TheSamba.com :: View topic

Thu Mar 27, 2003 4:18 pm

im about to do the long rocker on a bus im working on. i dont think ill be happy with a butt weld with the equipment i have now. i really dont like overlapping panels either but i figure its the strongest way with a small mig welder. does anyone have any experience with flanging tools to produce the step in the replacement panel? are the eastwood tools any good? ive produced a very straight cut when removing the old rocker and would like the replacement to be as straight. thanks! rob

Thu Mar 27, 2003 4:24 pm

I have one of those tools from eastwood, it really does not live up to my expectations, it is just a bigger pair of vice grips with about 3 1/2 inch long flanging jaws welded on them. It does small pieces okay but is a PIA to do long sections and heavier guage like OG sheetmetal is will wear you hands out.

Thu Mar 27, 2003 4:58 pm

keith above offered to let me borrow his flanging tool. pretty cool offer to someone he doesnt know. thanks keith! any other experience? rob

Thu Mar 27, 2003 6:26 pm

I've seen the type keifer is talking about and they probably would be a PIA to use especially on something that long. I think the more pro type tools you set the piece up and then turn a crank to pull the whole thing through while the flange is formed. I would think a body shop could do it cheap if all they had to do is flange where you tell em.

Thu Mar 27, 2003 6:39 pm

Try here. maybe get a better answer.

http://allshops.org/cgi-bin/community/cforums.cgi?forumid=101533789513087

Thu Mar 27, 2003 10:47 pm

I would think that by flanging the long wall rocker you would have to notch the support uprights that hold the original piece, try some panel clamps from eastwood and butt weld slowly on low heat (mig), or take it to a body shop that can tig weld it properly, it will save you lots of time and it will come out much better.

Fri Mar 28, 2003 7:46 am

yeah ive given thought to having to notch the pillars. oh glorious tig welder where are you? along with a plasma cutter,english wheel.............

Fri Mar 28, 2003 11:01 am

It is me, your TIG welder. I am here in the welding supply store waiting for you! I am shiny and wonderful! Look at my little wheels and my pointy tungsten tip! Savor my giant tank! I do not warp the metal and my welds look like little works of art! How can you resist me? Why do you stay away?

Please come get me, and don't forget to bring your Gold Card!

Fri Mar 28, 2003 5:37 pm

Fri Mar 28, 2003 7:44 pm

gee, that's funny my Miller Mig works just fine!

Fri Mar 28, 2003 8:57 pm

a finely produced tig weld is truly a work of art!

Fri Mar 28, 2003 9:55 pm

I have a friend who has a sweet Miller Tig ready to go you can weld almost anything with it for $3k I would like to buy it but I'm in the middle of a project. You can pay the bodyman or take a few classes at your local city college and save your money for a new one , his retails for about $5k, let me know if you are interested, I can pass the info on to you!