Newbie build - Mini GF

[Squiggle]

I'm interested to know how that goes too.

[clutch_kick]

FInally found the time to weld up the first two sections. My first time welding, so I initially had some trouble setting the amperage and wire feed to the point where I could lay down something that look half decent. Thank God for Youtube! Still got loads of grinding to do hahaha.

[Big T]

All of your first welds will be hidden by the end of the project and you should have the hang of it by then.

[ajfoxy]

Nothing that a flap disk can't make a tad nicer anyway. Good start.

[Squiggle]

Nice lookin for first time welding, just don't forget to leave out the right pieces of the frame so you can get the FB in to place.

[clutch_kick]

Frame's all done, and I measured up the internal dimensions to adjust the cad drawings for the plasma cutting of the panels. I do have a discrepancy of a few millimeters but it shouldn't be a issue.

[Stewart]

Looking good

[temurf]

[ajfoxy]

Nice. Can't see from the pic but if you leave out the top cross piece on the right side you can get your chute/firebox/transfer tube installed in one piece without much issue. This is more so if you are going to bend up your cook chamber.

[Big T]

[Squiggle]

Looks fantastic dude, well done!

[clutch_kick]

Bend up? What do mean?

Nice. Can't see from the pic but if you leave out the top cross piece on the right side you can get your chute/firebox/transfer tube installed in one piece without much issue. This is more so if you are going to bend up your cook chamber.

[ajfoxy]

As in the sides of the cook chamber bent on a brake/metal bender/press brake. To save on having to weld the sides and back of the cc.

[clutch_kick]

Ahhh ... Don't have access to that ... I'll have to weld.

[richy20]

Just be careful welding the cook chamber because it is easy to warp that thin metal. It happened to me. Just take your time. Good stuff so far.

[ajfoxy]

Definitely go slow on the CC. In fact all the thinnner stuff requires a bit of patience.
Otherwise warping will occur. Ask me how I know this...

[Squiggle]

been there too.

[Weldun]

Make sure you don't skimp on the tacks, I would tack it every 2"- 2 1/2" and watch and listen for tacks that pop while welding. Might not hurt to take some scrap pieces of the same material and simulate the same joint configuration, practice on it and reduce the element of suprise.

[clutch_kick]

Thanks guys. I should have the interior panels tomorrow. I'll ask for a few scrap pieces ... Good idea

[Rodcrafter]

Boy AJ that was a setup!

[clutch_kick]

OK, finally got myself a new welder. It's a Telwin Bimax 4.195 230V. Interior panels are next.



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[Squiggle]

Nice unit dude, should make light work of it.

[ajfoxy]

Nice, don't forget the pics. And remember slow is OK. Old african saying: slowly, slowly catch the monkey.
Take your time to learn your new machine. Dial in the sweet spot and then go for it.

[clutch_kick]

Guys any idea how I can bend the bottom sheet in the mini without resorting to a hydraulic press

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[Squiggle]

I made mine a little different to the plans, I put a flat bottom on mine then welded in another piece to make the slope. Uses a little more steel, but makes it a bit easier than trying to beg, borrow or steal a bending break.

p.s. You could also weld in a short piece first instead of a whole bottom sheet & the overlap the angled piece slightly for the same result.