Eagler's Nest

Airframes => Double Seaters => Topic started by: Sylvain on February 08, 2020, 06:18:05 PM

Title: Best welding equipment to build the air frame.
Post by: Sylvain on February 08, 2020, 06:18:05 PM

Hi guys.
I am new to the group and starting to plan the build of a DE.
What is the best equipment to use to weld the airframe? Acetylene? Tig, mig?
I am absolutely new to welding and I plan just for the challenge to build and weld myself the airframe.

Cheers!
Sylvain Belanger
Montréal QC canada.

Title: Re: Best welding equipment to build the air frame.
Post by: Dan_ on February 10, 2020, 12:39:43 PM

Here are some thoughts on the subject:

http://www.airbum.com/articles/ArticleZenWelding.html (http://www.airbum.com/articles/ArticleZenWelding.html)

Here is a must read for welding aircraft tubing:

https://www.eaglersnest.com/forum/index.php?action=downloads;sa=downfile&id=39 (https://www.eaglersnest.com/forum/index.php?action=downloads;sa=downfile&id=39)

Title: Re: Best welding equipment to build the air frame.
Post by: Sylvain on February 10, 2020, 01:37:08 PM

Thanks a lot Dan!
Not completely decided yet but chances are I will go the Oxy/acetylene way

Title: Re: Best welding equipment to build the air frame.
Post by: okdonn on February 10, 2020, 04:43:27 PM

I use MIG to tack weld parts in place, then finish welding with Oxy/Acetylene. I have a Cobra torch that works OK, but gets awkward at times. I'm going to replace it with a Mecco Midget soon - should have bought it instead 10 years ago.
https://www.tinmantech.com/products/welding/meco-torch-accessories/

Title: Re: Best welding equipment to build the air frame.
Post by: scottiniowa on February 11, 2020, 01:24:29 PM

Quote from: Dan_ on February 10, 2020, 12:39:43 PM

Here are some thoughts on the subject:

http://www.airbum.com/articles/ArticleZenWelding.html (http://www.airbum.com/articles/ArticleZenWelding.html)

Here is a must read for welding aircraft tubing:

https://www.eaglersnest.com/forum/index.php?action=downloads;sa=downfile&id=39 (https://www.eaglersnest.com/forum/index.php?action=downloads;sa=downfile&id=39)

I worked with Budd for about 8 years or so, always enjoyed his knowledge and these two articles have done much in education of the welder ways.  Some of his pricing figures are even more spread than they used to be.  So without a doubt, - the coSt to learn and complete your aircraft swings pretty far to the torch side now. (calculated savings)  

I used to teach both tig and torch welding, long story short, and helped with the above articles in mind, I could get a new welder to complete safe welds (learn) quicker with the torch.  And I would say a higher percentage of torch welders would really get it vs tig learners.   Like them both, but cost is always relevant on these little birds.

Title: Re: Best welding equipment to build the air frame.
Post by: 13brv3 on February 11, 2020, 01:54:30 PM

I read both of those articles today, so thanks for the links!  I'm barely competent enough to trust my TIG welding, and there are some areas that remain a challenge with thin wall tubing. I've recently decided that it might be worth trying one of the small torches to see how well that works for me. I think I've narrowed it down to the Smith AW1A, or Meco Midget, leaning toward the Smith for the round handle. If nothing else, it's a new tool to play with :-) 

Title: Re: Best welding equipment to build the air frame.
Post by: Dan_ on February 11, 2020, 06:34:55 PM

You can adjust the flame on the Mecco with one hand.  With the light weight hose extension set wrapped around your arm or over your shoulder, you are really not holding much more than a pac of cigarettes in your hand.

Your biggest challenge will be the welding of the thickest parts to the thinnest (not counting bifocals).  The torch angle is your friend always and extra preheat on the landing gear brackets...

Also welding into some corners can get a little hot on your hand.  Just lay it down and drink some coffee.