Simple cargo bench modification (1/8" steel, using 120v MIG wire-feed welder)

[paulharvey]

On rereading the first post, it doesn't feel at all like poking Shield in the eye, sorry. Kind feels more like: OP: I did this. #2: cooll. SA: he did it all wrong

then it all quick degenerated. Kinda seems welding is going the way of Oil, religion, Bama vs Auburn, which "Orange" is better (it's the original orange, AC), and safety. ..

 

[FTG-05]

Re: Simple cargo bench modification (1/8" steel, using 120v MIG wire-feed welder)

Welding 101.... Lesson #5, #6 and #7.

1. A larger/wider weld does not give more strength. It gives an over estimation of strength. 2. Fillet weld leg length only needs to be the size of the thinner material to achieve maximum strength. This of course is based on a flat or slightly convex fillet and not a concave fillet. Too convex causes a notch effect at the toe. Too concave doesn't provide proper reinforcement and can fail as mentioned already. 3. A properly done weld should break in the weld, not the heat affected zone or the toe of the weld. Fillet weld break tests will confirm a proper welding technique.

General life lesson #1.

Don't tick off the craftsmen with years of experience that are willing to share it. :duh: They'll go away and people wanting advice will have to rely on wannabe's that can only wish they had the experience.

I wanna hear more about this, preferably with pics, so I can better assess my welds.

I'll leave the rest of the stuff alone....

Thanks!

 

[Fifelaker]

Re: Simple cargo bench modification (1/8" steel, using 120v MIG wire-feed welder)

Overwelding can be bad for a number of reasons. On most things the object flexes some . You overweld a joint and you now you eliminate a flex point and something has to give. Overweld is actually a weld defect. If I remember it I will post a weld defect sheet from my college class tonight.
Vertical up produces the most penetration because heat rises and preheats the base metal, down the opposite. Down will produce a flatter bead and is better for thinner material.

 

[MinnesotaDaveChalmers]

Re: Simple cargo bench modification (1/8" steel, using 120v MIG wire-feed welder)

I wanna hear more about this, preferably with pics, so I can better assess my welds.

Thanks!

Here is a decent pic of what is being discussed.
Notice in the concave weld, the actual area that is considered to be a weld is smaller than it looks.
If the legs were supposed to be 1/4" long, and the weld is convex - the actual leg length, and throat, are smaller than required.

In the convex weld, the material past the throat is wasted weld metal and can cause a notching effect at the toe lines.
The "Arcs" should feel free to critique, or add to my description

Does that help?

View attachment 379038

A decent set of pics with some discussion: Fillet welded joints - a review of the practicalities - Job knowledge 66

And here: Design - part 1 - Job knowledge 90

Design part 2 - Job knowledge 91

 

[FTG-05]

Re: Simple cargo bench modification (1/8" steel, using 120v MIG wire-feed welder)

Dave, your pic didn't come across. Thanks for the links, I'll take a look at them later!

Another question: where does one get one of those neat looking welding doo-hickeys that Arc shows in some of his pics? The "Made In USA" one?

Thanks,

 

[aczlan]

Re: Simple cargo bench modification (1/8" steel, using 120v MIG wire-feed welder)

Another question: where does one get one of those neat looking welding doo-hickeys that Arc shows in some of his pics? The "Made In USA" one?

That appears to be part of a set of "Weld Fillet Gages" (available on Amazon or your local welding supply place for $20-30ish).

Aaron Z

 

[MinnesotaDaveChalmers]

Re: Simple cargo bench modification (1/8" steel, using 120v MIG wire-feed welder)

Dave, your pic didn't come across. Thanks for the links, I'll take a look at them later!

Another question: where does one get one of those neat looking welding doo-hickeys that Arc shows in some of his pics? The "Made In USA" one?

Thanks,

That's weird, it was there before - here is another look at it:

 

[Sodo]

Re: Simple cargo bench modification (1/8" steel, using 120v MIG wire-feed welder)

On rereading the first post, it doesn't feel at all like poking Shield in the eye, sorry. Kind feels more like: OP: I did this. #2: cooll. SA: he did it all wrong

That's about it. The project is done, and it's done well, and simple example project for a newbie. People buy welders for more than posting pics on a vise of test plates, they want to fix something.

If you read thru posts, everyones afraid of getting beatup. There's no need for this.

 

[aczlan]

Re: Simple cargo bench modification (1/8" steel, using 120v MIG wire-feed welder)

People buy welders for more than posting pics on a vise of test plates, they want to fix something.

True, but if you do a test plate it can make it easier to see how well your weld actually penetrated and let you practice welding in a repeatable manner... That way when you need to fix things, you know how the weld should look and how it should feel laying it down.

Aaron Z

 

[Sodo]

Re: Simple cargo bench modification (1/8" steel, using 120v MIG wire-feed welder)

Exactly. A weld on test plates can be called "weak" because its compared to a better weld, again on test plates. Its useless to compare a servicable weld on something real; to what somebody can do on test plates, but thats welderspeak. But I guess a guys gotta learn that too but you can also learn when to keep your trap shut.

Its valid to judge a weld for its suitability to the task it needs to perform. A weld thats good enough, done once, can be worth 10x as much as one ground out and re-done for better pics. Within reason of course. No point debating this and yes birdpoop is birdpoop.

( not grumpin at you aaron! )