Jim,
What is this "fusion" process you're doing? Is it an oxy/acet weld with no filler rod? (I googled and that was what seemed to come up)



Jeff-

Hey Jeff ! Whatcha been working on lately ? I see the avatar changed and is that a hint ?

You can fusion weld using any welding method. But it's all in the fitment of the 2 pieces. The joint has to be very tight and you're just melting the seam and adding none or almost zero filler rod. In my case I'll use TIG because the weld is softer and can be flattened (hammered) easier. That's why most people use oxy/acet as that leaves even a softer weld that's easier to work. Mig is very hard and you really just have to grind it off. But it's much more forgiving for fitment and is way faster.

Jim

Think you meant MIG in this sentence?


TIG can be metal worked --- MIG is a grinder....

:D

You're correct Greg. Fixed it. Talking on the phone and typing ....

Thanks ! :thumbsup:

I thought maybe you had been taking some old-school lessons on the oxy/acet... should've known better! Jim only does the latest tech!:D
(I'm really struggling with the tig and thin sheet metal, seems like I get way too much heat before the puddle starts to flow. Can't wait to see some of yours laid down and look at your heat ribbons.)

Ben was nice enough to do me a rendering of my latest garage build. 1954 Chevy wagon on a 07 Trailblazer SS AWD frame and drivetrain. Channeled (or body dropped), some shaving, frenching, smoothing, and a little pancake-ing of the roof, but mostly trying to stay true to the original 50's look.


Jeff-

Your tungsten should be really pointed.... and turn that heat down! That's the beauty of TIG -- The Control -- Are you using a foot pedal? Just get the arc started -- back off and throttle into it until your puddle starts to form then back off.

I like to modulate the pedal... personally -- but everyone has a different style.

Also -- what sizes are you using??

My welds probably won't be that great. Thom at GodSpeed here in my town opens his shop every Tuesday night to train people on equipment and processes. He has been working with me on fusion welding with Tig and metal finishing the joint back smooth with a hammer and dolly. I practice at home with a bunch of cutoff pieces so that when I get to the actual car it won't look horrible.... but it probably will.

Have you started a build thread on the 54 ??

PS, like greg mentioned - I use a 1/16 tungsten, set my machine to the minimum to melt the materials and then pulse weld with the pedal. That way I have plenty of pedal movement without melting it onto the floor...

I'm playing with 18ga steel, butt weld with no gap. I do have foot control.
My machine setting...

http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL267.../401613016.jpg

My tungsten...

http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL267.../401613013.jpg

http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL267.../401613014.jpg

What I seem to be lacking is TALENT! Hopefully I can make do with plenty of seat time. :_paranoid
I seem to be having the same issue that people talk about when they weld cast parts. Right when everything gets hot enough to puddle and flow, I've gone to far and it blows out. I just need mooooooore practice.

Jeff-

No build thread yet. I'm strictly amateur, working alone in my garage. Progress will be super slow for a while. Once I've got enough pictures and forward momentum, I'll put a thread together.

A little idea of where I am now...

Building the raised floor. (gives an idea of how much the body is dropped over the frame, trying to get that Greg Weld ride height :unibrow: )

http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL267.../401613495.jpg

Jeff-

Now that you've teased us, you have to start a thread!!!!


--Eric