Recommend a rod for overhead please...

[dntfxr]

I need to do some welding on my newly acquired d20 dozer. It's on the c frame that supports the blade and it has some old repairs on it. I'm thinking I'll grind a vee in the cracks but not sure which rod is best for this app. Some will be overhead and it's a little rusty. Thanks for the help

 

[Shield Arc]

On the whole, the position has nothing to do with it. It's a matter of the base material.

 

[dntfxr]

Yeah sorry I hit send before I was ready

 

[Shield Arc]

To be safe I would contact the manufacture for recommendation of a weld procedure. My gut says 70 maybe even 8018, with preheat for sure, and maybe some post heat, or wrap with insulation for a slow cool down.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

I don't worry about position. I just move my work to make every weld a flat level weld. I even flipped my 16' double axle trailer so I could weld new spring brackets onto it.

That's probably not an option with a dozer. If you do decide to flip your dozer to weld it, please take pictures.

 

[Shield Arc]

I don't worry about position. I just move my work to make every weld a flat level weld. I even flipped my 16' double axle trailer so I could weld new spring brackets onto it.

That's probably not an option with a dozer. If you do decide to flip your dozer to weld it, please take pictures.

I do that all the time, here is my next project soon as the tide goes out. :laughing:

 

[jake98]

I do that all the time, here is my next project soon as the tide goes out. :laughing:

That is WAY too funny!

 

[grsthegreat]

I do that all the time, here is my next project soon as the tide goes out. :laughing:

yup... high price scrap metal. What i dont get....aside from a ships captain that abandons the ship before the passengers, is why they needed to be air lifted off the ship...when its 50' from shore? What am i missing.

 

[dntfxr]

Lol thanks for the replies fellers! I just got off the dozer, its amazing what even a little dozer can accomplish!
I considered taking the c frame off and turning it over to weld and that may be the best option- or as you say, I could drive it up a big oak tree and at least it would be an easy vertical then! I heard from my Komatsu dealer today and they said it is a common repair and to just use "heavy rod and weld it hot". All I have right now is 10# of 7018 so if that will work I'll go that route. I don't have power at the future homestead where the dozer is, but I can rent a miller bobcat for 60$ a day. I'll probably go that route and fab up a heavy angle iron patch to reinforce it.
I have a decent amount of experience welding but very little overhead experience. The little I did years ago I do remember being a challenge. Any tips on technique or suggestions?
Thanks guys!

 

[Shield Arc]

I have a decent amount of experience welding but very little overhead experience. The little I did years ago I do remember being a challenge. Any tips on technique or suggestions?

Things to remember when welding overhead:

First it really isn't any different than flat, in some ways you can even see better when welding overhead.

Get as comfortable as you can, if you can keep your elbows tucked into your rib cage. If you have to extend your arms out to far fatigue will set in pretty quick, then you'll start to shake.

Cover up best you can, but it is a matter of time until you get burned, so get use to it!

If using 7018, place it in your kitchen oven at 300-degrees a couple hours before you need it. Try to keep a short arc length. A long arc length will give you a wet puddle, a wet puddle is harder to control.
If the weld is running left to right in front of you it really doesn't mater which direction you go. But if the weld is running towards and away from you, I think you'll find it is easier to weld away from you, than towards you. When welding away from you it is real easy to judge your travel speed. When welding towards you, you have to look through the arc to see the amount of fill, that takes a little more practice to know what you're looking at.