Custom Motorcycle Welding School

[Smoker]

Burner frame for the hot air balloon, and a third hand which I simply hold with a vise-grip. I rest the magnetic cricket on the vise grip so the small piece being held is grounded.



Made a jig to hold up the burner frame while I TIG braze the struts to the basket. Then, I'll remove the jig and braze to the frame.

[rz500guytexas]

Looks like table art

[silverstrom]

Geeze, that's tiny. Well done Pete. You have a far steadier hand than I.

[Smoker]

The 2 metal sculptures are fun because I don't expect them to look good. I do expect to learn something about TIG brazing, though. Sometimes, when I light up on the tips of these little rods, they just disappear. Then, I have to bridge the gap with bronze filler, which is way more challenging.

Caught an issue with my custom fuel tank drawings. On the lower section, the sides sit on top of the bottom plate, but the front doesn't. In order to have a uniform weld all the way around, I have to extend the bottom plate under the front plate.

A bigger issue is that I'm using flat pieces that meet at various angles. So, if the pieces are cut out with a 90 degree cut, when the pieces come together, there will be a gap. If the gap is on the outside of the tank, it's easier to deal with. If the gap is on the inside, I need to make sure it's welded while there is still access to the inside.

If I could measure the angles, and have the pieces cut with an angled edge, that would be ideal. We'll see what kind of fabrication help I can get. It's always tough when every piece is a one-off or two-off.

Might take some time, but I think if worse comes to worse, I could cut the aluminum tank pieces by hand. Hardest part is buying sheet aluminum online that isn't warped.

[rz500guytexas]

Well done. Fabrication I believe is what stops most projects from being completed. Most of us can do the mechanicals. Some the engine work and paint. But the welding there is no way. Had a shop relocate my PV motor and a few twist, bend, and welds it has functioned and looks like it belongs. I will alway tinker but will never be a true builder. Keep up the good work.

[Smoker]

Been around 100F degrees every day. By the time I get to school, I'm too hot to weld. Takes me over an hour to cool down.

Messed around with a sculpture for a while. Ended up grinding the harness struts too short, and started on new ones.

Only laid down 3 beads last night. Here are 2. Starting to get some decent penetration.





Looking for a small rechargeable fan.

[silverstrom]

Looking for a small rechargeable fan.

How about a small computer fan connected to a small battery? Easy to do and easy to use. If you want rechargeable you could use a rechargeable 9V battery.

Like this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQF9HrtG8O8

[Smoker]

Didn't even touch my home torch over the school break. This is the fan I've been using. Works great!



New semester has started, but have only had 2 classes where I could work. First class, I had to help someone get started with TIG. Next, I did a challenge to see what I could make in one class.





Yep. Was watching a "Forged in Fire" marathon that day. Found a couple of rusty scraps in the garage to use. Took about 1 1/2 hours. Sharp on both sides. Never tried anything like this before.

I think, next class, I'll bring it in and chop about an inch off the handle, and add a skull crusher.

[lost1750GTV]

Oh, you need a hammer and anvil and bellows for that kinda stuff!

[Smoker]

Oh, you need a hammer and anvil and bellows for that kinda stuff!

I'm just playing around.

Not making knives. Just prison shanks.

[Smoker]

Oh, you need a hammer and anvil and bellows for that kinda stuff!

I could use the O/A torch and quench in the water tank at the school. Might do it just for fun.

Tonight is round 2. Dug out a washer and bolt from my scraps for the skull crusher. Not a traditional skull crusher, but cool for my prison shank style.



Will give it a try tonight.

Motorcycle parts should be happening soon.

[Smoker]

Cut down handle and skull crusher, as promised.



Might have some more fun with this project.

[lost1750GTV]

Am I the only one who suspects smokers next project bike will be a HD chopper?

[Smoker]

Am I the only one who suspects smokers next project bike will be a HD chopper?

You have offended my family, and you have offended the Shaolin temple!

[Smoker]

Realized the skull crusher was too long, and could get stuck in a zombie skull.

Shortened it up to a more traditional size.



Not sure if this mild steel (I think) is hardenable, but it might be fun to try a quench using an O/A torch.