Metallurgy for Welders

     Lets face it, if you wield a welding torch for a living like I do, you probably don't have a degree in Metallurgical Engineering. People like us rely on experience and destructive testing as a form higher education. I came across this article from The-Fabricator.com that takes a no-nonsense approach to basic metallurgy for welders. Check it out here, Metallurgy for Welders
     Also I've heard good reviews on the book Metallurgy for the non-Metallurgist from Amazon.com.
Its a bit pricey though, it goes for two bills.

Tube Coping Calculator

     Without the right tools, coping tubing can be confusing to layout by hand especially when offsets are involved. I came across this calculator in a dark corner of the internet. I printed out a few of these and they're pretty accurate. You're welcome. Cope tubing manually.

Stainless Steel Donuts

     I was turned on to these parts from a follower on Instagram, @bobmillerleile. They're an awesome solution for exhaust and bodywork. They come in stainless, steel and aluminum! Check it out, they come from Pro-Werks

E3 Results: Transformer Machine

     Transformer type machines on AC are the most demanding on tungsten electrodes. This is because the AC balance and frequency are fixed, 60Hz or sixty cycles per second. I wanted to put the E3 to the test by welding about 85 feet of 1/8" aluminum. The fuel tanks I welded were corner to corner to make fillet welds.
     I sharpened the tungsten to a point and then tapped it on the grinding wheel, putting about a .030" flat spot on it.

Radnor's E3 tungsten, 3/32"

     The first thing I noticed was the ease of arc starting, sometimes with the older machines the mechanical high frequency causes problems. This tungsten minimized this problem, fewer than 10 out of 300 times I had to double tap to start the arc. The most noticeable advantage was the size of the ball at the tip. It was slightly smaller than the diameter of the tungsten, which as you know allows for a tighter arc and a smaller weld. Compare that to the 2%Th which creates a ball almost 2X the diameter.

2%Th at the top. E3 on the bottom. After 85' of weld at approximately 150 amps.

      In conclusion: If you're still using a transformer machine, switch to E3 now! There are zero advantages to using traditional 2%Th, even the cost. Not to mention the there is no risk of radiation. Try em, you definitely will like them. Also, I didn't get paid to say that.
     Next I'm going to try them with an inverter machine on both DC and AC
    

Radnor's New E3™ Tungsten

     Radnor's new E3™ claims some pretty great advantages over 2% Thoriated (red) tungsten, perhaps the most important is that there is zero radiation risk. Though the radiation risk with  Th-1 and Th-2 is not apparent when the torch is lit; a common miss conception, the risk comes from ingesting dust or particles of the material (sharpening the tungsten on a grinding wheel).
     I bought a couple sticks to try with a transformer machine and the inverter in my shop. Ill post the results when the shop is finished. Heres a better description from Radnor. E3™

Purple Power!

I'm going to put them to the test, I have about 100' of aluminum fillets to do on some tool boxes this week. Ill let you know how it pans out.

Road to Valhalla 2012

     I want to thank everyone who came out to The Road to Valhalla, we had a pretty good turnout for a first year event, over 125 bikes throughout the day. We raised $600 for Rose's Rescue thanks to the T-shirt sales (artwork by Jon J. Russel) and the raffle sponsored by Lowbrow Customs, Speed Merchant, Death Science, Gorgeous George, Hate City Customs, Old Familiar Barber Shop and us at CCMW. Big thanks to Linda and Chris at Iron Horse Saloon for facilitating us hooligans! It was great to meet some Instagram friends in person, most of those crazy bastards stayed the night, eeek. But we appreciate them coming out and partying with us. There are a ton more pictures on Facebook from the Iron Horse staff. Check it out!

Thanks Jon! @jonjrussel

foreverthechaoslife.blogspot.com

Stolen from foreverchaoslife.blogspot.com, a much better photographer than I.

Josh and Poncho Loco go at it

Road to Valhalla, Rose's Rescue Benefit!

     I apologize for keeping you readers in suspense for so long. Contrary to the action on this blog lately, we have some cool things happening. First of which is a Biker Rally Benefit for Rose's Rescue. We're honored to help out by co-sponsoring the event that goes by the moniker, Road to Valhalla. Organized by Spuddies Riding Club of Mantua, all money from the raffle and proceeds from T-shirts go to Rose. The event is held at The Iron Horse Saloon in Troy, Ohio. Meet us there and hit us up for some swag! Heres the scoop: