 |
| Part of the welding kit |
3 years ago when we first moved into our current house, I decided to try my hands on new tools and skills. One of them was to get into welding projects. I was totally new to this but its one of those things that I always wanted to do. I bought a gasless MIG kit (some call it fluxcore welding) and all the bits and pieces. The total came to less than RM600 if I remember correctly.
Why do my own welding projects
 |
| One of my earlier projects- stove |
Its all for fun. Its the joy of making something. Perhaps a bit like how some people enjoy cooking, producing something that can be enjoyed. With the welding projects, I do only the things I want to or things I know will be too expensive to buy. Most of the other tools like angle grinder, gloves and vices is already in the store. Adding a welding set opens up new possibilities.
Bicycle rack welding project
 |
| Like this takes up space |
Having two bicycles parked takes up a lot of space. I saw on Shopee a double decker bicycle rack that made a lot of sense. Both bikes hangs on a hook, one on top of the other and they are off the ground. It saves space and makes it easier to sweep the floor. After a few weeks of mulling over the project, booked a weekend free just for this. As for the metal bits, my go to is Waynum Hardware. Closest to home and they provide cutting service. They are actually more of a big warehouse dealer as opposed to what you would think of a hardware shop. Their prices are way cheaper as well.
 |
| Good place to buy metal in Puchong |
The process
Hahahahaha....there are no steps and processes for me. Draw it out on a piece of paper, think thru which ones to do first and go with it. The biggest challenge for me with this welding project is the legs. I do not have enuff skill to weld 45 degree angles nicely. Even cutting them 45 degrees can be challenging. One step at a time and slowly things came together.
 |
| The little bits that will make the feet |
Once I get started with the work, there is very little thinking space left to remember to grab the phone to take more pictures. But each welding project pose its own challenges and it is always a learning curve. one setting on the welding machine for this steel thickness may work this time but may need adjusting the next time. Somehow, thicker steel is easier to weld. Less likely to make holds in them.
 |
| Not the prettiest but it holds |
 |
| The base looking good |
The hook to hang the bikes were probably the most difficult part of this project. Having to bend the steel round bars on a makeshift jig is quite challenging, After that, measuring the bikes and figuring out the height and angles for the hooks took a few attempts. Each time a mistake happens, out comes the angle grinder to remove the weld. Redo and the process continues.
 |
| The mountain bike hooks have to be at an angle |
It cost less than RM50 for two length of square hollow bars and probably about 6 hours to complete this welding project. Towards the end, I was a bit doubtful if it will be able to hold the bikes properly without the bikes sliding off. Nothing a bit of old hose bike can't solve. With the paint applied and dried, the bikes are now stored on the rack nicely ever since. Another satisfying welding project done!
 |
| Completed by DIY bicycle rack welding project |
Comments
Post a Comment