Frame Welding

Cold today, no rain, but damn it's like 40 outside.

From last night, took the frame and set it up flat on the floor to check the dimensions.  Each corner and joint was made flush and the bolts were lightly tightened.  Check and adjust the diagonals to 47.5" ( the design is 47.5041" - close enough? ).  Adjust the rear inner rails to 2.45" inside to inside edges.  Tighten everything down snug, recheck.  Added a diagonal piece of angle with a couple of clamps to hold it square.  Check again.

Changed the wire on the welder from 0.023" to 0.030" so I can get some penetration.  I think the last thing I welded was sheet metal.

Take everything outside to avoid sparks creating unplanned emergencies and check the measurements one last time.

Remove the clamps and bolts, presto.  The front crossmember is still bolted.  The design allows for easier service of the mower and engine by removing this if necessary.

The welds had decent depth and look OK.

Checking the measurements and flatness - dead on!  When welding, I spread them around a bit so as not to heat one area too much.  I've turned things like this into potato chips before.  This way seemed to work pretty well.  Probably didn't hurt that it was well clamped and bolted.

I'm going to think about whether I want to weld the battery shelf in or bolt it, then I'll paint this to keep it from rusting.  Probably another day, it's supposed to warm up a bit later this week.  It is better to let the paint dry outside, it keeps the peace in my house.