Re: [A/S] Wiring and plumbing for A/S restoration

["Mr. Joy H. Hansen" <joytbrew@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Jim,

The 3" air cutoff tool seems like a lot of grinding?  Obviously, I haven't
tried replacing the "A" frame, would oxy-acetylene cutting damage the
strength of the metal.  I'd sure like a plasma cutter, but most of my dreams
cost more money than my budget will allow.  My welder is a very old Sears
250 amp that should handle 1/4 inch with lots of grinding out of my messy
weld and redoing.  My TIG is a scratch start DC unit that is really hard to
work with outside.  I never could get it to work well with stainless.  It
pretty much sits un-used.  All pretty mundane stuff; however, I've not
learned much about stress cracks with mild steel other than a lot of ping.

There is a galvanizing coating that can be applied to the exterior of metal
and bonded with a torch.  It sits on the shelf staring back at me.  Just a
neat-to-try thing that I never get around to.  All this trade skill stuff is
pretty difficult for me after a lifetime of white collar stuff.   Only
recommendations for individuals in the know, like you, help me work smart.

Is the stock you used for the replacement "A" frame just off the shelf mild
steel, or something special?  Did you use any lap welds, or just butt welds?

I don't recall your A/S model/year.  Did  you change the ball size from 2"
to 2-5/8", or wasn't this an issue?

I took a couple of adult education classes related to
"fundamentals/introduction to welding" and used SMA, MIG, TIG, and
oxy-acetylene.  Just how to handle the equipment and run beads and a few
simple butt and lap welds.  None out of position.  MIG was certainly a neat
way to weld considering the spray, and direct short techniques.  I wanted a
TIG to work with stainless, but my home brewing went with my health.
  Now, I'd settle for a quality MIG.

Thanks for your time to educate me concerning "A" frame replacement.

                                                    Joy