welding question (OxyAce)

[mhorowit]

I'm practicing welding clusters. On occassion I burn thru the metal, fill it with filler material and continue with the exercise. Can I do that in real life? If not, what's the recovery? Any limits to chasing a hole? - Mike

[Ragwing nut]

Re: welding question (OxyAce)

I have done in the past and I am usually in an akward position, but it is not something I like doing. If you are doing it on new tubing, the issue is you are applying to much heat. You need to go to a smaller tip, or keep the heat more on the cluster rather than the tube. When trying to weld a lrge heat sink like a cluster to a thin wall tube, it can be very easy to burn through a tube. I would discuss tip sizes, but not every manufacturer uses the same terms. On a Victor torch I prefer a 0 or 00 tip for most tubes, and goin into small clusters a 1 or 2. I almost never use a 3 or 4.

[mhorowit]

Re: welding question (OxyAce)

I have done in the past and I am usually in an akward position, but it is not something I like doing. If you are doing it on new tubing, the issue is you are applying to much heat. You need to go to a smaller tip, or keep the heat more on the cluster rather than the tube. When trying to weld a lrge heat sink like a cluster to a thin wall tube, it can be very easy to burn through a tube. I would discuss tip sizes, but not every manufacturer uses the same terms. On a Victor torch I prefer a 0 or 00 tip for most tubes, and goin into small clusters a 1 or 2. I almost never use a 3 or 4.

I understand the cause (and am working to prevent it), but what I was looking for was what you said in the first sentence: it isn't elegant, but you can do it. - Mike

[Carrieve]

Re: welding question (OxyAce)

I taught oxy/acet welding and my rule was if it is a small hole go ahead and fill it. I don't like to fill a lot of holes in the same weldment as I think it destroys the strength. Again the reason for the holes/burn through's is the tip choice and the gas adjustment. Just my take on it.

[astjp2]

Re: welding question (OxyAce)

Invest in the Tinmans videos and goggles and lenses, its worth the money and you can learn some good techniques. I invested in them and thourghly enjoyed them. I also have a victor j-28 and j-40 torches with an adapter to use the meco midget tips. They help with the carpal tunnel I cant seem to shake...Tim

https://www.tinmantech.com

[mhorowit]

Re: welding question (OxyAce)

Invest in the Tinmans videos and goggles and lenses, its worth the money and you can learn some good techniques. I invested in them and thourghly enjoyed them. I also have a victor j-28 and j-40 torches with an adapter to use the meco midget tips. They help with the carpal tunnel I cant seem to shake...Tim

www.tinmantech.com

that's what I'm using; switching from my old smith torch - Mike