DIY gone wrong??? Don't Fret, we can help!

[Brucker]

It's a familiar story we all have been apart of at some point or another, Do-It-Yourself projects. Being a great way to save a little cash when you have more time then money to spare. But they can turn costly quickly if you don't know what to do or don't have access to the proper equipment. Happens all the time, sometimes even to the most skilled of us. So when mistakes happen, don't fret, call a professional for a little guidance and help! You may be amazed at how simple they can make even the most challenging of projects look. Here is a quick example:

Had a client bring in some steel wheels and beadlock rings into the shop. They had originally purchased them all thinking they would have a fun project that would save some cash. But before long they quickly realized they were in over their head. After several valiant efforts and passes at welding a decent bead around one wheel, they decided to throw in the towel and call us for some help. After a quick conversation they quickly realized that their welder just didn't have the amperage needed.

Quick look at the wheel in question as it arrived at the shop. You will notice the multiple welding passes that haven't made any decent penetration:

https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtp1/v/t1.0-9/11045392_1057601864250199_5669518980826559603_n.jp g?oh=dc733ecfce2ec4135933bdd9980b5d9b&oe=56A4D13E

https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/12049163_1057601610916891_6024142376394408590_n.jp g?oh=7980a7c280e8fc5c559e2de463956f2f&oe=5688CE3B

And here you will see the start of a clean up attempt by the client. After the short time it took to achieve just this, is when they decided it was time to give us a call:

https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/12042897_1057601424250243_2815721005197793367_n.jp g?oh=88d8e8b0c8d9e41b2697ce56a8adbc73&oe=568C4463


We were able to sand out the weld beads from the multiple different passes that were originally taken.

https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/12074820_1057601800916872_8949452935545210989_n.jp g?oh=00e80f3643f6367abcbc9e6ee266ff53&oe=569041FE

Closeup after removal of the previous weld beads. You may notice some very visible cracks or holes around the edges. This is where the previous weld had not made proper penetration.

https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/12036888_1057601937583525_6217608096731153268_n.jp g?oh=33e97bbec2368327dda776e53fc729bf&oe=565E766A

https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtp1/v/t1.0-9/12096205_1057601514250234_641557593695501137_n.jpg ?oh=51eeba074bc5564888f733c13631f00a&oe=5696B0CC

https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/12096524_1057601667583552_1916448072435924328_n.jp g?oh=b0d5d6329058be4b6522120b2b406cd8&oe=56AA644C

Then ground out a decent sized gap between the pieces to allow for us to get the required penetration.

https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/12096082_1057602310916821_4694678167794794311_n.jp g?oh=a4137c1acd8e60c05703ac563e3f376a&oe=568E8073

https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/12042805_1057602124250173_7543722593060343859_n.jp g?oh=bf89b54ff60ef409d86914314a001a94&oe=5689774D

Once that was completed, we tacked the pieces together in multiple areas and finally welded it solid, and more importantly air tight.

https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtp1/v/t1.0-9/12079217_1057602317583487_3387448444579318722_n.jp g?oh=d34181e0dc63b368057f85b1a32e5f15&oe=56A125D5


Having us weld the rest of the wheels together and repair the one already messed with was still cheaper than buying new, complete beadlock wheels. So in the long run, they were still able to save a little money, and got a great product in return.


So don't be afraid to get your hands dirty and try a little DIY. Worst case, we will always be here to help if needed!

Happy trails!

[Jim]

That's a nice, positive post!

Good read with pix.

[Chris]

Well done post Aaron. I think we've all been there in one way or another at some time. It's nice to see the pics of before and after without ridiculing the diy attempt as we see all to often on forums.

:thumb:

[Java]

Aaron- I'm not trying to brag, but I'm a pretty shitty welder myself and the before resembled some stuff I've done... :) I'm trying to do better and am trying to learn what the causes behind my mistakes look like. am I correct that it looks like part of the problem was a bad ground connection? It seems to me that when I'm not grounded well or too far from my work the bead sits on top more than it burns in, is that what I see in the before?

Thanks for posting this! :thumb:

[JFjeld]

That reminds me, Aaron. I have my weld-on beadlocks from TMI patiently sitting in my garage, all ready for you to weld onto my Cragar Soft 8s. I'll send you a PM soon to get scheduled and drop off to you.

[Brucker]

Aaron- I'm not trying to brag, but I'm a pretty shitty welder myself and the before resembled some stuff I've done... :) I'm trying to do better and am trying to learn what the causes behind my mistakes look like. am I correct that it looks like part of the problem was a bad ground connection? It seems to me that when I'm not grounded well or too far from my work the bead sits on top more than it burns in, is that what I see in the before?

Thanks for posting this! :thumb:

Paul, your first line made me laugh so hard. Thank you for that. A sense of humor when dealing with mistakes and learning from them, is a valuable asset. The main problem here was lack of amperage. Not a big enough machine, not enough power, or improper settings on the welder, not sure which. I could guess 110V machine past it's capacities, but that would be a guess. Another issue could have been proper prep as with all metal work, the cleaner, the better. But truly the problem shown here was lack of proper heat. The filler couldn't penetrate the thickness of metal it needed to and just built up above the pieces instead of burning in.

Hope that this helps!

[The StRanger]

My welding is geting better but I still work
A lot of thing I will still send out..
A man has got to know his limitations !

[AccordRanger]

Just wondering what a ball park would be on getting the beadwork rings welded on?

[Brucker]

Just wondering what a ball park would be on getting the beadwork rings welded on?

For decent condition wheels without tires and new rings we charge a minimum of half hour of labor to prep, weld, and cleanup each wheel. This does not include any coating or any other work needed. If you would like a specific, written quote, please contact me at the shop through email (sales@bruckerbrothers.com) or by phone (720-235-9485). Hope that this helps!