Re: Shortening a Ford axle

On 4/11/2024 8:59 AM, Leon Fisk wrote:

On Thu, 11 Apr 2024 08:14:13 -0500
Snag <Snag_one@msn.com> wrote:
 <snip>

I'm also considering attaching the MIG gun to the tool
post and turning the lathe spindle with a crank handle ... that will
give me better control of arc length and rotation speed .

 For me at least... it isn't easy to keep good shielding gas coverage on
round objects like an axle. It wants to sink and flow around the area
needing coverage. If your settings are low, allowing the weld to
cool rapidly it isn't so bad. If your settings (MIG) are high and the
weld cools slowly good shield coverage can suffer.
 I'd be tempted to make a small box with a slot for the axle to fit
through. The box will fill with shield gas and spill out over the top
and slot. With these design characteristics in mind make it such that
the weld area is within the pooled shield gas and you'll have a lot
better shielding gas coverage🤷
 I'd likely clamp a bar or some sort of support in the area to rest my
wrist/arm/gun on. This would allow you to still make small adjustments
to the weld pool area...
 

I've used a foil enclosure before to help keep shield gas where it's needed ... the axle is currently set up in the lathe with a steady rest and the tailstock maintaining alignment . I want to keep it fixtured like this while I weld .
--
Snag
  "They may take our lives but
they'll never take our freedom."
  William Wallace