Sgt. Howard
Active Member
Seems simple enough, right? I mean, seriously- if you can fold a cardboard box and have ANY welding skills, you SHOULD be able to do this... one might think.
I have been doing up two saddle tanks of the 1912 HD variety to drop on a Worksman cruiser for some time now.... Simple, squared (more or less) boxes with a filler cap and a out spout, one for either side, about 2.3 gallons between them.
I bought a sheet metal brake. I bought a wire feed welder that can also do MIG. I bought a specialty sheet metal tool for small bending.
What could go wrong?
Well, after the first three attempts at a decent pattern, I began to realize that corners can change dimensions of the finished product more than you might think- a slight radius will increase a linear dimension by not pushing more material into a perfect edge. Standard High School geometry will require adjustments to work... SEVERAL adjustments. So, I finally got the pattern where I wanted it- I cut out the right tank and proceeded to bend it in my brake. Two of the end pieces got a corner crimped because they were across the line ... well, unless you are doing a truly SQUARED box, that can happen. Hammer the crimps out on the anvil with a chasing hammer. Looks good (enough).
Now, to weld- I have never operated a wire feed welder before- I was told they are simple to learn.
Well, yes and no- a gas tank in NOT a good first project. They are actually a bit demanding, as I will describe- I was told to use the MIG operation as that give a less porous weld.... I was too impatient. Plus, I didn't have the right wire or gas. Oh well, I will figure it out I tell myself.
First weld looked like chickens took turns pooping out the seam. I ground it down, and re-welded. Now it looks like they had the runs. I ground it down and re-welded. Now it just looks disgusting- and further grinding shows where the metal around the weld is paper thin... so I go (next day) to build up that area.
I have an automatic helmet- it goes dark with the first spark. I set up and hit the first spark. My retinas scream and run for the Canadian border... little Andrew had found my helmet and played with the dials. I was blind for a few hours. Got most of the sides beefed up and smooth- then somebody suggests I lay down some brazing. Sounds simple enough- sorta like using brass for solder, right? Never done it before but I am told it is simple to learn (you would think that I should recognize that phrase as a red flag by now, right?). So I get the necessary stuff and light my pony torch- after five minutes, I am again blind. James 'borrowed' my gas glasses and replaced them with ordinary sunglasses. My retinas did not leave my body, but both fovias are still upset with me.
Well... there have been six runs of braze on both tanks. They still leak. Minor pinhole leaks, but leaks non the less. I will purchase gas tank sealant and cheat- at least it is not like before where I could comfortably BREATH through the tanks...
I have been doing up two saddle tanks of the 1912 HD variety to drop on a Worksman cruiser for some time now.... Simple, squared (more or less) boxes with a filler cap and a out spout, one for either side, about 2.3 gallons between them.
I bought a sheet metal brake. I bought a wire feed welder that can also do MIG. I bought a specialty sheet metal tool for small bending.
What could go wrong?
Well, after the first three attempts at a decent pattern, I began to realize that corners can change dimensions of the finished product more than you might think- a slight radius will increase a linear dimension by not pushing more material into a perfect edge. Standard High School geometry will require adjustments to work... SEVERAL adjustments. So, I finally got the pattern where I wanted it- I cut out the right tank and proceeded to bend it in my brake. Two of the end pieces got a corner crimped because they were across the line ... well, unless you are doing a truly SQUARED box, that can happen. Hammer the crimps out on the anvil with a chasing hammer. Looks good (enough).
Now, to weld- I have never operated a wire feed welder before- I was told they are simple to learn.
Well, yes and no- a gas tank in NOT a good first project. They are actually a bit demanding, as I will describe- I was told to use the MIG operation as that give a less porous weld.... I was too impatient. Plus, I didn't have the right wire or gas. Oh well, I will figure it out I tell myself.
First weld looked like chickens took turns pooping out the seam. I ground it down, and re-welded. Now it looks like they had the runs. I ground it down and re-welded. Now it just looks disgusting- and further grinding shows where the metal around the weld is paper thin... so I go (next day) to build up that area.
I have an automatic helmet- it goes dark with the first spark. I set up and hit the first spark. My retinas scream and run for the Canadian border... little Andrew had found my helmet and played with the dials. I was blind for a few hours. Got most of the sides beefed up and smooth- then somebody suggests I lay down some brazing. Sounds simple enough- sorta like using brass for solder, right? Never done it before but I am told it is simple to learn (you would think that I should recognize that phrase as a red flag by now, right?). So I get the necessary stuff and light my pony torch- after five minutes, I am again blind. James 'borrowed' my gas glasses and replaced them with ordinary sunglasses. My retinas did not leave my body, but both fovias are still upset with me.
Well... there have been six runs of braze on both tanks. They still leak. Minor pinhole leaks, but leaks non the less. I will purchase gas tank sealant and cheat- at least it is not like before where I could comfortably BREATH through the tanks...