Rear X member welding

ProcrastinatorFraser · May 21, 2015

A while ago i got my rear cross member welded on. To strengthen the welds, i drilled out some holes in to the side that go as far as the box section, but not through it, and welded in between. Spot welding. My father disputes that this was the wrong thing to do. Can anyone tell me if i was right or wrong in doing this?

Thanks

vilguy · May 21, 2015

no you should have drilled right through to the other side, welding is melting the metal and just weakens it. Like chocholate after you heat it.

trax · May 21, 2015

vilguy said:
no you should have drilled right through to the other side, welding is melting the metal and just weakens it. Like chocholate after you heat it.

don't think that's right

weld can be stronger than the metal

ProcrastinatorFraser · May 21, 2015

Well did i make it stronger or weaker? I'm quite new to welding and i'm not too sure what is strong or weak, so could you tell me if it is stronger or weaker?

trax · May 21, 2015

ProcrastinatorFraser said:
Well did i make it stronger or weaker? I'm quite new to welding and i'm not too sure what is strong or weak, so could you tell me if it is stronger or weaker?

do you mean a plug weld? Plug Welds and MIG Spot Welding

meh, i mean you might be crap at welding and not have enough penetration.

i wouldn't worry about it, the orig guy probably did it fine.

some people plate a square 45degrees over the join to help... but if you aren't having issues then i'd just chill out

ProcrastinatorFraser · May 21, 2015

Plug welding

200 · May 21, 2015

Yes it will make it stronger if you have penetrated the inner metal, look at and heavy excavators and they do this with the gusset on the booms.

Shifty1962 · May 23, 2015

As a rule of thumb 1 inch of decent welding will easily hold 1 ton of weight.
I butt welded two pieces of 4mm x 20mm steel together and then used them to lift a 1 ton bag of ballast with a HIAB to check the strength of my welding. It even held with me swinging on the bag.
So plug welding will add strength if done correctly.

ProcrastinatorFraser · May 23, 2015

okay, thanks

Rear X member welding

ProcrastinatorFraser

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vilguy

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trax

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ProcrastinatorFraser

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trax

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ProcrastinatorFraser

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200

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Shifty1962

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ProcrastinatorFraser

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