Can I weld an extension on a toolbar?

[sixdogs]

When splicing square tube, or any tube, using an insert plug welds are your friend. Plug welds a couple of inches out from the splice point.They'll take a lot of stress off the weld itself.

Having said that, I'd consider a truss type gusset either forward or reward to take some of the stress off those ends way out there.

Explain this a little better. Do you mean to drill a hole in the outer tubing and weld that inside onto the inner support piece?

My plan is to make the inner piece long enough so it's almost to the end of the outer piece and then weld those two together at the end.

 

[sandfs]

Explain this a little better. Do you mean to drill a hole in the outer tubing and weld that inside onto the inner support piece?

My plan is to make the inner piece long enough so it's almost to the end of the outer piece and then weld those two together at the end.

You got it exactly. Drill holes each side of the splice on all sides and do a nice little plug weld. That will stop most of the deflection from making it all the way to the weld bead. Welding at the ends will help both strengthen and stiffen that end for sure. The plug welds will help take some of the stress off the weld bead and back into the main section before the weld. Just some thoughts.

 

[/pine]

Seems like It would be almost as easy to just cut the existing bar out and replace it with a longer one...

 

[sixdogs]

Seems like It would be almost as easy to just cut the existing bar out and replace it with a longer one...

No, there are brackets welded on and to cut and replace too much work that would also result in it not being as accurate as it is now. It's easier to extend the drawbar and as a plus I learn some welding techniques and gain life experience.

 

[bdog]

Try it. It is not like it will be catostrophic if it fails

 

[Tractor Seabee]

6, that will be a lot of grinding to get the seam fin and dress up he inside corners. I did that on 2"; had to buy a long shanked burr for the die grinder to reach in. Do not know if you can get one that long. The one I got was 6". I think it was about $50. That was 6 years ago. The plug welds are a great idea, make the holes 1/2" on all 4 sides. That keeps from working the weld point

Ron

 

[Big Barn]

Ron: I'm not certain if you are talking about removing the inside seam on the EXISTING square tube tool bar, but IF sixdogs can't reach in with a long shank bur---- he could cut a matching GROOVE down the length of the stinger insert with an angle grinder.

Conversely he could SHARPEN one edge of the stinger to cut the seam (depending on the length he was planning on pounding in).

Finish off with plug welds like others have mentioned.

 

[bdog]

I wouldn’t go the trouble of trying to make a tube fit. Weld it up and then plate it with a couple pieces of angle iron if you think it is necessary