Here are a few more pictures of the weld positioner. I still need to document it a little better and post a few videos. I built it for a few reasons. First, I like consistent welds. I like things to look factory built and I'm not always the steadiest welder. Second, I like making tools. I just need that one excuse (recenter hummer wheels) to build something. And as always, I do these projects to learn new things (electronics, arduino, thread cutting etc).
Some basis stats.
-It's adjustable from horizontal to vertical in 15 degree increments.
-It's driven by a 570 in-ounce stepper motor with a 3:1 sprocket reduction.
-It's control by an Arduino/stepper driver combo. It does 0-10 rpm in 0.1 rpm increments. 10 rpm is probably too much but it doesn't matter. I can make it whatever I want in the software.
-It uses a 2-1/4 x 8tpi spindle so I can swap from a 6" chuck to a faceplate. The lathe chuck is overkill in terms of strength but it was a lot cheaper than the weld specific, quick set welding chucks. Also, I finally cut threads on a lathe which was fun. Another thing learned.
-The electronics and motor are completely isolated from the frame.
Cut my very first threads. I made a few extra spindles that I may sell on ebay. The spindle is 2" so sprockets from surplus center slip right over it.
I wanted it to look good so I had a panel made from the same place that made the panels for the dozer.
Getting it dialed in a little bit tonight. Roughly 9.5" diameter section of 1/4" plate welded to the hummer wheel. Speed was 0.5 rpm. To me, the weld looks really good.
That is all for now.