Well I finally got started on this mod. First I fixed my homemade Hookaroon and Can't Hook. Both had long straight spikes at the tip. For some reason I thought they would be better with a shorter spike so I cut them short. I didn't like the short spikes so today I fixed that.
My welding skill fades with time if not used. So these little repair jobs come in handy getting back up to speed on welding. My plan is to use these long rods down the center of the old feeder then weld 3 or 4 cross members on top. This framework will be supported by additional railroad ties as suggested here. Should work ok
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nice tools! nice rack update...
>My welding skill fades with time if not used.
happens to the best of us. the trick is to not just fire up welder and try to arc up cold! best to take a piece od scrap stock... grd it and prep stinger, and you... then run some beads. things to be looking out for...
a correct heat range for rod and work size.
b correct rod and type (flux coating)
c nice consistent bead, let it cool and chip slag... slag should come off in large pieces
d hen pecked, dribbles, splotches, etc... suggest arc length not correct, get closer 1/4" or so 3/16ths... weld puddle not consistent, slow circular motion
e when u can run a good bead on the scrap then take it to the work
f vertical and overhead requires correct rod. and usually a bit cooler heat range. and the art of keeping the weld puddle at just the right temps... so weld, lift up, let cool then right back down and into it, heat it up adding rod, get a puddle, lift, let it cool, etc etc... and repeat as reqd....