Need advice welding crack in tiller frame

[sixdogs]

The preference is to always weld "inposition". When dealing with something like that, yep, flip it over. Doing that makes you a smart welder in my book.

Gotta do a risk vs reward kind of thinking. Sometimes it is not feasible to weld in position. But when getting a part in position dont take much effort, you are foolish not to.

I have a lot more experience flipping things over than welding overhead. In fact whenever something flips over I'm half-thinking "Hey this might be a good time to go get the welder & take care of a few things."

After I figure out how, I'm going to flip over a lighter (1300 lb) weight 16' double axle trailer this summer to check the welds. Right side up, things would look like cr@p and I'd likely have severe burns and clothes damage. In position welding was one of the first things I learned in this column a few years ago.

 

[dragoneggs]

Hey Sixdogs... looks like a great project fixer' upper. Good post.

I'm a novice but my first thoughts, similar as SA's... surprised at the poor quality welds. I also agree with Sodo, it looks seems to be a missed weld... so not only did the guy weld crappy... he didn't even finish. :laughing:

I am not a fan of drain holes if not necessary mainly because somehow they always clog. Make it fluid tight unless there is a compelling reason not too. The design/location of the drain hole though should be thought out if you opt for this feature. A seam is not a good design for a drain. 3/8in holes are a minimum in my book... and then you have a little added maintenance regimen. :thumb down: Did I say I didn't like drain holes.

 

[Sodo]

Drain holes from a closed cavity not likely to cause trouble.

 

[dragoneggs]

Drain holes from a closed cavity not likely to cause trouble.

It just always seems they clog... a caterpillar builds a nest neatly in the hole... kid sticks a branch in it...whatever. Maybe it is just my luck?

 

[BukitCase]

As soon as you put a drain hole in a closed cavity, it no longer IS one ... Steve

 

[LD1]

If you just weld it solid there is no need for a drain hole. What little moisture and oxygen is in there wont cause much rusting. And being welded solid there is no way for more moisture to enter.

 

[sixdogs]

Here are the pictures of the other side as requested. No problems here and weld looks much better than the other side.

 

[Sysop]

Maschio is one of the best tillers you can buy but I am totally shocked at the poor welding and lack of welding all around. There is no way that tiller should have ever made it past quality control.

After traveling many miles in several states seeing various implements of many many makes. I've came to the conclusion that there is no dedicated QC personnel for any of these fab-shops that make such things.

The welder QCs the part cutters job. The painter QCs the welders work. And the forktruck drivers and shipping clerks are the final QC before leaving out to dealers or customers.

I worked in a medium sized shop once doing building huge machines to ship nationwide for the postal service, and that's how it worked there. I would say from all I've seen on all the various implements I've seen it holds true for at least 99% of the implement manufacturers. I'd also guess that's why virtually every manual for every piece of equipment tells you to check and recheck everything.

In today's manufacturing world QC is mostly handled by digital equipment. Digital cameras positioned to take images of key points of the assembly. Any changes from one unit to the next (whether it be a run in the paint or a bolt head not lined up exactly the same as all the others) get flagged for a real person to go review. This is something way beyond the average fab shop.