repairing expanded steel

   / repairing expanded steel #1  

MESSMAKER

Veteran Member
Joined
May 19, 2009
Messages
2,231
Location
Bluegrass,KY
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DK4710SE
I dropped a bucket tooth on my gate and ripped two fist sized holes in it. How do I go about repairing it?
 
   / repairing expanded steel #2  
bend it all back as close as you can get it. and then use in this order of preference, depending on what you have to weld it back.

1: TIG
2: Oxy/Actyleyne
3: MIG
4: Stick with 1/16 inch 6013 at about 25-30 amps DCEP

These are just my ideas, but it is what I think.

James K0UA
 
   / repairing expanded steel #3  
i would probably cut out the section with a zipcut and replace with a new piece, depending on the extent of the damage. that stuff is hard to put back right once the diamonds get deformed and stretched out of shape.
 
   / repairing expanded steel #4  
Pictures? I'd say the repair depends on what it looks like and how important appearance is for this item.

Not that I'm the expert...but it is tough to weld as there is so little metal that it tends to "blow away" pretty easily when you get it melting.
 
   / repairing expanded steel #5  
Pictures? I'd say the repair depends on what it looks like and how important appearance is for this item.

Not that I'm the expert...but it is tough to weld as there is so little metal that it tends to "blow away" pretty easily when you get it melting.

good point here. need pics.
 
   / repairing expanded steel #6  
x's 3.

A picture would help determine extent of damage and chances of succesful repair and the method to be used. If its flat expanded or Grating etc. and not seeing the damage after the repair is an issue, a plasma cutter or abrasive cut off wheel and a cut out and replacement is in order. A dremel tool or die grinder can smooth the weld to blend the repair.
 
   / repairing expanded steel #7  
if you can bend the deformed sections back into shape (to aesthetic satisfaction) i'd go with the tig or oxy/acetylene as was previously mentioned. those processes are better suited to add metal without blowing out more metal because you can start with low heat/power and increase to the necessary amount, as opposed to having full power when striking the arc.

if it can't be easily bent back into shape and repaired, i'd probably replace a whole section. expanded metal isn't hugely expensive.
 

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