<link>http://www.everlastgenerators.com/wordpress</link> <description /> <lastBuildDate>Fri, 25 May 2012 07:23:19 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en</language> <sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency> <generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1</generator> <atom10:link xmlns:atom10="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/EverlastWeldersAndPlasmaCutters" /><feedburner:info xmlns:feedburner="http://rssnamespace.org/feedburner/ext/1.0" uri="everlastweldersandplasmacutters" /><atom10:link xmlns:atom10="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" rel="hub" href="http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/" /><itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit><itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle><item> <title>Significance of TIG welder Settings http://www.everlastgenerators.com/wordpress/welders/tig-welding-welders/significance-of-tig-welder-settings/ http://www.everlastgenerators.com/wordpress/welders/tig-welding-welders/significance-of-tig-welder-settings/#comments Fri, 25 May 2012 07:23:19 +0000 admin http://www.everlastgenerators.com/wordpress/?p=3620 Welding is no joke by any means. It involves a lot of complications that requires tremendous knowledge, exposure, experience and practice to overcome the same. Experienced welders know pretty well about which procedure to choose, what settings to imply and what materials are required in order to weld various different kinds of metal work pieces.

Settings of the machines and resources you use influences the outcome of your welding irrespective of whether you are using MIG welder or a TIG welder. One simple mistake is more than sufficient enough to drastically affect the quality of the weld in the end. And you need to understand what those operations or buttons are there for in TIG welding inverter settings.

  • Amperage: Sets the required amount of current for the procedure.
  • A/C Frequency: The inverter steps the incoming frequency before converting it into DC.
  • A/C Balance: With ever fluctuating power supply, it becomes critical to have a A/C balance to counteract such fluctuations, so that the procedure could be done without disruptions.
  • 2t: Amperage control overrides upslope and downslope settings.  2t Setting turns the welding torch switch into a 2 position switch.
  • 4t: Used in conjunction with upslope and downslope settings.
  • Pre Flow: Time period of gas flow between the times you press the switch and an arc is created.
  • Post Flow: time period of gas flow after arc terminates.
  • Up slope: Steps up the current.
  • Down Slope: Steps down the current.
  • Start Amps: Allows low amperage startup
  • End Amps: Final amperage value after arc terminates.
  • Pulse Frequency: Pulse rates focus the arc. PF is nothing but pulse generated per second.
  • Peak Pulse Percentage: Helps you to control and limit heat input or agitate the puddle.
  • Pulse Width: Time period of high pulse amperage.

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]]> http://www.everlastgenerators.com/wordpress/welders/tig-welding-welders/significance-of-tig-welder-settings/feed/ 0 Air compressors – air tools – Welding shop accessories part7 http://www.everlastgenerators.com/wordpress/welders/air-compressors-air-tools-welding-shop-accessories-part7/ http://www.everlastgenerators.com/wordpress/welders/air-compressors-air-tools-welding-shop-accessories-part7/#comments Thu, 24 May 2012 07:01:28 +0000 admin http://www.everlastgenerators.com/wordpress/?p=3614 If plasma cutting is in your future, then having an adequate air compressor is a must. You cannot operate a plasma cutter without sufficient pressure and a good reserve capacity. Small pancake type compressors are not sufficient. They do not have enough reserve capacity or cfm to maintain anything but the smallest plasma cutter. On average, you will find that most plasma cutters consume about 5-6 cfm at a minimum. A compressor this size will usually be around 20 gallons or more. Even if you can find a compressor with the cfm, at a lower gallon reserve, skip it. It will not be able to keep up, and your compressor will likely suffer an early death from running constantly. Running constantly also adds extra noise to an already noisy environment. Most of these smaller compressors are also oiless, which are considerably louder than ones with an oil sump. There are a few decent compressors out on the market that will work on 110V and still have a good reserve while maintaining appropriate cfm. Also consider purchasing at least a starter kit of air tools. Most equipment repairs have bolts nuts involved. Being able to “zip” rusted nuts loose in a mere second rather than a 5 minute struggle, pays dividends in the long run, if nothing else maintains a cool and level head needed for making a good weld. Also a needles scaler is a good idea in lieu of a chipping hammer. In some circles it is not only preferred, but mandatory, to prevent damage to the weld that may give rise to a defective or weak weld. Air compressors should also have a separate dryer to reduce moisture, particularly if you have a plasma cutter attached. The final stage of filtering provided in many plasma systems are not meant to be a stand alone filter/dryer. As a rule a compressor is required, as a staple part of any welding shop, even if it sits idle most of the time. But when it is needed, there is no substitute for having one.

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]]> http://www.everlastgenerators.com/wordpress/welders/air-compressors-air-tools-welding-shop-accessories-part7/feed/ 0 Portable Shop lights – Welding shop accessories Part6 http://www.everlastgenerators.com/wordpress/welders/portable-shop-lights-welding-shop-accessories-part6/ http://www.everlastgenerators.com/wordpress/welders/portable-shop-lights-welding-shop-accessories-part6/#comments Tue, 22 May 2012 09:29:45 +0000 admin http://www.everlastgenerators.com/wordpress/?p=3611 Even though you are behind a dark hood while welding, having adequate lighting in your shop is extremely important. Backlighting the welding area helps illuminate the part, even while welding. Tood dark of a welding environment is hard on the eyes, and can lead to missed welds and sloppy work, even misread tape measures. If your shop is currently too dark, portable lighting may be the answer.

There are many different types of portable lighting, ranging from high wattage halogen to clamp on lights with screw in florescent or incandescent lights. Recently, shop lights have taken a great leap forward, with the advent of LED shop lighting. Prices have already come down and even poseable lights can be bought for ten dollars or less on sale. These have several advantages, by being more durable, and will not blow or break easily. Also they do not heat up the workplace, and remain cool to the touch. Personally, I have found them invaluable as a replacement for the halogens that create so much heat and are so finicky with respect to how they are handled. Although they are not as bright and concentrated in focus, they are more than adequate to shed light where it is needed. Combined with economical pricing, and durability, LED seems to be the new standard in alternative shop lighting.

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]]> http://www.everlastgenerators.com/wordpress/welders/portable-shop-lights-welding-shop-accessories-part6/feed/ 0 Brushes – Chipping hammer – Welding shop accessories Part5 http://www.everlastgenerators.com/wordpress/welders/brushes-chipping-hammer-welding-shop-accessories-part5/ http://www.everlastgenerators.com/wordpress/welders/brushes-chipping-hammer-welding-shop-accessories-part5/#comments Mon, 21 May 2012 09:08:33 +0000 admin http://www.everlastgenerators.com/wordpress/?p=3605 What welding shop would be complete without a smattering of steel brushes, and chipping hammers laying around? Of course, every person with a welder needs one, or the other or both. One of the most difficult things I have found is locating a quality chipping hammer that won’t dull or break with use. Another is finding a steel brush that will last that won’t have a receding hair line after a few heavy brushings. One thing I have found is that a lot of chipping hammers made in china are just too soft for regular use, and must be sharpened frequently to keep chipping effort to a minimum. One of the areas I will spend more money is on chipping hammers. A good US made chipping hammer is hard to beat. It is a lot more tough, and durable. There are a few out there that even are using nylon handles which won’t end up “springing” around with you. Even the imported ones of those seem to be quite adequate. I have found that spending just a little more money on a chipping hammer definitely pays off. In contrast, it seems that no matter the amount of money or place of origin, steel brushes won’t last. I have finally found a brush that has the endurance to go the distance. These brushes are made under a couple of name brand distributors, but are quite easy to recognize by their tough nylon handle, usually made in a bright orange color. I have found that both regular and stainless steel brushes with the nylon handle will outlast other brushes 4 to 1. A bonus is that they are compact, and ergonomic.

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]]> http://www.everlastgenerators.com/wordpress/welders/brushes-chipping-hammer-welding-shop-accessories-part5/feed/ 0 Drifts – Punches – Chisels – Welding shop accessories Part4 http://www.everlastgenerators.com/wordpress/welders/drifts-punches-chisels-welding-shop-accessories-part4/ http://www.everlastgenerators.com/wordpress/welders/drifts-punches-chisels-welding-shop-accessories-part4/#comments Fri, 18 May 2012 12:05:49 +0000 admin http://www.everlastgenerators.com/wordpress/?p=3601 If you have ever been TIG welding and needed to line up a hole in a precision part to weld to another, you may have needed a drift. If you have ever been MIG welding, and needed to remove excess spatter. If you ever needed to remove a bearing from a shaft after heating it with an oxy acetylene torch, you may have needed a punch. Whatever the application, having a quality set of hardened punches, chisels, and drifts is important to completing many welding tasks. Just the other day, I used a combination of punches and chisels to cut and remove an expensive centrifugal clutch stuck to a small engine shaft. If a hydraulic press isn’t close at hand, a punch is the next best thing. Be careful, though, when using a punch because you run the risk of mushrooming the item you are trying to drive out, making it impossible to remove. A cold chisel can help cut or shave off about any gaulded or stuck item on a shaft. It can also be used as a wedge if needed. Keep in mind that these items are extremely hard. Do not try to substitute any chisel, punch, or nail set that is normally used for wood working, or severe damage or injury may result as these are not able to stand up to the punishment and can splinter, crack or detonate while using in the wrong application. Furthermore, when using any of the above, always use a, brass hammer, or a rubber (dead blow if you can find one) mallet.

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]]> http://www.everlastgenerators.com/wordpress/welders/drifts-punches-chisels-welding-shop-accessories-part4/feed/ 0 A Good Hammer – Welding Shop Equipment Part3 http://www.everlastgenerators.com/wordpress/welders/good-hammer-welding-shop-equipment-part3/ http://www.everlastgenerators.com/wordpress/welders/good-hammer-welding-shop-equipment-part3/#comments Thu, 17 May 2012 07:01:03 +0000 admin http://www.everlastgenerators.com/wordpress/?p=3593 The old adage “get a bigger hammer”, is not always important in welding. Sometimes a little hammer and a little finesse can achieve a better result than a big hunk of a hammer alone. There are several hammers used in the welding business, including traditional peen hammers, sledge, and even body working hammers. I have found that having a good selection of different weight Ball and Cross Peen hammers from 16-32 ounces with at least one 3 pound mini sledge is the bare minimum that you’ll need. Nevery attempt to use a claw hammer to pound metal. Flying pieces of metal from the impact of a claw type hammer which is not designed for this type use can do a lot of damage to exposed skin and eyes. Ball Peen hammers, are the way to go for this. One helpful hammer in my toolbox I use is a brass hammer. I use this more often than not, to prevent damage to the surface of the object I am trying to weld. It is also is recommended for use with chisels and punches. Depending upon the metal and application, a brass hammer may still cause some marking on the face of the metal. That’s when a good rubber or dead blow mallet comes in handy. The good news about needing several hammers is that often they can be bought inexpensively at hardware stores in sets. Make sure of their quality however, because they are some that will shatter the head as soon as you strike your first blows.

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]]> http://www.everlastgenerators.com/wordpress/welders/good-hammer-welding-shop-equipment-part3/feed/ 0 The Necessities – Welding Shop Equipment Part2 http://www.everlastgenerators.com/wordpress/welders/necessities-welding-shop-equipment-part2/ http://www.everlastgenerators.com/wordpress/welders/necessities-welding-shop-equipment-part2/#comments Wed, 16 May 2012 07:01:46 +0000 admin http://www.everlastgenerators.com/wordpress/?p=3587 One of the first things you’ll wish as a welder, is that you were born with an extra hand or two. It just seems that being able to hold all the parts, the torches, and the filler at the same time is impossible. Indeed, it can be. Welding clamps can help solve the dilemma. Although at times, it may  seem that even if you had 10  clamps it would not enough, having a couple of good welding clamps can help keep you from those dilemmas that you face with trying to hold a part in place and weld it at the same time. There are several type of clamps, including, locking plier type, C-type, and bar type. Having a good pair of locking pliers is a good place to start. Name brand locking pliers have managed to stay reasonably affordable over the years, as well as lesser known, or off brand types. These give you quick adjustment, and easy setup with a variety of different configurations available. The C-type are relatively cheap, and can be bought less than 10.00 at discount stores. Name brand is not as important as the type construction of a C-Clamp. A C-clamp can be made either of cast steel or cast iron. Cast iron types are usually very inexpensive, but have a habit of breaking and lack the strength for any serious welding tasks. Additionally, a copper or black oxide plating on the threads is important to help reduce spatter sticking to the screw. I’d suggest starting with at least 3 clamps, with sizes of 4-6 inches. A bar type clamp, is similar to C-Clamp, except the jaw of the clamp slides up and down a bar and can be rapidly readjusted with one hand if need be. The sliding jaw can use gravity to its advantage, with the tightening mechanism needing only to turn slightly to make things tight, once the jaw has been snugged up against the work. Several other types which hold items to be welded in prefixed angles and positions are helpful as well, but can be quite expensive. If you’ll shop around, you’ll eventually find a collection of clamps that suit you, at a price you can afford. Patience is the key.  Nothing is worse than having a malfunctioning clamp when you need it.

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]]> http://www.everlastgenerators.com/wordpress/welders/necessities-welding-shop-equipment-part2/feed/ 0 The Necessities – Welding Shop Equipment Part1 http://www.everlastgenerators.com/wordpress/welders/necessities-welding-shop-equipment-part1/ http://www.everlastgenerators.com/wordpress/welders/necessities-welding-shop-equipment-part1/#comments Tue, 15 May 2012 07:01:21 +0000 admin http://www.everlastgenerators.com/wordpress/?p=3584 You’ll always find that at the center of any welding shop or home garage that has a welder sitting around, is a good welding table or two. It is not even a “wish” item. It is a necessity. On many forums, you’ll find countless threads of fancy welding table projects posted. Some are made with drawers, some with wheels and even some with additional electrical sockets. As far as building a welding table goes, it seems that the only limits are imagination, and finances. If you are short on imagination or money, don’t worry. There are several “ready” to go and inexpensive welding tables from several different sources, many sold through online stores. A couple of things to keep in mind, is the sturdiness of the table. A good welding table should have a solid feel about it, without wobbling or shaking. It should also be fairly flat and true so that items can be laid out and fitted together squarely. The top should be thick enough to handle the heat without warping, and should be able to take light grinding. If you are interested in mainly doing stick or MIG welding, you will need to be able to grind the spatter off. If it is TIG, then a thinner top may be used, because little grinding will be needed. However, even with TIG, arcing from the table to the work piece will occur from time to time, creating pits, which may need to be flattened to keep a smooth surface on the table. Items like wheels, and drawers are small things which can be added in time. Starting off with a basic, but sturdy table is fine. The utility and function of a flat, sturdy table top cannot be undervalued.

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]]> http://www.everlastgenerators.com/wordpress/welders/necessities-welding-shop-equipment-part1/feed/ 0 Turning a welder into a profit maker – Establishing Relationships http://www.everlastgenerators.com/wordpress/welders/turning-welder-into-profit-maker-establishing-relationships/ http://www.everlastgenerators.com/wordpress/welders/turning-welder-into-profit-maker-establishing-relationships/#comments Mon, 14 May 2012 07:01:06 +0000 admin http://www.everlastgenerators.com/wordpress/?p=3579 Gaining customer loyalty is important to long term success of course, but there are other relationships that you must have to make things a success. A good relationship with a bank is a must if you plan to operate with lines of credit. Credit is almost a necessity in the welding business. Many times a job of sufficient size will tie up cash resources that need to be used for payroll or even basic maintenance or repairs. Even if “borrowing” money isn’t an idea you want to entertain, having a good credit base should be priority, unless you have good financial cash flow. A single visit to the welding supply store may cost $ 500.00, just in consumables, a couple tanks of gas and rent and safety equipment. These stores will allow you to charge to an account without having to pay out money at the time of delivery. Using credit to give you financial flexibility has an ever present opportunity for abuse and misuse. But in reality, it can offer you some freedom, especially when you have one of those days that can easily tap out all your cash reserves and still leave you short on what you need to complete the project. Going in and visiting your local welding supply stores is an imperative because it gives you an inroad to any special deals or discounts. Going into a store and paying cash without a special account established by running your credit information will usually result in a full list price or a higher price than you’d pay if they put it on your account. Cash sales to a local welding supply store is hardly worth it, and unless the employee has a company or personal name to tie it to, a default, list price is automatically charged. This sort of business practice may not seem fair, but in some ways, having a credit account gives you an opportunity to grow or to purchase that tool for the next project. By the time it is sold (hopefully) you can in turn pay off the line of credit fully. Not having an account set up with metal suppliers and local welding supply stores will cause the most well funded operation to go bust in just a brief amount of time.

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]]> http://www.everlastgenerators.com/wordpress/welders/turning-welder-into-profit-maker-establishing-relationships/feed/ 0 Turning a welder into a profit maker – Getting the business cranked up Part2 http://www.everlastgenerators.com/wordpress/welders/turning-welder-into-profit-getting-business-cranked-up-part2/ http://www.everlastgenerators.com/wordpress/welders/turning-welder-into-profit-getting-business-cranked-up-part2/#comments Fri, 11 May 2012 07:34:06 +0000 admin http://www.everlastgenerators.com/wordpress/?p=3576 A good way to get your name out there in the welding business is to start with junk jobs that no one else wants. This is something you probably have already figured out in your research, but it is worth discussing in further depth. Taking stuff on that other people refused because it wasn’t worth a big shop’s time is a good way to build customer loyalty as you grow. Customers remember the small things you do, and will give you more work if you meet their expectations. It also helps with cash flow. Taking on small jobs does not mean that you can’t turn a profit. Establishing a minimum price to do any job, regardless of size can help make doing the small job worth it, and give you extra incentive to give it your best. Charging a minimum half hour rate for a 10 minute job is still probably going to be lower than the large shop which may have a higher minimum charge, or one that gave a high estimate to “screen” out the small customer. You’ll also find that a lot of basic jobs bring the most potential profit. Though larger jobs seem to net more cash, profit margins generally drop once they reach large proportions. The smaller jobs offer opportunities to gain more experience at a faster rate as well. Never underestimate the different things you can learn even from completing a small job. Even if you are committed to making a certain product under contract, the small jobs can bring in the most money and keep cash flowing, even when the big jobs are few and far between. Guaranteed, even the big guys get slow from time to time, and those small jobs they passed up look pretty good when times are tough.

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