welding steel base or just getting aluminium extrusion

**reefy86** · 07-12-2017

was ordering the steel from metals4u.co.uk cut to size, i forgot to ask that question as well so thanks for that boyan, I do not have access to a welding table and i do want to try and keep the cost down so what would you recommend welding the frame on? i was thinking of doing a cheap wooden frame and make sure its level and use a sheet of mdf on top for flatness

**Boyan Silyavski** · 08-12-2017

I welded it on the floor, using the larger beams themselves for base. Basically the correct way will be to spot weld the outside frame. Then make sure all is straight and knock here and there with the big mallet. Then weld. Then insert inside beams, use scrap or washers to adjust to a tight fit so after welding it does not contract.

Do not worry, first frame ever i welded with stick welder and was welding for first time.

The main thing to understand when welding is very simple but crucial: "You are making a molten pool and moving it around" . All else serves for that to happen, that means you must think only about that, not thinking angles of electrode, this and that. See that pool, maintain it and move it around or up and down. That's it. I believe many welders do think of other stuff than the pool when welding. I am talking about DIY welders like us.

**cropwell** · 08-12-2017

Originally Posted by reefy86

was ordering the steel from metals4u.co.uk cut to size, i forgot to ask that question as well so thanks for that boyan, I do not have access to a welding table and i do want to try and keep the cost down so what would you recommend welding the frame on? i was thinking of doing a cheap wooden frame and make sure its level and use a sheet of mdf on top for flatness

Reefy, have you tried Nottingham Steel at Colwick, they will cut to size and they are probably cheaper !
Weld UK at Pinxton have got some heavy duty clamps at £60. I called in in person for one and asked how much they could do two for cash and it was a good discount !
https://www.welduk.com/product/sip-0...rs-angle-clamp

**JoeHarris** · 08-12-2017

If you don't want the cost of mig I had pretty good success with a cheap Clarke stick welder from machine mart. No gas to buy either. Defiantly get an auto darkening visor though and some decent rods. For a welding table i bought a massive lump of 12mm steel plate from a guy in Telford for about £20. I found welding very satisfying!

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**JoeHarris** · 08-12-2017

Helpful video:

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**reefy86** · 08-12-2017

Thanks guy's. i already had in mind to get plenty of clamps, a large spirit level and large straight square edges so i'm glad i was on the right track.

**JoeHarris** · 08-12-2017

Ps I find it hard to comment on a frame without seeing it in context with the rest of the machine but on the face of it it looks pretty solid

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**JoeHarris** · 10-12-2017

What's with the parquet bed?!

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**reefy86** · 10-12-2017

Originally Posted by JoeHarris

What's with the parquet bed?!

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using keyshot as a quick render and was looking in the wood library and thought this looked quirky lol

**JoeHarris** · 10-12-2017

Originally Posted by reefy86

using keyshot as a quick render and was looking in the wood library and thought this looked quirky lol

Yes it looks cool! Not such a good idea in reality?! Wish I could afford keyshot, looks amazing. Btw you probably won't need two mounts for the spindle and it will make it harder to align.

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