Stick Welding and Metal Fabrication Project

[@christianbos1691]

Hey Brandon, great video again what I appreciate most about your videos is that you make honest videos. By that I mean that if you make a mistake, you also show it and do not cut it out, which is very fair to novice welders. That makes your videos fun to watch and learn from. I have been reading for many years but I also learn videos from you, that also applies to the projects you make. Keep going so that everyone learns a lot and especially has fun watching. Have a nice Sunday and greetings.

[@BrandonLund]

Thanks Christian I appreciate it. 🙏

[@elbiemostert3502]

Hi Brandon. I am a new welder and still in the early process of learning how to stick weld, so I really appreciate that you go so slow, step by step in your videos. Its really helpful. And being from South Africa, thank you for giving the metric values!!

[@BrandonLund]

Thanks Elbie I appreciate you watching and im glad i can help!

[@garyjordan3181]

Bed frames i get them free at the local dump every time I go there. They are spring steel and very strong, I make cab guards, (so I don't throw anything through my back window) trailer frames and rails, shop racks and shelve frames, just about all my projects include bed frames. I cut using 4.5" cut-off wheels, drilling holes is tuff if you don't heat with touch first to take the temper out. Killed a lot of bits. Great video glad to hear of someone else that uses something someone has thrown out as trash 😂

[@BrandonLund]

I love getting something for free or next to nothing and turning it into something useful!

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Good video Brandon, enjoyed your project a lot. Using what you have on hand creates different challenges but getting through them is fun sometimes ! I am getting more accomplished around here by enjoying myself and not worrying about having to get it all done right now. Thanks for sharing with us. Fred.

[@BrandonLund]

Thanks Fred, yah I agree, I find that enjoyable also. Unless its something I'm building to try to get done quickly with a decent profit, I have a lot of fun using recyclable materials...plus it gives a little story to tell when people ask about your project.

[@rubenvargas3547]

Another fantastic video 👍

[@BrandonLund]

Thanks Ruben!

[@mtrltoolman]

Beautiful chop saw and useful tips . Good job man.

[@BrandonLund]

Thanks buddy! Much appreciated! I'm looking forward to many more projects with this saw!

[@chescabler2659]

I believe it was in the mid or late 70's that Congress passed the tree preservation act. In order to save the trees saw mills started to cut boards 1/2 inch more than before. PS. New subscriber awesome videos. Really enjoy the. Metal protects.

[@BrandonLund]

Thanks for the info buddy and I appreciate your support. It means a lot! 🙏

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

I just picked up few weeks ago the evolution S380CPS its amazing omg so amazing such a beast love it bro evolution also told me you can install the multipurpose cutting blades on this saw as well so if you want you can use it for wood aluminum hardened steel mild steel plastic and pvc and more its sweet you can use the orange multi blades on it as well as cut off blades as well its truly a do it all saw been loving the heck out of mine

[@BrandonLund]

Congratulations buddy! Yah those saws are a beast! I've always used abrasive wheels and bandsaws. The carbide blades are a huge time-saver. Plus they can be sharpened a few times for a lot less than a new blade.

[@mdr_random]

7018 is generally DCEP only (there are some AC rods - never seen one in the UK). Hence 7018 is not a DCEN rod. If you pause the video at 24:02 in full screen you can make out in the app's screen (or the website) that it says directly under "Polarity" the line "AC or EP". Beneath that the app then lists what AC, EP, EN all do but they are listed there for information with no reference to the selected rod. The app would be smarter if it removed polarities that are not applicable for the currently selected rod; it doesn't so confusion can creep in. All that being said, as you say in the video: it's a target stand; it's not going to matter much. However, for the benefit of the viewers: don't run 7018 on DCEN (aka straight polarity). 6013 2.5mm (3/32) on DCEN (or even DCEP) could have helped here because of the material's thickness (or should that be thinness? :o) as 6013 is a milder penetrating rod. Love the videos Brandon. Stay safe!

[@BrandonLund]

Great point. Funny thing is, I had some 6013 that would have worked perfectly for it but I had it in my head I was going to make 7018 work. I was surprised that DCEN actually ran quite well. Admittedly I have run pounds of 7018 but it was the first time running them EN...i guess there's a reason for that lol. Im wondering what prevents this rod from being designated to run EN. I think I have an idea for an upcoming video. Strength test EN vs EP...🤔

[@PilotMcbride]

Ever tried using your stinger when your welder is in tig mode giving you current control via peddle while stick welding? I need to see someone try it, see if their welder blows up 😳😳. BTW, I think the ‘E’ in E7018 refers to Electric (arc), but don’t quote me. “Good grinding skill is the difference between a bad welder and an average welder..” 😇 (doesn’t help me though, 🤣🤣🤣)

[@johnswimcat]

I like stick, or as we used to call it arc, too. It's just experience I suppose that allows for welding distortion but the welds are so strong. I've never had a chop saw but may get one after watching this. I've also never had a thickness gauge but will order one tonight. Stay safe

[@BrandonLund]

I never realized how much time it saved until I got one. Now I can't imagine fabricating without one. They are a huge time saver. Thanks buddy and stay safe:)

[@Jeffrose_]

Great tips all around. One thing I like most of all is the metal marking pencil. What channel shows where to get everything. Including a pencil? I can tell you, not many. Thank you for sharing.

[@BrandonLund]

I appreciate that!

[@burkemowing333]

Thanks Brandon

[@BrandonLund]

You bet!

[@BensWorkshop]

That's quite interesting. I was going to use my £70 plasma cutter to cut up steel for making my lathe stand/table but decided to use my Evolution Rage 3 crosscut sliding single bevel wood cutting saw which also can cut steel up to 1/4" so has no problem cutting box steel. As it is a stand to hold up a lathe (Atlas 10 with a 54" bed) that weighs 354lb the welds need to not break, but they'll be fine. I am using a £40 little Lidl welder and 2.5mm, and 2mm rods.

[@BrandonLund]

Very nice! I would love to have an old Atlas...one of theses days. Thanks man and have fun with your project!

[@BensWorkshop]

@@BrandonLund I will do. 👍

[@matthewhall5571]

I don't know how in hell you found a plasma cutter for 70£ that's crazy cheap even in USD. Nice work!

[@mtpocketbuilds4286]

Good chop saw tip, thanks

[@BrandonLund]

Thanks Steve! :)

[@oakleighsmith2267]

You can use the screw on the insulator on the stinger lead to clean off the slag on 7018 rod

[@brianmaynard7320]

Great DIY project!! We have a shooting club.. I'm making some of those!!! Thanks!!

[@BrandonLund]

Thanks Brian, glad I could help. I appreciate you watching:)

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Graff black blades are very well priced

[@BrandonLund]

I actually like them way better than the Lenox. I think they cut a little nicer

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

@@BrandonLund i will be picking up a couple 4 1/2 blades as well as a couple 5 inch blades from your link bro

[@marcwerth1857]

Nice tips.

[@BrandonLund]

Thanks Marc!

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Good video brandon as always Brother

[@BrandonLund]

Thanks buddy! I appreciate it!

[@shadowops3653]

How did you debur the metal? A 90degree air die grinder with rolock sanding pads is way more maneuverable than a 4-1/2" grinder! Just a thought :) was a real game changer for me

[@BrandonLund]

I'll have to give that a try. I have a whole zip loc bag full of them. I've just always used a grinder but I have air setup right over my table so im going to try it. Thanks for the tip!

[@shadowops3653]

Brandon Lund no problem buddy 👍. My husky 90° die grinder works okay.. but doesn't really have very much power and clogs up if i oil it so i just leave it dry lol. Would recommend one with large outlet ports! Just what ive found so far

[@anmarsamir2362]

thanks alot

[@BrandonLund]

Your welcome :)

[@johnswimcat]

My stick ( arc) welding was a disaster until I realised I had to feed the rod into the weld. Since that I've tended to turn the current up a bit but feed the rod into the weld and keep moving at a steady pace. I don't suppose what I do is technically correct but it produces nice looking welds that haven't failed under heavy stress or over decades

[@BrandonLund]

It sounds like you got it down! Stick is by far my favorite process.

[@johnswimcat]

@@BrandonLund Yes, me too. I can do MIG but I've never liked or really trusted it and you can't use it outdoors if it's windy. I'd like to learn TIG though

[@glenmarm.zamora6389]

Wow Amazing cutting Equipment Brandon😍

[@BrandonLund]

Thanks Glen!

[@jimmywilson1388]

Man that chop saw is worth its weight in gold… I watched a different guy the other day recommending that same pencil… He obviously didn’t know about the sharpener in the end cap because he was sharpening it on a piece of metal…😂 I’m gonna get one of those. I seen them the other day at tractor supply.

[@BrandonLund]

It's definitely worth the cost. Tractor supply also has the sharpie version of the metal marker but I've yet to try it.

[@Ck-zw2dx]

You can also cool off the weld puddle by pushing the rod in

[@Ck-zw2dx]

When I worked in the shop we always sprayed our clamps threads with Pam cooking spray because of misplaced spark from the weld puddle can fuse the clamp to the screw thread it keeps it from sticking and fusing together we also used it for spraying the inside of MiG welding tips to keep splatter down

[@BrandonLund]

Great tip. I actually mentioned that in a previous video. Much cheaper then using the official spray.

[@bruced1429]

Brandon, invest in some annular cutters they will make your drilling so much easier. You can get an adaptor so that you can use the annular cutters in your drill press. They are not cheap but you can drill any metal with them and they last a long time and they can be re-sharpened

[@BrandonLund]

Thanks for the tip! I'll check into it ;) I'm always looking for different / better ways of doing things

[@ZRace67]

The only thing I don't like about my Evolution is the chips that fly everywhere. Other than that, one of my favorite tools!

[@BrandonLund]

I agree but I like the chips waaaay better than abrasive dust ;) 👍

[@creeplife2802]

Could you use a 12 inch diablo blade if you wanted?

[@BrandonLund]

You would have to verify that it has the same arbor size as the Evolution.

[@creeplife2802]

@@BrandonLund will do. Also, how'd you know the bed frame was hardened metal?

[@BrandonLund]

@@creeplife2802I've ruined bandsaw blades and carbide blades trying to cut them.

[@mikecoughlin4128]

Could I get a cheaper saw with a similar rpm and this blade and get similar results?

[@BrandonLund]

I dont see why not!

[@wcompto]

Brandon, how do yo know it’s harden steel? Is there some kind of test you preform?

[@BrandonLund]

@wcompto hardened / tempered steel will destroy drill bits and saw blades when you try these operations. A file test is an indicator also.

[@bruced1429]

I really like my EVO metal saw, and one thing you have to be aware off is that the kerf on the cuts is quite wide so for accuracy you have measure each cut, you can't mark a long piece , say every 2 feet then cut as you will be out quite a bit at the end because of the multiplying effect of the kerf.

[@BrandonLund]

It sure will. A stop block or chunk of heavy metal works good for repetitive cuts. Even with my portable bandsaw I still do invididual measurements just for the reason you mentioned. Cheers buddy :)

[@Ck-zw2dx]

Sounds like a 7018 rod they also look like they drip instead of spray but they don't spray like a 6010 or 6011 root pass rod or fast freezing rod

[@tanksoldier9770]

That new saw is a nice one, what is a good selling price for the stand ? Your right those bed rails free all the time on CL , Have you come up a gas brazing project for the future my Uncle always welded that way for everything, thanks for the video stay safe TANK

[@BrandonLund]

Thanks Tank! I get 55 for the stands. I can whip them out pretty quick once set up. I usually build a few at a time. Its nice getting stuff for free plus it gives a little story to the thing your building.

[@Jeffrose_]

I'm also a new subscriber to your channel

[@BrandonLund]

Thanks for subbing! I appreciate your support!

[@rubenvargas3547]

For some reason I can’t find the Blue demon 160 welder any where, they are sold out on Amazon

[@BrandonLund]

@Ruben Vargas I think it might be discontinued. Check out one of my recent videos I have a link in the video description that will give you an awesome promo code discount for welders and plasma cutters from a company called Yes Welders. Im very happy with their stuff and their prices are really good 👍

[@Ck-zw2dx]

You can take your fingers in your gloves and twist the top of the rod with the flux and sometimes that will break the flux back enough to weld again

[@jamess.putman1779]

2x2 is the ruff cut lumber the 11/2×1 1/2 is the finished/dressed size.

[@floydwilcox2640]

I have the same exact saw and I love it, but for the life of me I can’t figure out why they didn’t put a grounded plug on it.

[@BrandonLund]

It's called "double insulated". Tools that are double insulated don't need that grounding prong.

[@pollyaloy]

Was the nuts you welded on stainless or mild steel ?

[@BrandonLund]

Stainless to stainless threaded connections have a tendency to gall together unless they are treated with anti seize regularly. I went with a mild steel nut to prevent that from happening.

[@garypostell5268]

Mig 💯

[@BrandonLund]

Right on! 👍

[@juniorlewis9173]

Hey Mr. B. I really like your videos. I do notice that a few times in your videos and this is one is no different, you called the thickness of the some material 8 inch. I think it can be misleading because as for me you mean ⅛ of an inch. Please try to say it as since not many people can read measuring tools properly.

[@BrandonLund]

Being from Maine there is a HUGE difference between 8 inch thick steel and 1/8" thick steel. You didn't think the steel I was using was 8 inches thick did you?

[@Foxtieral3665]

Here's a good rule of thumb the smaller the steel, the smaller stick electrode.

[@BrandonLund]

Great tip!

[@matthewhall5571]

They harden bed frame angle iron so it won't bend out of alignment when huge guys with beer bellies jump into the bed... or other activities put heavy dynamic loading on it... 😉

[@BrandonLund]

Hahahaha makes sense lol 🤣🤣🤣

[@mikemilton9841]

The lumber measurement is for rough cut lumber before it is run through the planer. Just saying

[@BrandonLund]

Thanks Mike 😁

[@PilotMcbride]

2 X 2 is the timber's rough sawn measurement. Normally lose 1/8" per face on dressing to DAR (Dressed All Round). Crikey Bran, blowing holes in SHS is dead easy, lmao. I can do it with 1/16" (1.6mm) rods @ 60A, 🤣!! And you had to go to 1/8"? 🤣 Truth be told, I've been working with lightweight SHS, 1/16" walls and yeah, blowing holes is dead easy when trying to lay down too much filler at once. Went out the other day, had the "horrors" real bad, thought I'd try (stick) "weaving", courtesy of the "horrors"..... Didn't work, 🤣, had weld setting everywhere I didn't want it, 🤣. Cheers pal.

[@BrandonLund]

I thought it was something along those lines lol. That rod was way to big for that project but I wanted to see if I could make it work. I had some 6013 rods that would have worked perfect but what fun is that lol. Stick welding thin meyal can be tough. But I like a good challenge. Cherrs buddy. It was good hearing from you on the live video. Stay safe

[@PilotMcbride]

Welding the thin wall SHS I always fall into the trap of trying to lay down too much material leading to too much heat. EVEN AT 45 - 50 amps, too much filler leads to too much heat resulting in....... yeah, meet the champ of blow through and misplaced welds, 🤣🤣. I also forgot, but I liked that attachment for the saw clamp to hold square crap, a bloody beaut. Oh, and sorry for typing “Strayan” instead of “Mercan” to your lovely wife, I’ll do better next time 🤣🤣🤣 👋👋👋👋

[@robertmaciver130]

retried pipefitter bob put me in a nuc. root . A106 2inch coupon.no cold roll +.bend test

[@BrandonLund]

Thanks for sharing

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Bed frame is hardened because it takes the weight of the bed as well as all the people that sleep on it and other activities 🤫

[@BrandonLund]

🤣🤣🤣