Advice on welding link repair

[HCJtractor]

It will be stronger than original they way you have it as long as you get a decent weld. You could even preheat it with a small propane torch like is used to solder copper pipe. The eyes are made to weld on. I would lean toward using 7018 since MIG for a beginner can be deceiving if it has proper fusion and penetration. 1/8" 7018 at around 130 amps all around will be more than strong enough.

That's exactly what I did. Ran the 1/8 at about 125. I'm trying to learn on things that aren't critical and ugly doesn't matter!

 

[Sodo]

Broke the ball link on my telescopic stabilizer.

That Ball end could have been simply beveled out and welded back on, and been strong as original. With a good weld. The way you fitted the replacement part makes the repair pretty much independent of the weld quality. A very good way to do it if you are unsure of your welding ability (for now). Plus you re-newed the ball.

From the wear marks on the arm it looks like that ball end took a lot of side force from some implement that didn't fit properly - which probably cracked the original weld. And if that implement is no longer used, (or fitted better) it shouldn't crack again.

I can tell you took pride in the tight fitment, but I would have recommended to bevel out your tight slot a bit, it would weld up easier.

Fellas recommending to pre-heat,,,,, Can anyone explain what would be the difference betw a preheated repair and one that was simply welded?

View attachment 433559

But it's all done and I'm sure with that forged unit it's stronger than the original construction.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Preheating on carbon steel helps to remove moisture on the metal that can cause hydrogen embrittlement and porosity in the weld both of which are detrimental to a good weld. It doesn't take much preheat to do what needs to be done.

 

[Sodo]

OK thx. I've dried stuff (prior to welding) that was visibly wet but never heated a dry part to dry it further.

 

[Shield Arc]

never heated a dry part to dry it further.

Wait until you start playing with T1, or AR-500, AR-400, so on, and so on! Preheat, and post heat make or break you.

 

[Sodo]

T1, or AR-500, AR-400

Good reminder for the case if you are welding heat-treatable steels. I bet this fella's lift arm is mild steel though, which will have no effect in that regard.

I suppose preheat could make a little better weld, and might look nicer too. Which is often a benefit, especially when the repair is out there visible! If the torch is there and you have the time for preheat. It's interesting to discuss too.

 

[Shield Arc]

If I remember correctly AWS requires mild steel to be 50-degrees or more when welding.
I did a big welding job at the Boeing Space Center in Kent. When the ambient temperature got below 50-degrees Boeing's welding inspectors shut us down.

 

[Sodo]

AWS requires mild steel to be 50-degrees or more when welding.

I often weld in the winter don't give it a 2nd thought (small parts). Winter projects have been smaller items. If welding onto a heavy, cold heat-sink I give it a thought. Also tacking the item might bring it up to 50d.

Interesting info, that's a good number to remember. 50d is pretty cold though - if it was dropped down your underpants it would feel like an ice cube (until it warmed up). Hey thats a thought what if you dropped your pants for that inspector then turn around and sat on your workpiece?

 

[Big Barn]

I often weld in the winter don't give it a 2nd thought (small parts). Winter projects have been smaller items. If welding onto a heavy, cold heat-sink I give it a thought. Also tacking the item might bring it up to 50d. Interesting info, that's a good number to remember. 50d is pretty cold though - if it was dropped down your underpants it would feel like an ice cube (until it warmed up). Hey thats a thought what if you dropped your pants for that inspector then turn around and sat on your workpiece?

You're welcome to come for a SUMMER visit Sodo.

Terry

 

[Sodo]

Thank you Terry, thats a nice offer,,,,,, long as you're not a weld inspector. :laughing: