Trailpsycho
Observer
Robert-
I am by no means an expert on welding, however, I have been a hobbiest for going on 7-8 yrs and I would be concerned about the welds you showed holding up--even with the assembly being bolted together. Your 110V unit doesnt have the huevos to get good penetration with a single pass, especially in a tack, tack, tack method which it appears that you used. A 220V unit would be best for getting decent pentration with the 1/4" assembly you showed. If you must used a 110V unit, the amperage should be turned all the way up (I would swap out of gas to flux core--as it will provide a "hotter" weld)... Practice on other thick material first and think about making very small circles in the seam of the two pieces with each part of the circle overlapping the edges of the two pieces, slowly working your way down. A pro might be able to lay some dimes with the 110, but by using the circle technique you will preheat the edges of the two components and fill as you circle back. Personally, I would just put tacks on it and take it to a friend with a 220V who can lay a nice row of dimes....hell, by the time you get done, you might have the technique down...but I would grind the welds down, clean them out and wait to do that welding until your technique has improved. The M101A isnt a lightweight trailer, the welds that keep it attached to your vehicle should be robust.
I hope I am not coming off like a total jerk. I do not mean to be preachy or critical. I dont know what instruction or mentoring you have locally to you that has or could help you, so I am simply trying to share what little I know. This is a safety issue that all of us should be willing to discuss, critique and strive to improve upon when we build things that will be zipping along on public roads, highways or off-road trails, where one person's gear could become anothers obstacle.
Best of luck with your build. I do like what you are attempting to do...as I dont have an M101 layinga round to look at, will reinforcement of the floors outslide of the new tub walls be necessary or are they supported by the frame.
Also, I have been told that there is an electric brake conversion for the military axle...which would probably be very durable. I dont have any info on this. I met a dude, who is a member here, who was pulling one down in the Nantahala NF and we got to talking about our trailers. His M101 was nicely outfitted. I told him about my plans for my M416. And we talked for quite some time about both models. He mentioned the conversion was something he was considering....
Anyway, Good luck with your build. Keep us posted!
Cheers!
John
I am by no means an expert on welding, however, I have been a hobbiest for going on 7-8 yrs and I would be concerned about the welds you showed holding up--even with the assembly being bolted together. Your 110V unit doesnt have the huevos to get good penetration with a single pass, especially in a tack, tack, tack method which it appears that you used. A 220V unit would be best for getting decent pentration with the 1/4" assembly you showed. If you must used a 110V unit, the amperage should be turned all the way up (I would swap out of gas to flux core--as it will provide a "hotter" weld)... Practice on other thick material first and think about making very small circles in the seam of the two pieces with each part of the circle overlapping the edges of the two pieces, slowly working your way down. A pro might be able to lay some dimes with the 110, but by using the circle technique you will preheat the edges of the two components and fill as you circle back. Personally, I would just put tacks on it and take it to a friend with a 220V who can lay a nice row of dimes....hell, by the time you get done, you might have the technique down...but I would grind the welds down, clean them out and wait to do that welding until your technique has improved. The M101A isnt a lightweight trailer, the welds that keep it attached to your vehicle should be robust.
I hope I am not coming off like a total jerk. I do not mean to be preachy or critical. I dont know what instruction or mentoring you have locally to you that has or could help you, so I am simply trying to share what little I know. This is a safety issue that all of us should be willing to discuss, critique and strive to improve upon when we build things that will be zipping along on public roads, highways or off-road trails, where one person's gear could become anothers obstacle.
Best of luck with your build. I do like what you are attempting to do...as I dont have an M101 layinga round to look at, will reinforcement of the floors outslide of the new tub walls be necessary or are they supported by the frame.
Also, I have been told that there is an electric brake conversion for the military axle...which would probably be very durable. I dont have any info on this. I met a dude, who is a member here, who was pulling one down in the Nantahala NF and we got to talking about our trailers. His M101 was nicely outfitted. I told him about my plans for my M416. And we talked for quite some time about both models. He mentioned the conversion was something he was considering....
Anyway, Good luck with your build. Keep us posted!
Cheers!
John
