Eagler's Nest

Airframes => Double Seaters => DE => Topic started by: devoutoccamist on July 05, 2023, 05:56:16 PM

Title: Wait. Didn't you ALREADY eat an elephant?
Post by: devoutoccamist on July 05, 2023, 05:56:16 PM

Yeah, 2nd time builder auditioning a 2nd project. Low and slow is appealing.

I'm here because the DE is the prettiest girl at the ball. I've heard T&F involves a lot of T. And welding. Stick and MIG are no problem.  I know TIG is 'painting with heat', but I'm really bad at it.

Before I make a deci$ion, can anyone recommend any TIG resources for the completely ham fisted?

[Name changed to protect the incompetent]

Title: Re: Wait. Didn't you ALREADY eat an elephant?
Post by: okdonn on July 06, 2023, 11:58:25 AM

Oxy/acetylene? As I was welding some clusters on an engine mount (Woody's Pusher) yesterday, I wondered how a TIG guy could do it.

Title: Re: Wait. Didn't you ALREADY eat an elephant?
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on July 07, 2023, 04:13:21 AM

Forget the stick. I understand some can use MIG successfully. TIG *is* difficult to learn. I spent hours and hours watching Youtube videos because I was determined to learn to properly use the SyncroWave that I'd bought used years ago.
The EAA has a TIG DVD. Joey on Welding Tips and Tricks, Pacific Arc Tig welding, The Fabrication series.. all on Youtube are 3 of the people I watched most. After 2 tanks of Argon, I was ready to start learning.  :)
I still recommend Oxy/Acetylene.  ;)

Title: Re: Wait. Didn't you ALREADY eat an elephant?
Post by: kalazzerx on July 12, 2023, 07:08:58 PM

EAA has a good TIG class if you are ok traveling up there or close.  They even have some classes coming up the weekend before Air Venture.  Like meany others - I spent a lot of time on youtube and still struggle!

Title: Re: Wait. Didn't you ALREADY eat an elephant?
Post by: KWK on August 30, 2026, 08:11:14 AM

Quote from: devoutoccamist on July 05, 2023, 05:56:16 PM

Stick and MIG are no problem.

Maule and other factories today weld fuselages with MIG. Stinson may have been the only maker that ever used stick, but they would stress relieve the entire fuselage in a huge oven. Oxy is well proven for amateurs. More is found elsewhere (http://"https://www.eaglersnest.com/forum/index.php?topic=980.0") in these forums.

Title: Re: Wait. Didn't you ALREADY eat an elephant?
Post by: Dan_ on August 30, 2026, 02:13:28 PM

Welding clusters with mig sux.  You can't control the heat...  

You don't want to learn mig welding on your airplane.  

Any industry that uses mig has STRICT procedures to ensure the metal in the heat affected zone does not become brittle.  

Mig can be laying there in a bead and look good but not have any penetration.  This is why code does not allow anything over 3/8ths thickness to be welded with the mig process.  It is impossible for the wire to carry enough current to overcome the heat sink and allow penetration.