Welding

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Feb 15, 2016 | 09:06 AM

#11

62hdbiker

Tourer

Joined: Sep 2009

Posts: 484

Likes: 38

From: DE

I wouldn't mig or stick weld the frame TIG only. Much stronger and NO splatter.

Feb 15, 2016 | 09:32 AM

#12

hvacgaspiping

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2013

Posts: 32,851

Likes: 17,886

From: Newcastle, OK

Quote:

Originally Posted by fidel

disconnect battery and put the ground of the welding machine closed to the place u weld and make sure u av a good ground

Definitely disconnect and remove the battery and put it far enough away from any fumes that could come in contact with a weld spark. The best ground would be bare metal from removed paint that would be easy to touch up and in a place where it wouldn`t show.

Apr 27, 2017 | 01:42 AM

#13

Allfields

Cruiser

Joined: Apr 2017

Posts: 101

Likes: 13

From: Chicago

Quote:

Originally Posted by alandchris

Need to have my frame welded. Rather than strip the whole bike down I can remove the bags and rear fender to do it. Question is do I need to disconnect the battery and or remove fuses for any reason

What everyone is forgetting to tell you is not only do you disconnect your battery, but you need to disconnect your alternator before commencing any arc welding. Some people get lucky and get away without disconnecting the altenator, but I seen people ruin them by leaving them connected. I was trained to always disconnect the battery and alternator and on many pieces of equipment they will have warning stickers notifying you to disconnect the alternator before welding

Apr 27, 2017 | 01:11 PM

#14

Max Headflow

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2005

Posts: 19,830

Likes: 7,968

From: poway

Quote:

Originally Posted by Allfields

If you disconnect that battery, I could see the possibility of disconnecting the alternator if you plan to strike an arc someplace close to a power cables.. I find it easier to leave the battery connected.. Why do you need to disconnected it? I can see where is is a good idea if welding around the battery as if you ignite the battery fumes they blow up pretty good.. In that case you not only want to disconnect but also remove..

You won't kill the alternator with the battery connected but on a HD if it sees a high negative voltage on the input (no battery), you could blow the rectifying diodes...

If you aren't welding anywhere close to the battery, you are better off leaving it in as it protects the regulator. If the battery has been removed, simply connect positive to negative to protect the regulator.

Apr 27, 2017 | 02:20 PM

#15

hvacgaspiping

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2013

Posts: 32,851

Likes: 17,886

From: Newcastle, OK

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Larry

Several good suggestions above ... Remove/unhook the battery. Good clean ground close to your welding point. Cover everything with a heavy material near/around the area to avoid damage. Use a well ventilated area ( consider the sparks and fuel ).

It`s also a PITA, but removing the gas tank would also be a good idea......

Apr 28, 2017 | 05:02 PM

#16

Hey Man

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2015

Posts: 10,277

Likes: 7,756

From: West Central FL

Why does the frame need welding? Is it cracked or are you just adding a tab or bracket? If it's a crack find out why and make sure there aren't any others.