 110v mig gun, what would you say? i know what i would say. lol.

i can understand your point Trendz, but look at the argument on what a pro would have in their shop. they will likely have better equipment that costs waaaay more than the DIY'er will justify spending in most cases. i started with a stick, graduated to a crappy 110v wirefeed, sold it and got a better 110v wirefeed, and now i have a really good machine that'll do all. i did keep my lincoln 140 for work outside my shop. i can load up my genset and weld anywhere.....that i like about my lincoln that i can't do with my big miller. the lincoln 110v 140 amp is limited but it will do the job "in most cases".