Finally took a welding class

[pequeajim]

I know you guys do a lot of fabricating, and to read the posts in the forum has always amazed me. I finally decided to take a welding class to see if it was something that I would be like to do.

Well, after the first class I was lovin' it /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

The instructor is very hands on and pushes everyone to work on projects. Power Trac makes and sells an adapter plate for the build it yourself type person and it goes for $150.00. I decided if I could make a couple of them, it would easily pay for the class!

I thought I would tell you guys how I made out.

 

[pequeajim]

After playing around with several practice welds, I wanted to see if I could make a PT mounting plate for a trailer hitch.

Here is what I came up with, worked out pretty good. It's made of 3/8" steel for the top, 3/8" for the slots and 1/4" for the bar around the top with a 1/2" rod.

It took me about 4 hours for the first one, but now that I have the template and somewhat know what I am doing, I think I could do it in about an hour and a half.

The pic shows the original PT plate on the right and my home made version on the left. I had no way of bending the bottom locking plate, so I welded it on.

 

[pequeajim]

Here's a closer view of the plate. It fits perfect.

I did a micro fillet weld between the 1/2" rod and the 1/4" top flat bar. Then I did another weld over top of that.

Excuse the sloppyness but at this point, I had only been to 4 or 5 welding classes.

 

[pequeajim]

This shows the 1/4" flat bar stock that is welded to the 3/8" adapter plate.

It's funny, I thought I had to take the flat bar and bend it to fit, THEN weld it to the plate. My instructor had me tack weld it to the plate on one side, and then use a torch and hammer to bend it to fit. I then tack welded it on the other side and let it cool.

 

[pequeajim]

Here's my welding project in the beginning setup and tacking stages...

 

[pequeajim]

I'm just havin' too much fun doing this!

 

[pequeajim]

And now all welded up.

I made 3 passes everywhere with a 200 amp MIG.

 

[pequeajim]

And the painted project with it mounted on the Mean Green PT Machine!

The paint's not even dry yet /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I used square tube for the side supports in case I decided to use them for something. I only wish I had made them a little longer for additional support of anything that I slide in there.

The only thing I have left to do it drill out the locking pin hole to size on each receiver.

 

[RonR]

Great job!

You could tow a tank with that hitch!

Ron

 

[rosey]

Are you taking the classes at your local community college??