Machines | Welding Heavy Equipment - (Sorry for the long absence)

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1. Gotta appreciate your honesty that you‘re not a welder. I happen to also have a Hobart Powerweld and work as welder in a heavy equipment shop. So here‘s a few tips from someone who‘s done plenty of work on stuff like this.
   1) 7018 is your friend. Keep them dry though. Unless we‘re doing stainless, cast, or pipe, 7018 is all we use. Usually Lincoln Excaliber 7018 rods.
   2) Clean off that metal. Even an angle grinder with a wire wheel is better than nothing, but preferably you want clean metal.
   3) Don‘t be afraid to use a passive fixed shade. Sure, they‘re harder to use than auto darkening, but you‘ll get a better view of what you‘re doing. Also won‘t have to worry about them failing to darken.
   By no means am I claiming to be the best of the best. I figured some of what I know may help you in the future when you have a similar situation.
2. Oh boy, stumbled upon this video. I have it a thumbs up because of your disclaimer as not being a welder. But man, the 3/32" was the worst electrode. Way too small brother, because the weld was way too cold for that thick steel and 3/32" electrodes won't cut it. That equipment steel is hardened and 7018 rods at a minimum would have been good, with 8010 on heavy equipment like that being even better.
3. Glad you're back. 
4. Damn, I need to get me an ambulance.... LOL Good stuff
5. Welcome back Josh!! How you making out with that boat you bought a few months ago?
6. As you know, I am an admirer of your ingenuity.
   
   Welding 101:  Clean metal is always better than rusty metal.  Since you have electricity available, an angle grinder, or at the minimum, a wire wheel, will do wonders towards a successful weld.
   
   I’m no expert welder either.  I just compare what I weld, to a weld of similar metal and situation that I know was done by a pro.
   
   With that in mind, I’ll be surprised if that weld holds, as it doesn’t look to me like there was good penetration.  Probably worth the additional time and effort to grind it off as best you can (now it’s clean!), turn up the heat, and try it again.  Really.  A good weld for that situation wouldn’t need to go all the way around.
   
   Have a look at this:
   http://weldingweb.com/showthread.php?44005-Pictures!-Effect-of-stick-electrode-polarity-on-weld-penetration
   
   Just offering my two cents worth.
7. when you sell it let me know ill ask my grandfather if he would be interested
8. Love that link belt
9. nice to see you back Josh, spring is a busy time for everyone, so totally understandable
10. That's a very expensive bolt! No wonder you decided to weld it on.
11. I always enjoy your videos and I know myself how hard it is to keep motivated to put up videos so no need for the sorry! Looking forward to all the forthcoming projects
12. Nice to see your still kickin, keep up the great videos.
13. Do what's needed not more, just wasted effort, material and time, oh yea, and money. In the case of funky welds, some may snicker or taunt but your your boss..I understand and support..Keep the faith..Enjoy the vids when you can post..
14. 1st lol 
    what? old projects still under way? lol
    0-100 with the weather!!
15. If others are moaning tell to take a flying jump, Your family and work come first always. You invite us in to part of ur life and thats great Love the vids u make but its not right that we see everything. Keep doing what ur doing n God Bless :)