Teaching myself how to weld build

[Willg]

So I finally have time to do a little welding, so I want to build a stretched chopper. Ive done a ton of reading on welding, watched instructional videos, and had a friend of mine teach me. The only way to get good is practice. Im starting out with a 20" rear triangle from a cruiser frame, as well as tubing from old free spirit ten speeds

First piece attached

and the second and third

Ive decided I want the bike a little longer as it looks too small now that ive put a few pieces together, so my next step will be cutting the top tube and putting in another couple feet. I seem to be getting a little better at running the beads well.

 

[scrumblero]

The only way to get good is practice.

aint that the truth!!! :lol:

lookin good man I cant wait to see it all melted together!

 

[Willg]

Thanks, But I do have a question. is it enough to weld the ends together or should I use a piece inside the frame? This is probably a stupid question but I cant find the answer anywhere.

 

[scrumblero]

I like to sleeve stuff like your saying just for safety's sake ... but , butt welds are perfectly acceptable and quite strong if done right!!

 

[XC204]

Using a sleeve helps prevent the thin tubes from melting back and leaving a hole that has to be filled you can make a sleeve out of the same material as the tubes you are welding just cut a ring of the tube material then slit it lengthwise with your angle grinder take about a grinder blade width to start with on 1" tube take your chanel lock lock plyers and squish it back to round and gap pusher together trial and err till it fits. The short tubes in the photo i just made to slip into 1" .062 wall tube for welding on dropouts on the thin tube.

By xc204 at 2011-09-04

 

[Willg]

:shock: Thats genius! Thanks!

 

[Fireproof]

. . . a sleeve out of the same material as the tubes you are welding . . . just cut a ring of the tube material then slit it lengthwise with your angle grinder . . .

That is a REALLY good idea! This gets my vote for tip of the day! 8) :idea:

Willg, all the best on yer project!

 

[Willg]

added another 2 feet to the toptube yesterday, rained all day today so i didnt do anything. Ill get some pics tommorow when this rain lets up