---------------------------------------------------------- Pietenpol-List Digest Archive --- Total Messages Posted Tue 03/10/15: 9 ---------------------------------------------------------- Today's Message Index: ---------------------- 1. 07:03 AM - Re: Fuel tank - feels like I'm building an RV-7 ! (Jack Philips) 2. 08:31 AM - Re: Fuel tank - feels like I'm building an RV-7 ! (aerocarjake) 3. 04:48 PM - aluminum welding troubles (aviken) 4. 05:49 PM - Basic Torch Safety (tkreiner) 5. 06:08 PM - Re: Basic Torch Safety (Gary Boothe) 6. 06:09 PM - Re: aluminum welding troubles (John Franklin) 7. 07:09 PM - Headset Modification (gliderx5@comcast.net) 8. 09:01 PM - Re: Re: Fuel tank - feels like I'm building an RV-7 ! (CatDesigns) 9. 09:16 PM - Re: aluminum welding troubles (glenschweizer@yahoo.com) ________________________________ Message 1 _____________________________________ Time: 07:03:41 AM PST US From: "Jack Philips" Subject: RE: Pietenpol-List: Fuel tank - feels like I'm building an RV-7 ! Looks good, Jake. Looks very much like mine. Be sure to leak test it after welding. I used a latex glove as a pressure regulator, and inflated the tank by mouth (you don't want more than about 2-3 psi). After the initial weld I found 37 pinhole leaks. Back to the welder, then tested again and found 9 leaks. Back to the welder again and no leaks. It's been in service now for over 10 years and still has no leaks. Jack Phillips NX899JP Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia -----Original Message----- From: owner-pietenpol-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-pietenpol-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of aerocarjake Sent: Monday, March 9, 2015 3:22 PM Subject: Pietenpol-List: Fuel tank - feels like I'm building an RV-7 ! --> < flight.jake@gmail.com> Hello good Piet-ple, A quick update on my project. Been working on the fuel tank lately - only one tank that will sit in the wing center-section. After a couple false starts it's finally starting to come together. I'm making the tank out of 0.063 5052 sheet so it feels like I'm building the wing to an RV-7....! (So much for a steel-tube, wood and fabric airplane...!!) The current plan is for the internal grid to be rivited to itself and the external seems to be fully welded - similar in construction to the Stearman. Hope you all are enjoying spring...! -------- Jake Schultz - curator, Newport Way Air Museum (OK, it's just my home) Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=439203#439203 Attachments: http://forums.matronics.com//files/4_practice_rib_492.jpg http://forums.matronics.com//files/3_bent_flange_184.jpg http://forums.matronics.com//files/2_bending_flange_589.jpg http://forums.matronics.com//files/1_fuel_tank_in_work_808.jpg http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Pietenpol-List http://www.matronics.com/contribution ________________________________ Message 2 _____________________________________ Time: 08:31:57 AM PST US Subject: Pietenpol-List: Re: Fuel tank - feels like I'm building an RV-7 ! From: "aerocarjake" Going to use actual Stearman sumps. I have not decided yet if I will cut off part of the flanges and have them welded on or use bolts and proseal. (Stearman tanks do it both ways.) -------- Jake Schultz - curator, Newport Way Air Museum (OK, it's just my home) Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=439229#439229 Attachments: http://forums.matronics.com//files/2_sump_211.jpg http://forums.matronics.com//files/1_sump_386.jpg ________________________________ Message 3 _____________________________________ Time: 04:48:37 PM PST US Subject: Pietenpol-List: aluminum welding troubles From: "aviken" Frustrated in Arkansas. I took my 050. aluminum sheet metal gas tank to the local sheet metal fabricators , and they tell me it will be a couple of days before they can weld it . I wait two weeks and call and they tell me they are afraid to try it because they feel the tig machine they have won't weld that thin .... Why didn't they tell me that two weeks ago. DANG!!!! Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=439240#439240 ________________________________ Message 4 _____________________________________ Time: 05:49:33 PM PST US Subject: Pietenpol-List: Basic Torch Safety From: "tkreiner" Recently, I observed, and intervened in a situation that could have become dangerous - even deadly. A number of us were working on equipment when one of the guys was about to begin brazing a cast iron piece, and upon lighting his torch, we heard a series of Pops. The sound was staccato - almost like low intensity machine gun fire, prompting me to immediately shut off both the Ox and acetylene. The Popping ceased moments later... What was occurring was due to several factors, including: a runaway acetylene regulator, faulty check valves, and, last but not least, bad O-Rings inside the torch handle. The issue with the regulator was solved by Welding Supply to the tune of $140 for a new regulator. Since they were out of the check valves, we removed them from the torch handle, and continued on. While troubleshooting, we noted that the torch tip wasn't flowing gas -- so with tank valves turned off - I wrapped my hand around it and attempted to remove it from the handle. As many of you know - or should know - Victor 100 torches, including all their clones like the Uniweld, and Harbor Freight torches - use two O-Rings to seal the gases from one another and, since they are compliant seals, the tip is to be HAND TIGHTENED ONLY. The torch in question not only had a wrench tightened tip, the O-Rings were cut, allowing the gases to mix INSIDE THE HANDLE... Exactly why the O-Rings were added to the design in the first place; to eliminate mixing within the handle! In the pic you'll see the handle end of the torch tip - where it enters the torch handle, along with the two O-Rings. The O-Rings themselves are metric, and they are available from Amazon at this link: http://www.amazon.com/Uniweld-TXRK-Tip-O-Ring-Repair/dp/B00FI1JM9G I've also located the same O-Rings in Viton, which should cost a whopping 3 cents more each, assuming we can buy then in the right volume. I'm attempting to get a quotation on 300 pieces of each to keep on hand in my shop and supply to anyone needing some for their torch collection. Now - please make sure your torch is ready to go, and if you have any issues that don't seem right, STOP. Figure out what the issue is, or take your rig to a competent welding supply shop. They will assist at no cost for trouble shooting. If, on the other hand, like the torch above, and the 8 torch tips in my own collection, which had cracked O-Rings.... Upgrade now and ensure that anyone using your torch is using a tool that's not going to hurt them. -------- Tom Kreiner Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=439242#439242 Attachments: http://forums.matronics.com//files/torch_o_rings_491.jpg ________________________________ Message 5 _____________________________________ Time: 06:08:16 PM PST US From: "Gary Boothe" Subject: RE: Pietenpol-List: Basic Torch Safety Thanks, Tom. Gary Boothe NX308MB -----Original Message----- From: owner-pietenpol-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-pietenpol-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of tkreiner Sent: Tuesday, March 10, 2015 5:49 PM Subject: Pietenpol-List: Basic Torch Safety Recently, I observed, and intervened in a situation that could have become dangerous - even deadly. A number of us were working on equipment when one of the guys was about to begin brazing a cast iron piece, and upon lighting his torch, we heard a series of Pops. The sound was staccato - almost like low intensity machine gun fire, prompting me to immediately shut off both the Ox and acetylene. The Popping ceased moments later... What was occurring was due to several factors, including: a runaway acetylene regulator, faulty check valves, and, last but not least, bad O-Rings inside the torch handle. The issue with the regulator was solved by Welding Supply to the tune of $140 for a new regulator. Since they were out of the check valves, we removed them from the torch handle, and continued on. While troubleshooting, we noted that the torch tip wasn't flowing gas -- so with tank valves turned off - I wrapped my hand around it and attempted to remove it from the handle. As many of you know - or should know - Victor 100 torches, including all their clones like the Uniweld, and Harbor Freight torches - use two O-Rings to seal the gases from one another and, since they are compliant seals, the tip is to be HAND TIGHTENED ONLY. The torch in question not only had a wrench tightened tip, the O-Rings were cut, allowing the gases to mix INSIDE THE HANDLE... Exactly why the O-Rings were added to the design in the first place; to eliminate mixing within the handle! In the pic you'll see the handle end of the torch tip - where it enters the torch handle, along with the two O-Rings. The O-Rings themselves are metric, and they are available from Amazon at this link: http://www.amazon.com/Uniweld-TXRK-Tip-O-Ring-Repair/dp/B00FI1JM9G I've also located the same O-Rings in Viton, which should cost a whopping 3 cents more each, assuming we can buy then in the right volume. I'm attempting to get a quotation on 300 pieces of each to keep on hand in my shop and supply to anyone needing some for their torch collection. Now - please make sure your torch is ready to go, and if you have any issues that don't seem right, STOP. Figure out what the issue is, or take your rig to a competent welding supply shop. They will assist at no cost for trouble shooting. If, on the other hand, like the torch above, and the 8 torch tips in my own collection, which had cracked O-Rings.... Upgrade now and ensure that anyone using your torch is using a tool that's not going to hurt them. -------- Tom Kreiner Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=439242#439242 Attachments: http://forums.matronics.com//files/torch_o_rings_491.jpg ________________________________ Message 6 _____________________________________ Time: 06:09:41 PM PST US From: John Franklin Subject: Re: Pietenpol-List: aluminum welding troubles I hate to hear that they can't weld 0.050" AL because I've got 0.040" AL bought from Spruce A/C which I'm told is for gas tanks. I don't know much about welding AL but here's a youtube video where a guy welds soda cans with a TIG welder: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJksVs2QT5Q Regards, John Franklin GN-1 / Corvair 164cid Prairie Aire 4TA0 Needville, TX -----Original Message----- >From: aviken >Sent: Mar 10, 2015 6:48 PM >To: pietenpol-list@matronics.com >Subject: Pietenpol-List: aluminum welding troubles > > >Frustrated in Arkansas. I took my 050. aluminum sheet metal gas tank to the local sheet metal fabricators , and they tell me it will be a couple of days before they can weld it . I wait two weeks and call and they tell me they are afraid to try it because they feel the tig machine they have won't weld that thin .... Why didn't they tell me that two weeks ago. DANG!!!! ________________________________ Message 7 _____________________________________ Time: 07:09:02 PM PST US From: gliderx5@comcast.net Subject: Pietenpol-List: Headset Modification I just posted a new video tip for adding cheap earbuds to your headset to cut down on the engine/prop noise. It's effective and economical. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETiRiRqb5_I Enjoy Malcolm Morrison www.wienerdogaero.com ________________________________ Message 8 _____________________________________ Time: 09:01:36 PM PST US From: "CatDesigns" Subject: RE: Pietenpol-List: Re: Fuel tank - feels like I'm building an RV-7 ! Jake That is interesting, I didn't know they made sumps like that. Chris -----Original Message----- From: owner-pietenpol-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-pietenpol-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of aerocarjake Sent: Tuesday, March 10, 2015 8:32 AM Subject: Pietenpol-List: Re: Fuel tank - feels like I'm building an RV-7 ! --> Going to use actual Stearman sumps. I have not decided yet if I will cut off part of the flanges and have them welded on or use bolts and proseal. (Stearman tanks do it both ways.) -------- Jake Schultz - curator, Newport Way Air Museum (OK, it's just my home) Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=439229#439229 Attachments: http://forums.matronics.com//files/2_sump_211.jpg http://forums.matronics.com//files/1_sump_386.jpg ________________________________ Message 9 _____________________________________ Time: 09:16:52 PM PST US Subject: Re: Pietenpol-List: aluminum welding troubles From: glenschweizer@yahoo.com I think if truth be known, the problem lies with the welder, not the machine. Too thick for the machine, maybe. I tig machine provides a very precise and incredibly fast heat source. I've welded Nixon marine exhausts with the same machine as I welded an aluminum tuna can. Glen, aerial in progress Sent from my iPhone > On Mar 10, 2015, at 6:09 PM, John Franklin wrote: > > > I hate to hear that they can't weld 0.050" AL because I've got 0.040" AL bought from Spruce A/C which I'm told is for gas tanks. I don't know much about welding AL but here's a youtube video where a guy welds soda cans with a TIG welder: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJksVs2QT5Q > > Regards, > John Franklin > GN-1 / Corvair 164cid > Prairie Aire 4TA0 > Needville, TX > > > -----Original Message----- >> From: aviken >> Sent: Mar 10, 2015 6:48 PM >> To: pietenpol-list@matronics.com >> Subject: Pietenpol-List: aluminum welding troubles >> >> >> Frustrated in Arkansas. I took my 050. aluminum sheet metal gas tank to the local sheet metal fabricators , and they tell me it will be a couple of days before they can weld it . I wait two weeks and call and they tell me they are afraid to try it because they feel the tig machine they have won't weld that thin .... Why didn't they tell me that two weeks ago. DANG!!!! > > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other Matronics Email List Services ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Post A New Message pietenpol-list@matronics.com UN/SUBSCRIBE http://www.matronics.com/subscription List FAQ http://www.matronics.com/FAQ/Pietenpol-List.htm Web Forum Interface To Lists http://forums.matronics.com Matronics List Wiki http://wiki.matronics.com Full Archive Search Engine http://www.matronics.com/search 7-Day List Browse http://www.matronics.com/browse/pietenpol-list Browse Digests http://www.matronics.com/digest/pietenpol-list Browse Other Lists http://www.matronics.com/browse Live Online Chat! http://www.matronics.com/chat Archive Downloading http://www.matronics.com/archives Photo Share http://www.matronics.com/photoshare Other Email Lists http://www.matronics.com/emaillists Contributions http://www.matronics.com/contribution ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- These Email List Services are sponsored solely by Matronics and through the generous Contributions of its members.