Welding

[Mike99]

Not really a T7 issue but while doing maintenance on my old steel framed wr450f I noticed a crack on the frame, I'm going to weld it,other than disconnecting the battery and unplugging the CDI is there anything else I need to do to avoid frying the electrics? 

[Canzvt]

1 hour ago, Mike99 said:

Not really a T7 issue but while doing maintenance on my old steel framed wr450f I noticed a crack on the frame, I'm going to weld it,other than disconnecting the battery and unplugging the CDI is there anything else I need to do to avoid frying the electrics? 

Bare the frame as close to where you are welding as possible to get a good ground and go for it. Did my T7 a couple of weeks ago when my subframe cracked.

[Mike99]

16 hours ago, Canzvt said:

Bare the frame as close to where you are welding as possible to get a good ground and go for it. Did my T7 a couple of weeks ago when my subframe cracked.

Thanks,  I'll have a go at it over the next few days 

[Rider 101]

Earth clamp as close to weld site as possible.

Try to match the weld material to the parent meta. Are they CrMo steel frames?

Do yourself a favour and TIG weld it. Don't be tempted to stick weld and squirt guns are only just in front of stick for this application.

[Mike99]

23 minutes ago, Rider 101 said:

Earth clamp as close to weld site as possible.

Try to match the weld material to the parent meta. Are they CrMo steel frames?

Do yourself a favour and TIG weld it. Don't be tempted to stick weld and squirt guns are only just in front of stick for this application.

Unfortunately I don't have a TIG and l don't know what the frame's made from, I've a good MIG so will give it a go, I know it's not ideal but has worked for me in the past

[Rider 101]

If you can a bit of preheat to take the chill off the steel helps.

[OK185]

On 4/14/2023 at 11:29 PM, Canzvt said:

Bare the frame as close to where you are welding as possible to get a good ground and go for it. Did my T7 a couple of weeks ago when my subframe cracked.

cracked subframe? wow, can I ask how it happened? 

[Mike99]

It's actually the main frame, the side stand mount by the left footpeg, it's not structural so no big deal, I bought the bike new in '05 and its had a hard life, probably one of its thousands of trips to the ground 

[Canzvt]

1 hour ago, OK185 said:

cracked subframe? wow, can I ask how it happened? 

 

[Hibobb]

1 hour ago, Mike99 said:

It's actually the main frame, the side stand mount by the left footpeg, it's not structural so no big deal, I bought the bike new in '05 and its had a hard life, probably one of its thousands of trips to the ground 

I seen that with short guys kick starting dirt bikes while on kickstands... might you be a wee fella?

[Mike99]

16 hours ago, Hibobb said:

I seen that with short guys kick starting dirt bikes while on kickstands... might you be a wee fella?

Nope, 6'0 just crash a lot

[Redbikejohn]

Normally I'd advise to drill out the end point of a crack but it doesn't look like that's an option. Should mig up fine.

[Rider 101]

Preparation and cleanliness!

Get rid of any evidence of corrosion and paint.

I don't like MIG in this situation. TIG is a better option.

An inverter stick / TIG welder isn't expensive to set up.

Use pure argon for shield gas and LW1 filler wire ( unless you know the frame is chrome moly then use CrMo2 )

[Mike99]

17 hours ago, Rider 101 said:

Preparation and cleanliness!

Get rid of any evidence of corrosion and paint.

I don't like MIG in this situation. TIG is a better option.

An inverter stick / TIG welder isn't expensive to set up.

Use pure argon for shield gas and LW1 filler wire ( unless you know the frame is chrome moly then use CrMo2 )

I agree the TIG  is a better option but I can't really justify the expenses given that the cracks not structural, worst case scenario I cut the bracket off and only stop next to trees 

[Rider 101]

Once you learn to TIG you will find a myriad of uses.

DC Lift arc units are as low as $350 AUD.

I am considering an AC/DC/HF/Pulse unit for around $2000.

But it will be a bit of a luxury as I am currently between jobs!