Stick welding stands out for its cost-efficiency, ease, and optimal reliability. But when it comes to stick welding motorcycle frames, most people can’t do it properly because it requires following some particular steps. Otherwise, spattering issues may occur!
So here, we’ve discussed the way of welding frames in detail to help you do it yourself.
Let’s get started!
What Welding Technique Is Best for Motorcycle Frame?
Among most welding techniques, the gas tungsten arc (GTA) and gas metal arc (GMA) stand out for welding motorcycle frames. Efficiency, ease, and versatility make them suitable for every motorcycle frame.
Can You Stick Weld A Motorcycle Frame?
SMAW, aka stick welding, is a good choice for motorcycle frames. It’s cost-efficient as you won’t have to use extra gas to do the job.
However, it’s equally true that stick welding isn’t as effective as GMA and GTA welding bike frames.
What Are the Tools and Things You Need before Motorcycle Frame Welding?
Like other welding processes, bike frame welding requires you to collect specific tools and things before you start the job.
For this, the first piece of equipment will be a top-quality stick welder.
Also, get suitable electrodes, a ground clamp, an electrode holder, and safety gear (e.g., a helmet, gloves, goggles, boots, and a face mask).
How Do You Stick Weld a Motorcycle Frame: Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you know what tools and things you need to collect, it’s time to learn how to stick welding a motorcycle frame. These are the following steps:
Step-1: Cleaning the Bike Frames
Even though stick welding can deal with dirt and other contaminations, it’s always better to first clean up the surface of your motorcycle frame.
Thus, you can ensure the best performance as each joint will appear tidy after a weld.
In this case, I’d prefer using a piece of wire brush to get those surfaces clean. To remove oil, grease, or such liquid substances, I’d like to use paper towels to wipe them off.
And don’t use anything like a typical rag, as it may sometimes leave scratch marks.
Step-2: Setting the Amperage
The title says it all; you must set the amp thoroughly based on the electrode you picked. Generally, 1 amp of the current setting is sufficient for each electrode diameter ranging in .001-inch or so.
Step-3: Start Bike Frame Welding
Before starting the welder, ensure you’ve adjusted the heat to a medium range. Otherwise, too much heat can damage the surface of your bike frame.
If I talk about myself, I prefer using two hands to hold the welder. The location where you strike the arc must be filled up correctly. If one joint is complete, move the welder to other available spots.
Step-4: Cooling Down the Bike Frame
Have you welded every joint thoroughly? If so, you’re allowed to touch those spots to see whether you’ve done it correctly or not.
But for this, you must ensure the surface gets fully cool. Otherwise, you’ll have to use gloves instead of bare hands to touch those spots.
Motorcycle Frame Welding Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them?
Even some experts may create silly mistakes during bike frame welding. So, to avoid such inconveniences, make sure to go through the following tips:
Mistake-1: Using Excessive Heat
As I’ve mentioned, too much heat is one of the main culprits behind cracking or damaging your bike frame’s surface.
How to Avoid It:
Always keep the heat rate mediocre, even if the welding process seems time-consuming. This is how you can eliminate the chance of cracking
Mistake-2: Adding Extra Gas for Stick Welding
A stick welder doesn’t require additional gases, even if you weld bike frames. If you still use it, excessive amounts of spatter may occur.
How to Avoid It:
Pretty simple; you just need to rely on your stick welder as the electrode produce its gas known as a “shielding gas.”
Mistake-3: Losing Control during a Weld
Many newbie welders strike the arc outside instead of welding through the right spot. This way, you can dramatically ruin the surface of your bike frame.
How to Avoid It:
While stick welding, use both hands to hold the stick welder firmly. Following that, you can maintain decent control to strike the arc properly.
Last Words
Right now, stick welding motorcycle frames has become easier than before. Go through each step I’ve mentioned to perform the welding without trouble.
And to avoid any risks, always use medium heat and wear safety equipment before welding.
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