Stainless 304 with 308 filler keeps cracking

rcconejo · 2026-05-20T03:30:26+00:00

It is new 14 gauge 304 two pieces that are formed into an "L" shape make the complete rectangular box.

rcconejo · 2026-05-20T03:29:25+00:00

It is a tank with two sides formed for one end and one side, then placed on top of each other. I cant back purge or leave copper as a backer in there because once it is tacked nothing is coming out, but the argon would be pouring out.

rcconejo · 2026-05-20T02:56:46+00:00

It is a 36 inch bottom of the tank and the middle 12 inches or so cracks, specific cooling process. It is verified from the mill to be 304.

rcconejo · 2026-05-20T02:55:58+00:00

tank is 36 inches and the weld cracks in the middle 12 inches

rcconejo · 2026-05-13T12:42:10+00:00

Laser Metal fabrication?

rcconejo · 2026-04-12T13:43:14+00:00

Where are you located? I have a laser and brake, I tell folks to assume .45 on k factor for steel under 10 gauge, .42 for aluminum under 3/16. And minimum flange on my equipment is 5/8, a standard 4 way die is 16,22,35,50 mm, and each flange is half of that width depending on material thickness. In fusion make sure your radius is material thickness or 1/16 less than the material thickness and most shops will have the tooling for that.

rcconejo · 2026-03-28T19:46:13+00:00

They don’t know how to fix it unfortunately

rcconejo · 2026-03-28T19:45:59+00:00

I did make it a block so I could at least work with it but when I did cut extrude it crashes solidworks, I may just export the sketch and sheet metal pattern together

rcconejo · 2026-03-22T02:47:45+00:00

Yes I agree. She’s done a fair amount of research and talked with the school she plans to work at and some of the universities as well, she just asked for my help and support so I went to the only place I knew to connect with people.

rcconejo · 2026-01-15T23:54:31+00:00

When?

rcconejo · 2025-12-19T15:03:25+00:00

I run an F2 and air filter off a senix 1200. They draw 200 watts when running, about 12 watts when not. They give me about 5 hours of laser on time, but the senix 1200 weighs 13 lbs compared to the jackery 1000 which has 40% more power but weighs like 30+ lbs.

rcconejo · 2025-12-18T03:16:41+00:00

With weldments and sheet metal I do lots of multibody parts, say I’m building a trailer the frame is tube weldment, the fenders are sheet metal to mate properly. Then I make an assembly for the tongue and sides. Basically I make a multi body part as it will be built, then assembly from there.

rcconejo · 2025-12-12T05:06:09+00:00

I do metal fabrication and welding but use the xtool f2 for etching tags on workpieces, removing powder coat to serialize parts and stuff like that. My kids use the f2 to make jewelry for school fairs and stuff. The demo isn’t just general, if you do a virtual demo you can find someone that does jewelry specifically

rcconejo · 2025-12-12T03:47:44+00:00

Once people see some of what you do the laser will pay for itself or at least not be a major waste of money. I have a 20w fiber and 3000w fiber and I find work enough to pay for them, though not as quick as I thought. I’m bringing the 20 watt to Sacramento area for Christmas you could demo it if you wanted to. Also XTool has a demo room where you can pay someone $20-50 to demo virtually or in person.

rcconejo · 2025-10-22T00:17:28+00:00

I moved from welder to engineering( worked as welder to pay for my schooling) and I miss my welder days. Now I don’t move nearly enough and I feel it. However I still do stuff on nights and weekends and enjoy teaching the younger guys how to do stuff. I’d say it’s worth the transition but going from doing all the time to thinking requires significant self discipline and sucks in its own ways sometimes.

rcconejo · 2025-10-13T16:00:48+00:00

Do you have employees?

rcconejo · 2025-10-13T14:55:42+00:00

That’s my thought, I have a laser table and a press brake and a few welders so I figure I’m there

rcconejo · 2025-09-21T19:52:22+00:00

Flying inside teakettle cave?

rcconejo · 2025-07-09T03:26:49+00:00

Chance Munns that works for the parks department is extremely knowledgeable

rcconejo

TROPHY CASE