Welding round tube...Help please

[Cap-n-Cray]

I bought the Harbor Freight jig before I bought the jig I listed above. It fell apart on the first hole/cut. The bushing come completely out and it was not worth fixing. I returned it.

Cary

[chumly2071]

Originally Posted by Sandlot

I have been thinking about this little tool. Anyone have one?

Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

I have one, and for the money, it is hard to beat, but as with most hf tools, it has its limitations. the bushing material can wear quickly, and I have heard some people mention that their tube vise is not centered with the madrel for the hole saw. I have used mine quite a bit building bumpers and cages for jeeps, and have no complaints for the price. for more $$$, better units are available. Like the bandsaw blades, I highly recommend a good quality bi-metal holesaw. use a low spindle speed, and some cutting oil. too much or not enough down pressure on the saw while cutting will shorten the life of the cutter.

[rvb]

Originally Posted by cityfarma

Thanks, I will give it a try. Just looks like it is a lot of work to get a good fit.

Cityfarma

It always is. It usually takes a lot longer to prepare for the weld than to do it.

[Renze]

You might get some insight what i and others discussed in this thread:
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/b...t-buggy-1.html


look at this photo: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/a...82007-001-.jpg

I dont really have time to proceed with the fun projects: First need the road sweep to put back to use, the grader blade and the straw bale chopper. Oh, and i need new brakes on my tractor, as well as some oil leaks that need attention.

(i'm excusing myself before people start asking when i post more progress )

[schmism]

if you have a 14" chop saw (the HF version does fine)

you can cut perfect round joints with it just fine.

Chop saw notching 101 (With pictures) - Pirate4x4.Com Bulletin Board

[weldingisfun]

Originally Posted by schmism

if you have a 14" chop saw (the HF version does fine)

you can cut perfect round joints with it just fine.

Chop saw notching 101 (With pictures) - Pirate4x4.Com Bulletin Board

Great info. Thanks.

[schmism]

Originally Posted by weldingisfun

Great info. Thanks.

What if instead of a "T" joint, I want the notched tube at a 15* angle with my first 1.75" tube???? You must start with your base angle, which was 28* for 1.75"(remember above), and subtract 15* from one cut, and add 15* to the other cut to form a perfect notch. So now I must make a 13* cut and an 43* cut with the point centered on the tube. Perfect coped joint, with no grinding.

remember most tube (if new) has a line/seam drawn down the side that can be used as a "centerline" when makeing the notches. makes things that much simpler to aim for the "center".

[weldingisfun]

Originally Posted by schmism

remember most tube (if new) has a line/seam drawn down the side that can be used as a "centerline" when makeing the notches. makes things that much simpler to aim for the "center".

Good point.