Project 1 from Tanh. Category: Welding Table

[Tanh]

Ok, a little update.

The frame of the table has been welded together and I've learned a LOT today! Stuff like I need to work on my technique! So here's the dirty on what happened.

T h e g o o d :

Frame has been welded completely and took this newb 4 hours and some improvisation along the way. Welds are solid for the most part with full penetration. I got to learn a lot about the electrodes I was using, hobart 3/32" 6011s vs lincoln 3/32" 6011s. Quickly figured out the differences between flat vertical/horizontal and did some overhead too.


T h e b a d :

I held a tight arc but the welder kept cutting out on me in quick sucession. Is this normal? Didn't do it before. I cleaned and checked the ground and power sources but still happened. What gives? Anybody know?

T h e u g l y :
Some joints had slag inclusion due to poor technique. A lot of grinding and retrying today. Blew 2 holes but patched them back up and ground them flat. Mistook one piece for another and in the end had to join 3 small pieces into one long one.


So here are some snaps along the way.

Start of the day, Cut and ready to assemble




Took everything outside as I don't have a fume extractor yet. Good cuts will give good fit ups.




How it looks now. All that's left is the top and to put in some braces and hardware.



Here it is back in the cave. This is where it'll all happen for the next few months. At least that's the plan.



So the top still needs to be done. I'll probably add 2 more crossmembers to support the top and some gussets as bracing. Here's a list of other future improvements.

Backsplash, reinforced plating for small vice, dedicated lith for welder, shelving for clamps, electrode / ground holders, Dedicated ground point, 120v outlet.

Anyways, baby steps. Lets find a top plate first. I'm thinking 12 guage but we'll see what the metal shop has for sale.

Cheers.