I see in some of Jody's and a few others videos occasionally they use what looks like a 3/4" copper rod, bent at a 90 degree angle they sometimes set right on their work piece. Is this the make a better ground than just laying the parts on the table? To help hold small parts from moving around?...

I realize all this discussion is after the fact, but some more info. It still helps me analyze the what's and why's for further / different repairs, so thanks again. As you can see in the pic, the rail sustained a linear push which shoved the vertical supports back as far as they could go before som...

Pretty sure the reason it cracked is that it was never meant / designed to withstand the impact and force of a vehicle backing into it. :oops: Designed to provide a steady grip while walking and to help stabilize. That said, Your assessment of the weld's lack of penetration was my first impression a...

Well, sh*t. In reading your replies, I'm betting while these may look ok-ish, they probably are no better than what was there. Probably shoulda used more amperage. :x My settings were 130 amps, mashed pedal 3/32 4043 filler 15 cfh with about 1 sec pre flow and about 8 post Frequency was about 100 ba...

Thanks for your reply. Some additional pics of what the situation was. I didn't realize that my initial post required mod approval. This project has repaired, at least temporarily, until I can do more with my machine. Like I said, there was NO rail so it had to be done ASAP. I'll try to post some pi...

Hey y'all,
Thanks for the add. Been watching Jody and trying to soak in all the info.

OK, never welded aluminum before. Been many many years since I did tig steel. Been stick welding mostly. The issue: My folks have a Handi-cap ramp with aluminum hand rails. One got totally broken off. Don't ask :oops: Suffice to say it's not vehicle rated. Rail (horizontal) is 1 1/2" X 3/16 rou...