L3400 - grab hooks

[Eaglebait Ranch]

Newby welder here........... Anyone got images or help as to what support I may need to put on the top of the FEL before I weld on grab hooks? I am wanting to put one on either end, and one in the middle.

I have done some welding in the past, but none so critical as not wanting the weld to break and hurt someone/me............

I have a post on the same subject at Hobart Weld talk, but I wanted to get your opinions, too.

 

[Wombat125]

Newby welder here........... Anyone got images

A quick search of the TBN site should yield lots of images and discussion on this topic.

They're not exactly orange, but here's my thread with images:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/build-yourself/126101-case-you-havent-seen-enough.html

 

[wushaw]

Here is mine.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/customization/93156-my-bucket-hook-install.html

 

[Eaglebait Ranch]

Hey Guys,

I am ready to attack my bucket hook project. I was given the following scrap pieces of clean metal the other day, and I want your advice on what/which to use, and where:

One piece each, (1) 1/4"x4x48", (2) 1/2"x3.5"x14", (3) 1/2"x10"x5.5"

I am going to weld one hook at each far end of the bucket, and one in the center.

I am thinking of cutting a 3" wide piece of (2) as a base for each hook, welding that base to the bucket, cutting a piece of (1) and welding it from the back of the base to the back of the bucket for support.

You guys may have better ideas, and I want those. I am welding with either a Hobart 185 or an old stick welder.

Now, the wire........... I have .30 flux. If I am going to weld the 1/2" stock, do I understand that I will have to go slower, and make several (3-4) passes?

Also, where I am going to put the two corner hooks, there is a weld (obviously) where the two corners of the bucket meet. Do I butt the base on top of that weld, and then weld? Do I grind the weld down and lay the base on top of that, so it is butted against the corner? Do I just put the base as close as I can to that weld, and weld the base to the bucket?

I hope I am not going overboard with the thanks to you guys, but, Hey, you guys are great! Thanks for your help and support.