Check out this guys work. WOW

[Grimm Reaper Racing]

Sure.

Yes, I used .045" 5356 filler rod. The dash that I posted is made from .050" 3003-H14.

I've got to ask... Why 5356 filler rod on 3003?   

I was taught by AWS to only use 4047 or 4043 to weld 3003 to 3003.  I've never used a 5 series filler on 3003, but obviously it works for the lighter gauge material.  Have you used it on something a bit thicker?  I know that it's used for higher strength materials but the ductile properties of 5356 are quite a bit different from 3003.

Let me know.

[Grimm Reaper Racing]

Just so you know ZTFab...

My first statement on this thread was based on the first half dozen pics I saw, which did show undercut.

After further inspection of your work you are clearly not a novice, in fact I am a fan of your sheet metal skills.  The pics I first saw where not your best work, as I have seen a lot more after that first post and I must say it is very consistent and looks great!

So I'll be the first to say, my apologies for my harsh statement at the beginning of this thread. 

One more thing, it's okay if you build your project in someone else's 10,000 sq ft. facility if you work there for 80+ hours a week, manage 8 employees, take care of their customers, fix their problems, and make them a $h!t load of cash money, all while not getting paid nearly enough for it.

[ZTFab]

I've got to ask... Why 5356 filler rod on 3003?   

I was taught by AWS to only use 4047 or 4043 to weld 3003 to 3003.  I've never used a 5 series filler on 3003, but obviously it works for the lighter gauge material.  Have you used it on something a bit thicker?  I know that it's used for higher strength materials but the ductile properties of 5356 are quite a bit different from 3003.

Let me know.

4043 has lower ductility than 5356 and when planishing the weld it(4043) will tend to crack.

1100 rod is usually preferred for formed parts but I have had excellent results with 5356 not only in the post weld formation and blending but long term fatigue and lack of cracking in the parts.

[fabr]

Very good info!

[ZTFab]

Just so you know ZTFab...

My first statement on this thread was based on the first half dozen pics I saw, which did show undercut.

After further inspection of your work you are clearly not a novice, in fact I am a fan of your sheet metal skills.  The pics I first saw where not your best work, as I have seen a lot more after that first post and I must say it is very consistent and looks great!

So I'll be the first to say, my apologies for my harsh statement at the beginning of this thread. 

One more thing, it's okay if you build your project in someone else's 10,000 sq ft. facility if you work there for 80+ hours a week, manage 8 employees, take care of their customers, fix their problems, and make them a $h!t load of cash money, all while not getting paid nearly enough for it.

None of my welds have undercut. Some of the welds have a concave profile which could appear to have insufficient throat depth but I assure you that they don't.

You also made the assumption that I didn't use filler rod at all and just "washed over my welds". I have never, nor will I ever do that.


I am the head R&D/Tooling fabricator for an ATV/UTV parts manufacturer (Pro Armor). We have a 50,000 sq/ft facility with an un-godly amount of equipment



It was also said that I only build "show vehicles"...that couldn't be farther from the truth. The fact that I build functional, race winning vehicles that are nice enough to go to shows is always an honor for me when they are invited or chosen to attend.

[ZTFab]

Hey Paul when you do TIG welding do you cup walk or do you just hold the torch there?

I do freehand welding, no walking the cup.

I do make sure that my arms are well supported. I usually like to have my arm resting on something about mid forearm. This gives me stability and a good range of motion with the torch.

[ZTFab]

Hey ZTfab. Good to see you on the forum. Got to say mate loving the work. your panel work is bloody excellent. Not to mention the notches and welds .

Like you say the biggest thing for a great weld is prep. That was one thing that was drummed into me as an apprentice. And you see the results. Its a pain in the arse but what you gonna do about it

One thing i've got to get is a TIG with HF. Atm all i got is a scratch start at home and it pisses me off so much cause it breaks the nice point you have to grind on the electrode.

Keep the pics coming mate.

Thanks Matt.

I despise scratch start but if it's all you got, at least you've got something!

Prep does take a lot of time and you are right...there ain't $hit you can do about it. 

[BDKW1]

I despise scratch start

You and me both.......

[fabr]

Ditto,it's how I learned as it was all I could afford at the time.

[Reidy02]

Wow that took off, thanks Paul! Have you got any footage of you welding you could post? I'd like very much to watch you at work!!