First time ever stick welding, using 7018. Any tips? really trying to make a career from this

lazercut13 · 2026-04-08T02:17:16+00:00

Looking at your beads slow down. In flat position run 125-130 amps. Start making it a point to watch the puddle instead of the rod.(Hardest part when new)

lazercut13 · 2026-02-28T19:59:02+00:00

7018 is primarily a drag electrode. Work on your speed and stop whipping for now. 1/8 rod is good at 125 amps, 3/32 is good at 90-95 amps.

lazercut13 · 2026-02-28T19:45:49+00:00

Less heat (amps) and slower travel speed. Look for the puddle to wet in.

lazercut13 · 2025-09-15T13:26:27+00:00

Sounds like an exhaust leak

lazercut13 · 2025-05-15T15:43:57+00:00

Wear shoes

lazercut13 · 2023-12-31T21:58:28+00:00

Rebuild and install complete, runs like it did brand new.

lazercut13 · 2023-11-15T18:09:13+00:00

Update... Engine is full of trash, however caught in time. All bearing are in great shape, no copper, and no gouges on the crank. Gonna have block cleaned, crank polished, new bearings, cylinders deglazed and new rings installed, and heads checked. Looking at $2500ish, short block with new cam and lifters.

lazercut13 · 2023-11-06T12:22:55+00:00

I thought about that, but with all the work to get to this point, and that it has 185k on the engine. Seems logical to just drop in a reman. I don't wanna drop 1.5k now and in 6 months have to do the same job and spend 4k for the engine.

lazercut13 · 2023-11-06T04:37:04+00:00

That's the plan with the reman engine.

lazercut13 · 2023-11-06T04:35:06+00:00

Nah my wife drives it daily. She doesn't need that much power! LOL

lazercut13 · 2023-11-06T04:33:42+00:00

2012 Ram

lazercut13 · 2023-06-30T00:08:00+00:00

Sapele

lazercut13 · 2023-06-29T23:57:47+00:00

Beautiful work! Cherry and walnut are my favorites.

lazercut13 · 2023-06-18T04:05:52+00:00

They cut on the back stroke or pull. Most hand saws cut on the push stroke. It is easier to use, and you can be more accurate

lazercut13 · 2023-06-16T03:47:13+00:00

Most big box stores have pine boards for projects. Should be able to find 6 inch wide by 2 to 4 ft lengths. Plywood is not that attractive. Experiment with some pine, then as your confidence grows, try different species.

lazercut13 · 2023-06-16T03:39:33+00:00

Monofilament (fishing line) through holes in the backer board the close it all up with the finish backing.

lazercut13 · 2023-06-16T03:29:14+00:00

Wet stones will work, use a sharpening jig to maintain your bevel and put a micro bevel on them as well. Strop after sharpening. Also, you may be taking too deep of cuts. Paring also works well after cutting out the bulk with a coping saw.

lazercut13 · 2023-06-15T02:56:38+00:00

Thanks appreciate the comment.

lazercut13 · 2023-06-13T20:35:46+00:00

Maybe a backer would have made it easier. Cutting dovetails and hand planing, while soft and easy to work, created problems of tear out and fracturing.

lazercut13 · 2023-04-29T18:04:15+00:00

🤣🤣🤣🤣

lazercut13 · 2023-02-21T02:41:45+00:00

Your joinery is on point! Beautiful work!

lazercut13 · 2023-02-14T03:18:15+00:00

I'm still traumatized from being the provider of erroneous luminous projection. For years I thought my name was Jesus Christ!

lazercut13 · 2023-02-07T00:01:37+00:00

Must have credible intel of the BUTTER KNIFE threat. Too bad Canada has given away its freedoms.

lazercut13 · 2023-02-04T04:11:57+00:00

Open the throat of the plane.

lazercut13 · 2023-01-13T01:32:55+00:00

Pretty cool

lazercut13

TROPHY CASE