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.

 

[phiferpharm]

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

I'm okay on the power. When we ran the line to the new barn, they put in what is needed I think. Maybe Shield Arc will give us a couple of suggestions on what we should be looking for (brand names or model types).

I think we are kinda going down similiar paths David.. I spent 40 years doing Military stuff, teaching, being an administrator with heavy IT responsibilities,etc. So now, getting to build things, learning to work with the land, and "going back to school" is awesome.

It has also given me a much greater respect and understanding for the folks that have spent a lifetime working the land, keeping equipment running, and building stuff from whatever they have available. I salute them all...

 

[k0ua]

Thanks guys..It gives me a good feeling to repair something that is broken on my own. It is not just the money saved from having to take something to a shop, it is more than that.

James K0UA

 

[chad22]

The weld looks great.

Chad

 

[MossflowerWoods]

Thanks guys..It gives me a good feeling to repair something that is broken on my own. It is not just the money saved from having to take something to a shop, it is more than that.

James K0UA

James, Self sufficiency is priceless. Someday I will reach that level also.

David

 

[MossflowerWoods]

I think we are kinda going down similiar paths David.. So now, getting to build things, learning to work with the land...

It has also given me a much greater respect and understanding for the folks that have spent a lifetime working the land, keeping equipment running, and building stuff from whatever they have available. I salute them all...

Doug,

Agreed & AGREED!

Don't want to sound corny but I feel like I was called to the land. Like something in my soul went "THAT'S IT!"

I have never worked so hard so often in my life, I am exhausted and tired almost every day. I have no time for TV etc.
[crying 3 year old interruption, sorry]
Heck I can't seem to read a book in a timely fashion anymore. I'm often frustrated, angry, etc. about stuff thats broken etc. so I can't say I'm "happy" all the time, but I'm content or something. I don't want to be anywhere else. Somehow this lifestyle speaks to me and I am satisfied like never before.

There is something humbling and yet challenging in being in stewardship of the people, land, and animals in my care.

Very rewarding when I fix, finish, or get something right too!

Be well,
David

 

[sixdogs]

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!

Good advice. I took at class--twice-- at a local tech school and lucked out with a good instructor and all types of weld systems--MIG, TIG, stick. Aluminum and steel and everyone was all thumbs at first. With the right power and in the right position I am now pretty capable of most farm welding today and would get results that are not embarrasing.

Go the the welding section of this site for great advice. These guys are excellent with teaching, humble, have decades of experience and post photos for visual confirmation. Worked for me.

 

[Notforhire]

Nice job James! It's good that you caught it when you did.

Bill

 

[Gale Hawkins]

Good save. I missed a broken weld on our cutting edge and snapped it off on one end.

 

[Mike476]

From one fat boy to another, I feel your pain, I hate the heat. Great job, absolutely agree there's nothing better than the satisfaction of doing something yourself, not about the money saved but rather the independence that comes from getting it done. Having a couple of spectators holding your refreshment while you work is sometimes an added bonus, nothing wrong with a little group therapy.

 

[k0ua]

Good save. I missed a broken weld on our cutting edge and snapped it off on one end.

I was thinking the same thing.. but by the dirt and rust packed in the crack, I guess it has been broken for a while. I often use the edges to pop out rocks.. I guess at some point I tied onto one a little too hard. Anyway thankfully I did see it, and thought I had better fix it now before I forgot about it. And by looking at the other side, and comparing the factory weld.. the left side never was welded properly by my thinking.

James K0UA