"Tin Man" on 4130 construction

[mhorowit]

Anyone else have the DVD Set?
I've just got my copy and was wondering if anyone else had a copy and
would be available to answer questions that might come up - Mike

[bashibazouk]

Re: "Tin Man" on 4130 construction

Yup. I've got a copy. Ask away.

Also, Mr. White will answer email. Sometimes it takes awhile, but he will answer it. You can check the FAQs on the site as well.

[mhorowit]

Re: "Tin Man" on 4130 construction

Can you comment on his technique of ignoring the gauges but using the regulator to adjust the torch for max flame, then using the torch controls to reduce the flame to a usable size? - Mike

[mhorowit]

Re: "Tin Man" on 4130 construction

Also, did you notice they made no mention of removing the black stuff on the tubing before welding. - Mike

[astjp2]

Re: "Tin Man" on 4130 construction

I use his procedure, it works. Tim

[bashibazouk]

Re: "Tin Man" on 4130 construction

Mike-

that seems to a be universal method. The gas welding guys running workshops at Sun 'n Fun used the same technique, as did the guys running the DHC 2000/Henrob/Cobra display. The idea is that the low-pressure side of the gauges isn't always accurate anyway and what you're more concerned with is the shape of the cone in the flame and the sound it's making.

As far as cleaning the tubing goes, they do talk a bit about using solvents to get the protective oil off. Mr. White likes to use isopropyl or rubbing alcohol since it doesn't make as many nasty fumes when it burns off-- there's the obvious disclaimer about welding around flammable solvents, of course. Pay heed or char! 4130 comes with a sort of glaze/oxide coating on it when new. There's no real discussion of removing that in the videos. When repairing tubing with surface rust on it, I personally use a piece of emery cloth to knock off the rust to shiny metal (after cutting and deburring) and then cleaning it with solvent.

For the final word, take a look at AC43-1b from the FAA. It's a great resource for figuring out what is and is not acceptable to the Administrator. You can buy a copy or download it here. Chapter 4 covers welding repairs.

Josh

[Dan Michaels]

Re: "Tin Man" on 4130 construction

I just went through this with a pro welder last night. We were getting (Shower of sparks) from a 0 tip. He went to a #1 and turned up the pressure from 5/5 to 15/25. set the flame to produce the same heat as the #0 but without the higher force coming out of the tip. Made beautiful welds.

Dan

[mhorowit]

Re: "Tin Man" on 4130 construction

Tim – could you (or anyone for that matter) see if my logic is correct: TinMan is finding that mixture of gases that that a) will give a neutral flame, b) that is the most he can get out of that tip, and c) is operating with the torch controls wide open. This gives the user an upper limit from which he can adjust downward. Correct?

I haven’t unpacked my Mecco yet, but I did try this with my small size Smith torch. I found the following:

1. Although the controls on the torch handle will turn ten or more rotations, the first ¾-1 turn is all that has an effect on the flame. Given that observation, opening the torch all the way open doesn’t add to what you get at 1 turn.

2. Initial adjustment of the Acetylene – his initial adjustment seems to be the norm; turn it up until the flame leaves the tip. Correct?

3. Initial adjustment of the O2 – add O2 until you get a neutral flame.

At this point I had a small neutral flame; nowhere near the size the tip was capable of. So, I alternately added gasses, keeping the flame neutral, until the flame sounded like a jet engine on take off. I assume that’s the max the tip was capable of. At that point I switch to controlling the flame with the torch controls and backed the flame down to a usable size. Question: is that ‘roar’ the correct indicator the tip is running at max, or have I “overrun” the tip? Looking at my gauges, the Acetylene is at 5psi and the O2 isn’t off the peg.

What TinMan is doing seems reasonable; if that’s the case, I wonder why all the literature I’ve read and all the instruction I’ve been given says to adjust the regulator to ‘X’ psi of Acetylene and ‘Y’ psi of O2. Thoughts?

Has the above been your experience? Comments anyone?

[astjp2]

Re: "Tin Man" on 4130 construction

It basically allows you to have a set flame from the regulator and will not go over in either gas if you bump the knobs on the torch. It works with any torch. I like the technique. Tim

[high time cub]

Re: "Tin Man" on 4130 construction

Ti

What TinMan is doing seems reasonable; if that’s the case, I wonder why all the literature I’ve read and all the instruction I’ve been given says to adjust the regulator to ‘X’ psi of Acetylene and ‘Y’ psi of O2. Thoughts?

Hose length is a variable.

HT

[Kevin 7AC]

Re: "Tin Man" on 4130 construction

The technique works. I have been welding on aircraft for 31 years, both ox acet. and TIG. I love the Meco torch. I recently had to get real current on ox /acet. welding as an old timer would not let me weld on his BL65 with a TIG. The technique by Tin Man takes a little practice to get used to your individual regulators but once mastered you can come up with a setting that will work well. Most of the battle in welding is having the equipment set up correctly, and practice.

[mhorowit]

Re: "Tin Man" on 4130 construction

I just went through this with a pro welder last night. We were getting (Shower of sparks) from a 0 tip. He went to a #1 and turned up the pressure from 5/5 to 15/25. set the flame to produce the same heat as the #0 but without the higher force coming out of the tip. Made beautiful welds.

Dan

What was the shower of sparks telling him? What's the relationship between too high a pressure and sparks?

This highlights the difference between reading and practicing, and having someone available to point out 'tricks'. Somethings can be thought out, but other problems are not as evident. Wish someone published a book on the finer points. - MIke

[NY86]

Re: "Tin Man" on 4130 construction

The flame is supposed to heat the metal, not blow it away. (Cutting torch excepted...)

Once the acetylene pressue is sufficient to lift the flame off the tip surface it is maxed out for that tip. If you need more heat, use a bigger tip. Once the gas is right the O2 is easy...