Oh no! My bucket is broken!

[k0ua]

I noticed that the left side of my Kubota bucket (yes I use it sometimes on my new Kioti) had a huge crack all the way thru the factory weld where the horizontal cutting edge is welded to the vertical side cutting edge. When I examined it I noticed the factory weld was not very good compared to the right side see the third photo. Also noticed the crack was much worse than expected when I started to prep for re-welding. A lot of rust had pitted under the weld leaving a crater to clean out and put a lot of weld metal in. I cleaned it all up and re-welded it with 5 rods of 1/8 7018. Good as new... no better than new. Welds might not be pretty but there is a lot more weld metal on this left side than the factory put in. Time will tell how it holds up, but I bet it will. Oh I am not whining or nuthin, but it was well over 90 degrees in the shade, and this old fat boy was sweating.:ashamed:

Well it seemed to scramble the order of the pix some, but you get the idea
James K0UA

 

[Shield Arc]

Good job!

It probably doesn't matter, but I always try to leave the craters in the middle of a weld, or in this case as far away from the start of the ripping action.

 

[gwdixon]

Looks like that bucket has been used hard.

Now it is ready for several thousand hours again.

 

[phiferpharm]

I really got to learn how to weld. I keep figuring ways around it, but there is no substitute for the real deal.

 

[Shield Arc]

I really got to learn how to weld.

It can't be that hard to learn! I must know a couple thousand weldors.

 

[k0ua]

I really got to learn how to weld. I keep figuring ways around it, but there is no substitute for the real deal.

Doug as you can see I am not a real weldor, but I can fix things, and make things, and that is what counts for me. I do engineering work in an office with a computer.. IF I can do it YOU can do it. All you have to do to get started is start I stick and TIG with my little Everlast PA160.

James K0UA

 

[phiferpharm]

It can't be that hard to learn! I must know a couple thousand weldors.

Easy for you to say! Heck, you have a couple thousand welding devices from the look of your signature (okay, maybe a slight exaggeration). I actually think I can take an adult ed class in September locally. That might be a good way to learn I'm thinkin'.

You have inspired me James-- Gonna give it a go.

 

[Shield Arc]

I suggest running an ad in your local Craig's list to see if you can get an experienced weldor to give you one on one instruction. And if you can swing it, buy a DC welder with adjustable hot start, and arc force. Really shortens the learning curve!

 

[MossflowerWoods]

Easy for you to say! Heck, you have a couple thousand welding devices from the look of your signature (okay, maybe a slight exaggeration). I actually think I can take an adult ed class in September locally. That might be a good way to learn I'm thinkin'.

You have inspired me James-- Gonna give it a go.

Doug,

Me too. I plan to take welding class at the local community college and I'm going to buy me a craigslist DC arc welder... Probably in the fall.

My biggest concern is getting the power run so I can actually use it...

That and learning to weld....
David

 

[Bob77064]

Yes, better than new. Good job James.