Making simple Fabricated Tools for the Anvil using a tiny budget welder from Vevor

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  • Опубліковано 18 лис 2023
  • Welding is an ideal way to make simple tools quickly and efficiently. It is also a good companion skill for a blacksmith. Today I want to see if this budget welder supplied by Vevor can make some simple hardy tools
    Sponsored by Vevor:
    VEVOR Stick Welder:
    - US: s.vevor.com/bfQE9v
    - CA: s.vevor.com/bfQFWy
    VEVOR Large View Auto Darkening Welding Helmet:
    s.vevor.com/bfQE9H
    And don't forget to use the code "VVPRO" to save 5% on all the products
    *Some of the links provided are for affiliate programs. Using these links does not cost you any extra but does pay a small commission to help support this channel. As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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    Use discount code "bear5"
    Main shopanvilAnvil provided by; Fontanini Anvil
    www.stevefontaniniblacksmith.com
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    www.blacksmithingblanks.com
    use coupon code John at checkout.
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    Below you will find useful links that will help you in your journey as a blacksmith.
    To find more information in blacksmithing in the US or to search for your local ABANA affiliate group visit.
    www.abana.org/
    Blacksmithing tools and supplies
    Self contained air hammers - www.saymakhammers.com/
    General blacksmithing supplies - www.oleoacresfarriersupply.com/
    General blacksmithing supplies - www.piehtoolco.com/
    General blacksmithing supplies - www.centaurforge.com/
    General blacksmithing supplies - www.blacksmithsdepot.com/
    General blacksmithing supplies - www.blacksmithsupply.com/
    Square head bolts and lags - www.blacksmithbolt.com/
    New anvils - www.oldworldanvils.com/
    New anvils - www.nimbaanvils.com/
    New anvils -
    Industrial supplier - www.mcmaster.com
    Tong blanks and tools - kensironstore.com/
    Fire brick and refractory - refwest.com
    Blacksmithing and related activities can be hazardous. These videos are not a substitute for competent professional instruction. Your safety is your sole responsibility. Always use appropriate safety equipment including eye and ear protection when working in the shop. Follow manufactures safety guidelines for the use of all equipment. In the event something shown in one of these videos seems unsafe, it is up to you to make the appropriate changes to protect yourself.t yourself.

КОМЕНТАРІ • 164

  • @ChristCenteredIronworks
    @ChristCenteredIronworks 5 місяців тому +138

    A quick note for anyone who is using these cheaper/weaker welders.... Preheat your steel to a dull red then weld it will get Way better penetration and thus a far stronger weld. Great video John happy Thanksgiving 🦃🍽️

  • @ChrystianGuy
    @ChrystianGuy 5 місяців тому +9

    Sometimes I close my eyes and it's as if Ron Swanson is talking to me about metal work ;)

  • @adammckay296
    @adammckay296 5 місяців тому +19

    Who else squinted when the sparks came at the camera?

    • @e_wonderment6618
      @e_wonderment6618 5 місяців тому +2

      😄

    • @SonoraSlinger
      @SonoraSlinger 5 місяців тому

      Hah, caught me

    • @chops1911
      @chops1911 5 місяців тому

      I definitely squinted lol 😂

    • @BlackBearForge
      @BlackBearForge  5 місяців тому +4

      The camera isn't as close as it seems, I use a zoom lens. I also keep a clear lens filter on the camera that I can replace when it gets pitted..

    • @cwccharters
      @cwccharters 5 місяців тому

      😂😂😂

  • @TheBHoky
    @TheBHoky 4 місяці тому +4

    I have been a machinist for a long time and now starting to get into Blacksmithing. you have become my best instructor. Keep up the great videos. Thank you.

  • @jonathandavies7462
    @jonathandavies7462 Місяць тому

    This is a great demonstration of why I will be setting up my (mini) forge AWAY from my wood workshop

  • @chucklesmakmlgh
    @chucklesmakmlgh 20 днів тому +1

    So many great ideas in one video thank you for the lesson enjoyed. Take care of that right now.

  • @MountainHomeJerrel
    @MountainHomeJerrel 5 місяців тому +6

    I scrolled too fast and misread the thumbnail as "Tiny Weiner" and I laughed out loud.

  • @oldgandy5355
    @oldgandy5355 5 місяців тому +2

    Last time I tried to weld was 25 years ago. Looked like chicken poop piles when I finished, and one of my co-workers had to fix it for me. I might try one of these to see if this old dog can learn some new tricks!

  • @chairshoe81
    @chairshoe81 5 місяців тому +10

    _HOLD ME CLOSER TINY WELDEER_

  • @rbfcaf
    @rbfcaf 5 місяців тому +3

    I love the on screen comments John.

  • @dragonstonegemironworkscra4740
    @dragonstonegemironworkscra4740 5 місяців тому +2

    Morning Mr John! Let's watch 😊

  • @thomaslewis9526
    @thomaslewis9526 4 місяці тому +1

    I love it. I have a similar, slightly larger cheap inverter welder (120/240), as well as a 100A, 120v buzz box (AC).
    I unplug the microwave (20A), run my 25 ft. 10 Ga cord with a triple outlet out the back door to my built in welding table (3/16" steel crawlspace lid) and do what must be done.
    There are a few things that might be good to know. Mostly you want 3/32" sticks; 1/16" or 5/64" can be handy for lighter work but are non-
    standard, can be hard to find, and Always Cost Too Much! For heavier work you can run multiple passes, which saves you having a five pound box of something you will probably never finnish using.
    I usually run short to very short beads, but I've never tripped the breaker at 70A.
    There's one thing to be aware of with these cheap inverter welders. Even though they are DC, they don't act like professional DC machines, but like an AC machine.
    So don't try to use 6010, ard 7018, but use AC sticks like 6011 and 7018AC. I was lucky to already have these. 7014 and 6013 work on anything.
    I prefer 6011. It is an aggressive deep penetrating stick, dirt tolerant, and fast-freeze for light welds.
    Anyway, thanks for the video, hope this may be helpful to those about to enter the hobby zone.

  • @hedge685
    @hedge685 5 місяців тому +1

    I must say, John, I have vice envy staring at that big honking Wilton in front of you.

    • @xxskippernate409xx6
      @xxskippernate409xx6 3 місяці тому +1

      I got over vise envy last year. I have a little jewelers vise that was $12. I worked on family guns with it, and it works great. As long as you just need it to hold something while you disassemble or file. I like how portable it is, too. It doesn't bolt down, it clamps, and it's light. So if I move it, it doesn't weigh 30lb.

  • @JeffSearust
    @JeffSearust 5 місяців тому +3

    I've got a multi process welder too, but for someone without a welder... Gotta spend the $200 on PPE no matter how cheap the welder is.

  • @thomaslewis9526
    @thomaslewis9526 4 місяці тому

    I have to retell my adventure in stick-arc-hammer-forging. I could say I invented it, but with both stick welding and blacksmithing being around for so many decades, I know thousands have done the same thing.
    I got a cheap little inverter welder, and some small electrodes. I hadn't done any welding for twenty years, and not a lot for about 35 years.
    I was using a weed tool (like a flat blade screwdriver with a notch in the end), and one of those dandelions ducked in between a couple of bricks. This tool was made of the world's softest steel, and I suddenly had a tool with a thirty-degree bend in it.
    So I bent it back without breaking it all the way off, got out the angle grinder and cut a nice V-groove, and tacked it on with 1/16" 6013, welded with 1/16" 7014, ground it back, and realized I had a bunch of disconnected steel blobs.
    When you haven't welded for 20 years, and use a new machine, you may set the amperage too low. I used a low angle drill to clean out a couple low spots, and , filled them in with 3/32" 6011 (very agressive, deep-penetrating rod) @70A. That went well, but I had one area that I knew was a real mess so I ground it back some, but not all the way to good metal.
    I struck the arc with 3/32" 6011, to get a nice big bead of hot metal, then I long-arced to get the whole area white- hot, and then immediately hit it with a hammer on a small anvil. It seems to have worked, grinding shows one piece of metal. It is definitely stronger than the original.
    Filling a moderately deep V-groove with 6011 at fairly high amperage would have been the right thing to do. But if your metal is hot enough, forging your weld bead can move metal, so you don't have to grind away what you just laid down. Forging your still very hot weld bead is something to al least consider, especially with spot welds in light metal. (Hammer to move the metal a bit, not obliterate it.)
    If it does break again, I'll fix it again, being careful not to make the same mistake again. But like the man says, I won't be driving it down the highway.

  • @dragonwaterforge
    @dragonwaterforge 5 місяців тому +6

    Very cool and love the flatbar idea for hardy hole

  • @RustyInventions-wz6ir
    @RustyInventions-wz6ir 5 місяців тому +1

    Just found your channel and Subscribed. Nice work.

  • @robertlamb7513
    @robertlamb7513 5 місяців тому +1

    That little thing I think is a good option if I ever get to have a shop for blacksmithing or whatever

  • @dragonstonegemironworkscra4740
    @dragonstonegemironworkscra4740 5 місяців тому +4

    Pretty neat get er done welder. Given the estimated intent and price point.....beats not having one at all!
    Good video
    Blessings Mr John
    Crawford out 🙏🔥⚒️🧙🏼‍♂️

  • @DomMini
    @DomMini 5 місяців тому +1

    That a nice little welder for a diy guy that just needs to make simple welds! If I didn’t have a welder already, that one would be on my have to have list! Thanks for sharing!

  • @larsbangrasmussen9868
    @larsbangrasmussen9868 5 місяців тому +1

    I have one similar welder, though named HITBOX. Looks pretty much the same, so I'm guessing it's the ol' "same sh*t, different wrapping" kindda deal. Anyway, we use 230V here in Denmark, and the machine works perfectly. But if I use it on a 13A breaker, the HF tends to shut off at heat up.
    At some point, I'll need to have some wiring done to a 16A breaker instead.
    Great little machine anyway. ❤️

  • @johnbroussard3666
    @johnbroussard3666 5 місяців тому +1

    I'm a farrier. I work in barns and stables using whatever power is available. I have a 3kw generator on my trailer, but only power it up when necessary. I can get great penetration on horse shoes using a very similar harbor freight welder. Joint prep is the key to good welds.

    • @gillihansmobilewelding6318
      @gillihansmobilewelding6318 5 місяців тому

      You got that 80 amp didn't you? I love that little thing. If you point a fan at the back of it and keep it in the shade, it seems to forget about duty cycle. Haha, I know what you mean about using whatever power is available. I fix a lot of equipment at a local Equestrian Ranch and I use their power at the maintenance shed until it trips the breaker. I have a generator too, but as you know, horses don't like generators. 😆 I just finished fixing a manure spreader yesterday and I welded it with 3/32 6011 and 3/32 7018, using that little welder.

  • @johnjude2685
    @johnjude2685 5 місяців тому +2

    My son got almost that 19:20 , I can make due with it on limited work, But anyb one trying to learn welding,
    I pity the student, and Harbor Freight welding helmet was a horrible investment for myself, and perhaps I just got a bad one, but I've upgraded to a Miller
    Thanks

  • @RyanMaternaghan
    @RyanMaternaghan 5 місяців тому

    Haven't seen ur video's in a bit been busy in the workshop 😊

  • @glencrandall7051
    @glencrandall7051 5 місяців тому +1

    Nice review of the welder. Thank you for sharing. Have a great day and stay safe.🙂🙂

  • @bearsharkp3901
    @bearsharkp3901 5 місяців тому

    Id use 1/16" 7018 on a little buzz box like that.
    If you're in colo springs and are looking for welding on small projects like this hit me up

  • @patrickharmon9459
    @patrickharmon9459 5 місяців тому +7

    That little welder would be quite handy for my shop. I've been looking at 110 welders but I didn't know if it would be good or a waste of money. This is the only review on small welders and now I feel better on getting one. Keep up the good work and God bless.

    • @SolarSeeker45
      @SolarSeeker45 5 місяців тому +2

      The one I went with was a deko pro. It's a solid little dual voltage machine that makes good welds. It has a few minor quirks but nothing that's a dealbreaker. For $130 you can't beat it.

    • @gillihansmobilewelding6318
      @gillihansmobilewelding6318 5 місяців тому

      The 80 amp arc welder from Harbor Freight is pretty good. I'm not trying to shill fir my channel but I have a review on it if you want to watch. It's not a very good review but it's there. I hope you find what you need and build something cool 😎.

  • @willnotcomply1328
    @willnotcomply1328 5 місяців тому

    A good ground is always key to a good weld.

  • @avmech2126
    @avmech2126 5 місяців тому +6

    Another very good video John! I remember back about 40 some years ago I had gotten a cheap buzz box from Sears for home use…..that thing would not hold an arc, total piece of junk. The cheap buzz boxes have come a long way with inverter technology (same with MIG and TIG welders), a good thing for the hobbyist/home owner/someone that does not need a big machine.

  • @jamesmcdowell8441
    @jamesmcdowell8441 5 місяців тому +9

    I got one of those tiny little stick welders a couple years ago and it’s come in very handy around the farm . Good for lots of little repairs when the leads from my tombstone won’t reach . Mine only weighs a couple pounds . And I can run it on a 100’ extension cord .

    • @casper1240
      @casper1240 5 місяців тому

      I think there brilliant ,no gas no wires just put a Stick in and your away

  • @user-oi9hh7eo3x
    @user-oi9hh7eo3x 5 місяців тому

    I wonder if connecting the ground clamp directly to the work piece improve the performance

  • @yepiratesworkshop7997
    @yepiratesworkshop7997 5 місяців тому

    That little Vevor welder is just so "cute!" If I'd had that a bunch of years ago, I probably would have never bought three or four of the welders in my shop. Most of my welders are set up for 220v, but I had a little flux-core MIG that I loaned to a neighbor because he only had 110v in his garage. He'd welded a little in the past with a 'stick' welder, but had never used a MIG, and I'm pretty sure that little machine is perfect for his automitive sheet welding jobs. He seemed to like it so much that I'm a little worried I may never see it again. Which is probably O.K. since I have two gas shielded MIGs, a TIG and my old "standby" Lincoln "buzz box" -- all on 220v. If I had that little Vevor, that's the one I'd have loaned him.

  • @casper1240
    @casper1240 5 місяців тому +2

    Im in the UK bought a little Inverter Welder from Aldi made in the UK , ive been using it for the last 8 years it';s been brilliant .im not a pro welder but the Aldi one does everything i want

    • @snowflakemelter1172
      @snowflakemelter1172 5 місяців тому

      No chance that was made in the UK.

    • @casper1240
      @casper1240 5 місяців тому

      Made in the UK m8 says so on the Label i mthought it would have been made in China but no made in the UK @@snowflakemelter1172

  • @erikcourtney1834
    @erikcourtney1834 5 місяців тому +3

    I bet the welder runs off or uses capacitors. At higher amps the 110v isn’t enough to keep them charged which causes pulsing. My miller suitcase stick/tig welder doesn’t do that on 110v. But it’s twice the size and $2,500+. A helpful tip for 110v is don’t use it on an extension cord. It kills the input power

  • @hchristian8278
    @hchristian8278 5 місяців тому +2

    After my 3rd cheap welder broke down at home, i bought an old Messer Griesheim Rectostat 351. In work i used different welding machines, in school i used different ones, i used from old to young from cheap to expensive machines, i even used an old esab kc375. But the Rectostat is the best electrode welder i have ever used. My recommendation if you have the space and the needed energy and the weight is no problem, get a good old welder.

  • @xrexc3179
    @xrexc3179 5 місяців тому

    There is a small weldwr of this same size that is made by a company called "Hone" that is an amazing little welder. Runs buttery smooth and ive welded up to 1/2 inch plate plugged into 110v outlet if its the only thing on the circuit

  • @cwccharters
    @cwccharters 5 місяців тому +1

    John, Thank you for all your videos! You have helped me a ton!

  • @elderyoung416
    @elderyoung416 5 місяців тому +1

    It's Adorable!

  • @shibosuru
    @shibosuru 5 місяців тому

    That's a cool welder

  • @SchysCraftCo.
    @SchysCraftCo. 5 місяців тому

    Very nice work and video John

  • @ClintsHobbiesDIY
    @ClintsHobbiesDIY 5 місяців тому +1

    Nice vid and a honest review.

  • @MJHemmer
    @MJHemmer 4 місяці тому

    I plug mine into a 15A circuit and it does just fine… mostly. It’s tripped a couple times, so I’d prefer a 20A dedicated circuit. But it can work on a 15A. Just don’t use the microwave/coffee machine/ ceramic heater at the same time! Lol
    Also, I’m burning 1/8 & 3/32 7018 & 6013 just fine.

  • @johnferguson40
    @johnferguson40 28 днів тому

    Thanks.

  • @bigredbeard65
    @bigredbeard65 5 місяців тому +1

    I can see where a little welder like that would be handy to take places for small jobs, easier to move than my clark mig welder. Thanks for an unvarnished review. I like the ideas for the hardy tools, always good to be able to make your own tools when possible. Good informational video as usual, thanks.

  • @wilcooley
    @wilcooley 5 місяців тому +1

    What is the effective difference of running it at 70A vs 140A? Does it limit the size of material you can keep hot enough to work with or is it just slower?

  • @olddawgdreaming5715
    @olddawgdreaming5715 5 місяців тому +1

    Thanks for sharing with us John, it would be handy in an artists fabrication shop as you stated , Fred.

  • @joshuabuchanan1442
    @joshuabuchanan1442 5 місяців тому +1

    Don't know if anyone else mentioned this, but those little inverter welders don't like running on extension cords or sometimes even out buildings that have a long run from a breaker panel, there is no transformer inside. It is completely electronic and cannot maintain the current if there is a long cord between itself and the wall.

    • @gillihansmobilewelding6318
      @gillihansmobilewelding6318 5 місяців тому

      One thing to think about is the size of extension chord. It's just like welding leads, if your doing a longer run, you need a thicker/heavy duty chord. I kept tripping my GFCI until I got a bigger chord. You definitely don't want to plug directly in to the GFCI terminal either.

  • @tonyn3123
    @tonyn3123 5 місяців тому

    I am not a blacksmith, but I watch several blacksmithing You Tubers. It is satisfying. I love seeing the big machines and hammers working to forge nice projects, but I have really enjoyed your small, non-electric shop videos more than I thought I might. I had been thinking of an inexpensive means to forge metal when the need arises. (And it arose recently, and I had to eventually go to my brother's shop and use his torches to heat and form some small bar to complete an accessory I needed.) My little Mapp gas torch just would not generate enough heat for me to bend the metal as I needed. I just may invest in a few less-expensive blacksmithing accessories to fill in my needs from time to time. I didn't know they existed. Thanks.

  • @willlothridge3197
    @willlothridge3197 5 місяців тому

    I have a little stick welder in my blacksmithing shop. Don’t use it alot but it’s a time saver

  • @MASTERSAIS
    @MASTERSAIS 5 місяців тому

    Nice video.

  • @honthirty_
    @honthirty_ 5 місяців тому

    Build bending jig with square stock that fits Harbor Freight socket drive for multiple size hooks.

  • @SolarSeeker45
    @SolarSeeker45 5 місяців тому +3

    I have one of those vevor welders. You have to play around with the arc force and hot start settings to get good results with it. I got it because it also does hot staples for welding plastic. I really recommend a deko pro if you want a cheap stick welder that does a good job.

  • @TalRohan
    @TalRohan 5 місяців тому

    I'm enjoying these what can you do when you start up type videos...I like that little hook jig on a piece of plate...great idea.
    Thanks for sharing

  • @gillihansmobilewelding6318
    @gillihansmobilewelding6318 5 місяців тому +1

    I'm a huge fan of the 80 amp arc welder from HF. I've done a lot of work with that little welder and it has been a super valuable asset to my small mobile welding setup. It's probably made in the same factory as the vevor. I don't know if I got lucky, but I can't seem to get the thermal overload to shut the machine off. Haha, I do keep a high velocity fan pointed at the back of it while welding though. It's a good idea to do that for any welder because duty cycle is determined by how hot it gets and they're skimping somewhere (the fan for one) to sell them cheap.

  • @cferguson6688
    @cferguson6688 5 місяців тому +1

    Thanks John for info on the accessories for the hardy hole. I couldnt figure out why you couldnt use square tubing instead of forging a solid piece, especially for a hobbyist. Now there isnt anything that will be slowing me down. A friend gave me a Swedish 101;b anvil, my neighbor has a bunch of scrap steel, decided to build a charcoal forge since I have hundreds of acres of woods. As soon as the hand blower gets in I will be heating up the metal. Decided to just buy my first set of tongs to build the rest of tools. Then I have so many machinist hammers around will dress one up as a cross peen. Then we will go from there. Stay safe and warm. Attempted to become a patron but paypal declined. will check into it.

  • @SorenX2008
    @SorenX2008 5 місяців тому

    I bought the YesWelder Flux 135 wire welder, and it works absolutely great for welding up San Mai billets. I imagine it would be great for hardy tools

  • @stewartwoerle6351
    @stewartwoerle6351 5 місяців тому

    Hi John, have enjoyed your channel for years. Just a comment that may help, when using flux welding, eg stick/arc or mig gas-less, don’t push the weld pool. The thing to remember is “for slag, drag”. If you ‘push’ the weld you introduce impurities. Keep up the good work.😊

  • @darrinrebagliati5365
    @darrinrebagliati5365 5 місяців тому +1

    I picked up a Canadian Tire version a while ago, the helmet was definitely more than the welder. Once I got the right rods i didn't have any more problems. But if the rod is too big it doesn't do so good. Kinda like it was sounding for you.

  • @pjamestx
    @pjamestx 5 місяців тому +6

    Appreciate the review, I picked up a similar welder last year and have been very happy with it. For my small shed blacksmithing, it's perfect, and welding some small things is *so* satisfying! I primarily use it when I'm making small tools, or when I'm attaching a candle cup to a base plate. I wasn't having much luck peening over a rivet, so I just ground a little depression on the underside of the candlestick base and welded it instead, and it's worked a treat. Very handy for small jobs like that, easy to keep out of the way in a small shop, and for < $150 total for the welder/gloves/mask/box of rods, a very useful tool to now have on hand. I only have 110 in my shed but that was enough to handle these small jobs.

  • @terencebarnett113
    @terencebarnett113 5 місяців тому +1

    I was starting to worry cause after the grinder if that breaks your back to a chisel.😂🤣

  • @robsonsantosOSO
    @robsonsantosOSO 5 місяців тому +5

    Seus vídeos são francos e honestos e sempre trazem dicas muito boas para quem gosta de "blacksmithing". Eu tenho um aparelho de solda desse tipo e prefiro usar para soldas em aço inóx com eletrodos de inóx bem finos e a precisão é muito boa! Obrigado!

  • @ljprep6250
    @ljprep6250 5 місяців тому

    Picked up a different welder for quick and dirty a month ago. Simder MIG140, which does stick and flux core gasless MIG. It also has the 120/240V leads for higher amperage. $89 on Amazon.
    Love your ideas for DIY hardy hole tools. Do you have a pictorial list of all such tools? I like to build things like that in my spare (retired) time. Whatever looks like something useful. One of the little Vevor forges should work fine. First tools will be tongs. Thanks for doing these videos!

  • @evilevilrick
    @evilevilrick 5 місяців тому +2

    I have the Vevor 140 3 in 1 welder over a yr. It runs flux core wire ( 030 & 040 only ) pretty good. I've run some stick with it and it works ok. At less than half the price of a Harbor Freight welder. I've made some tools and done some metal repair with it and it works fine on what I've used it for so far.

  • @AtholIronworks
    @AtholIronworks 5 місяців тому +1

    I can't believe that little thing did as well as it did. 😂 I have a little flux core that's a bit bigger that that one and it's really for little stuff

    • @BlackBearForge
      @BlackBearForge  5 місяців тому +1

      While limited in usefulness, it would be a game changer in a small shop that didn't have anything else.

  • @JK-zq9vw
    @JK-zq9vw 5 місяців тому

    I really do need to suck it up and just get an anvil already. I think harbor freight has a 50+ lbs one with a horn and a hardy hole for under $200.

  • @jandastroy
    @jandastroy 5 місяців тому

    I actually have a larger welder like that, but it's basically the same kind of under-powered type unit. I've made a couple of jigs and it was fine, probably would have lasted longer had I been a better welder. A light duty welder like this is useful though. I have a wheelbarrow that should have been retired but that baby welder allowed me to patch it up twice over at this point filling pits and gaps.

  • @user-dn4iv2ne6r
    @user-dn4iv2ne6r 5 місяців тому

    I'd try some 7014 rod.

  • @WilliamGibble-sk3io
    @WilliamGibble-sk3io 5 місяців тому

    You can tig of a small welder , you just need a flowrator gauge, tig torch.. just invert your DC and AC connections.. ground with positive, and weld with negative end..

  • @Chugwater_Cowboy
    @Chugwater_Cowboy 5 місяців тому

    My first hook jig was a piece of angle iron with a couple of pipe nipples welded to it. It fits in the vice but not in a hardy hole. Less welding on mine but limited use. However since my anvil doesn't have a hardy hole, I'm not at a loss.
    John, here's a request for a topic. could you explain and maybe demonstrate when and why to use the
    the horn and the face of the anvil? And what happens when you use one but should be using the other. Sometimes, it seems pretty obvious and other times I'm still trying to figure out why you went to the section of the anvil that you did and/or why you later changed to the other. Thanks

  • @lasersailor184
    @lasersailor184 5 місяців тому +2

    Other welding channels have tested these little welders (I have one) and shown that even if you set it at 70 amps at 120 volt, you're not getting 70. You're probably getting 50. So straight number to number comparisons on other welders are not valid.

  • @ogi22
    @ogi22 Місяць тому

    A grinder and a paint, makes me a welder I aint 😁

  • @allanhorne6067
    @allanhorne6067 5 місяців тому +1

    I bought a similar welder and am surprised at how light they are by comparison with the old 'buzz box' type welder. In UK 240v is standard so not the 110v problem domestically but 110v is standard on building sites.
    The quality of the leads was very good. The only problem I had was that there was a lump of copper pipe where the fuse should have been in the plug. I'm not sure if that is standard manufacture in China or someone changed it unofficially. Not for all day use but used as you did it is perfectly adequate.

  • @briancarl5566
    @briancarl5566 5 місяців тому +9

    My first welder was a $100 one from Amazon (not this exact machine but a similar class i believe) - it was perfectly fine for my little needs around the shop! It really helps to pre-heat the material. Also if you stick to smaller material like 1/4" thick the stuttering is no issue (John was welding a huge chunck for those hardie stems). Anyways these little budget machines make a great low cost option to get started, and might even be the only welder you ever need! Great video John, thank you as always!

    • @dew7972
      @dew7972 3 місяці тому

      Just curious of what you think since I haven’t ever owned a welder, the only ones I’ve used were quite large welders and they were not my own. Do you think this would work alright for a stack of metal if you’re trying to make a Damascus billet? Since you just need it to hold long enough for a forge weld, I was curious if it would hold well enough for that. I don’t believe it was mentioned, if it was, I missed it. 🫠

    • @briancarl5566
      @briancarl5566 3 місяці тому

      ​@@dew7972 it might be a struggle if you are stacking up 1"+ of material. Pre heating will help a lot, and also using 220v if you have it available, is exponentially better than 110v (most of these machines are dual voltage). Another option is just to use some kind of wire to hold the stack together -- all you need is a temporary hold while you set up for the first weld. Good luck!!

  • @Journeyforgeusa
    @Journeyforgeusa 5 місяців тому +1

    I'm no welder myself. I have a hard time with welding on hardy shanks. My last jig I made I apparently ground the weld down too much at the base and after using it a few times the shank broke off in the hardy hole.

  • @rawdio.docdar5715
    @rawdio.docdar5715 5 місяців тому

    I got one of them for $200.( hit box) 2 years ago. Had trouble on 110, on 220 much better. But don't have 220 at home, where i can weld. but its for small stuff, beginer like myself.
    Not bad but, if you can afford more you will be better off.

  • @DH-xw6jp
    @DH-xw6jp 5 місяців тому +1

    My first (and only, so far) hardy tools i have made so far was made similar to the hook bending jig.
    It's 1.5 x .25 bar that i cut a shoulder into about 1.5 inches from the end so that it fit diagonally into my vevor anvil. Then i simply ground the other end to shape.
    It works... Sorta.
    Thanks for showing us this affordable welder. Do you think the welds are clean enough to use use it when welding up billets for pattern welding?

    • @BlackBearForge
      @BlackBearForge  5 місяців тому

      I don't do much pattern welding, but in those instances, I only weld the ends and plan to cut off the weld in the end. So it should work

  • @prepertruckin8525
    @prepertruckin8525 5 місяців тому

    ⭕️ brother bear ... i jus commented on one of your older videos, i think it would be awesome to do something of an area shot or video of your Forrest with you playing the banjo over it... as in intro or an outro for food for thought... the axle shafts of vehicles or pickups have a general concensus that they are 4140 steel ... would that be sufficient to use as "tools" for the pritchel hole ??

  • @jeffreyjones6409
    @jeffreyjones6409 5 місяців тому +2

    I made a bending jig similar to the one you did where you welded the two pieces of round stock on the plate. I picked up some random sizes of tube/pipe so I can put it over one of the pins. I can change the size of the bend radius by putting one over another and so on. Maybe not the greatest tool but it works for my needs. One other thing I have done is the piece that you use to catch the curl on the end of the hook I will angle them out a bit. Works for different sizes of material as well as being able to adjust the depth of the hook a bit. Thank you for sharing these.

  • @z0mb13h0rd3
    @z0mb13h0rd3 5 місяців тому +2

    Stick/rod/electrode diameter choice and the type of rod you use will also be a huge factor in how well it works. Multiple passes might be required, but you can certainly weld just about any ferrous metal item you need with a buzz box like that.
    Read up on the rod you are using for best practices. Also a possibly when using junk/scrap run a root bead using 6011 to burn out some paint/oil/rust contaminants and then switch to a different rod (I tend to use 6010 or 6013 for my root pass, but they can be a bit more challenging for beginners).
    It looked like John was using 7018 rods, but I was watching without my reading glasses. 60** series is plenty strong for most things being done here, and certainly good weld penetration and good weld fill with no undercut or voids is more important than the tensile strength of the weld fill material.
    Just one welder’s opinion, but opinions are like belly buttons (and other body parts), everybody has one.
    -John
    Your mileage may vary.

    • @thomaslewis9526
      @thomaslewis9526 4 місяці тому +1

      The 7018 is way better for heavy work, (especially forge tools!!!), but if you have to restart, porosity could give you a terrible weld. You might want to use 240v for that, or get someone else to do it, if you only have 120v.
      ( At least it's welders, not economists, they usually don't
      have more than one contradictory
      opinion at the same time. )

    • @z0mb13h0rd3
      @z0mb13h0rd3 4 місяці тому

      Certainly 7018 is going to be preferred for its strength and most people can get a better looking weld with it than 60 series.
      It is worth us mentioning to those who don’t know that 6010/11 make a great rod for root passes and also when you don’t have perfectly cleaned weld surfaces (like when using scrap metals).
      Which brings up the subject of weld safety and fumes. I know John once in a while touches upon galvanization and producing zinc oxide fumes, but nobody remembers to mention to not use chlorinated brake cleaner to clean parts, as when you weld it produces phosgene gas. Personally I use acetone for multiple reasons, but the quick evaporation is a good enough one to start with.
      Yup, still have my belly button, must still have my opinion. 🤔

  • @MotleyForge
    @MotleyForge 5 місяців тому

    Would this welder be ideal for welding up Damascus steel billets?

  • @MrGiXxEr
    @MrGiXxEr 5 місяців тому

    Did you try switching polarity to DCEP?

  • @mordredthehero
    @mordredthehero 5 місяців тому

    What are your thoughts on using this to weld stacked metal for pattern welded steel?

    • @BlackBearForge
      @BlackBearForge  5 місяців тому

      Since those welds only need to hold up until the forge weld sticks, I think this should bee fine

    • @mordredthehero
      @mordredthehero 5 місяців тому

      @BlackBearForge Sweet, thanks! I just started forging 2ish months ago and am always on the lookout for starting equipment. Thanks for the great work!

  • @5barkerstreet
    @5barkerstreet 5 місяців тому

    110v = 20 amp braker 240v= 30 amp braker

  • @tails359
    @tails359 5 місяців тому +1

    I wonder if you could run this off of that little Gator generator Harbor Freight sells. Keep the two in my trucks toolbox for emergencies or repairs out on the property. Heck, I wonder if it would work off of an inverter hooked to the truck.

    • @Vikingwerk
      @Vikingwerk 5 місяців тому +1

      I’ve tried welding off the smallest generac generator recently with the smallest mig welder Hobart makes, and it did not work worth a darn. The small generators just don’t like that kind of draw i guess.
      I was disappointed, as I was hoping to rig up a mobile welding cart with a generator and welder on a hand dolly.

    • @tipfox9212
      @tipfox9212 5 місяців тому

      If the generator or the inverter can deliver the neccessary power - why not. They recommend an 110v/15A - (that would be 1,65 KW) Outlet. So 2KW generator/inverter should be enough ...Edit: 2 KW could empty the battery real quick so I think generator is the better thing. 2KW at 24V would be 84 amps - massive ;-)

    • @cferguson6688
      @cferguson6688 5 місяців тому

      NO on both accounts. unless you want bubble gum welds or kill your truck battery in about 5 minutes.

    • @snowflakemelter1172
      @snowflakemelter1172 5 місяців тому +1

      You need 5 or 6 kw minimum really or else you are pushing the generator past its limits, either the generator will burn out or the power will fluctuate so much the electronics in the welder will die.

  • @ginjee7865
    @ginjee7865 Місяць тому

    Would this welder be adequate for some damascus? Welding some steel plates for forging?

    • @BlackBearForge
      @BlackBearForge  Місяць тому

      I think it would be a reasonable option for tack welding the billet together for forge welding

    • @ginjee7865
      @ginjee7865 Місяць тому

      @@BlackBearForge Thank you so much for your videos that are brimming with knowledge. I look forward to starting my journey into blacksmithing.

  • @billbucktube
    @billbucktube 5 місяців тому

    👍

  • @tonyjones9715
    @tonyjones9715 5 місяців тому

    👍👍

  • @kimberlydrennon4982
    @kimberlydrennon4982 5 місяців тому

    Hey if vevor doesn't want that welder back can I have it? I am trying to get myself a little blacksmithing setup and that would really help with making little tools - I have a lot of wrought Iron at the house I bought and I'd like to make my back gate match instead of being galvanized pipe

  • @victoryfirst2878
    @victoryfirst2878 5 місяців тому

    I LIKE YOUR WILTON VICE FELLA. I BET YOU PAID A GOOD BIT FOR THAT SIR.

  • @mattradcliffe9279
    @mattradcliffe9279 5 місяців тому

    I have a similar welder from a different brand that probably came out of the same factory in China.
    It is absolutely perfect for an auto mechanic. I’d unplug the auto lift and plug this in in its place.
    When I was done I’d plug the lift back in.
    200a rated from “hitbox”
    I love that thing.
    Never got the surging but I never tried to run it on 110v.

  • @DeepCreekIronWorks
    @DeepCreekIronWorks Місяць тому

    So a curious question sir. Do you think that little welder would be able to weld up the face on my Peter Wright anvil. The face is dished some from over a hundred years of work. Just wondering your thoughts on that one

    • @BlackBearForge
      @BlackBearForge  Місяць тому

      I don't think so. It's pretty light duty

    • @DeepCreekIronWorks
      @DeepCreekIronWorks Місяць тому

      @@BlackBearForge ok, thank you for your time sir. Still thinking about getting one for use on the simple jobs you talked about. Thank you for your information sir.

  • @SvataCzech
    @SvataCzech 5 місяців тому +1

    Like

  • @giveurballsatugIfYouStillGotem
    @giveurballsatugIfYouStillGotem 5 місяців тому

    Most small welders need a min of 20 amps on 120v or you are popping breaker repeatedly

  • @RyanBarnes
    @RyanBarnes 5 місяців тому

    When you say "110v" outlet, what amperage are you referring to? Every outlet I have is 15A, and the electrician was gonna charge me $13k to "upgrade" to add a 20A (and come up to code as things have changed since my home was built.)

    • @BlackBearForge
      @BlackBearForge  5 місяців тому +1

      It comes wired with a 15 amp plug. Although my shop is wired for 20 amps on the 110V circuits.

    • @RyanBarnes
      @RyanBarnes 5 місяців тому

      @@BlackBearForge thank you! In the video you said it didn't do so good at a higher setting, would it work well enough to make his and such like you did here at the lower setting?

  • @harrisgraves592
    @harrisgraves592 5 місяців тому

    New gloves, John

  • @alexsnow3319
    @alexsnow3319 5 місяців тому

    Having issues with vevor. All items have shipping labels, but only one item is shippping at a time. And only after a previous item is delivered....

  • @user-uh8vw4yu6g
    @user-uh8vw4yu6g 5 місяців тому

    7018 rod on an AC will act like that low hydrogen rod are DC

  • @user-uh8vw4yu6g
    @user-uh8vw4yu6g 5 місяців тому

    Is it AC or DC ? DC will act like that with an AC welder

  • @jacobappelt985
    @jacobappelt985 5 місяців тому

    What rod did you use?

  • @ikosparintis8742
    @ikosparintis8742 5 місяців тому +1

    🤝🤝🤝🤝🤝👍👍