ProcrastinatorFraser

Active Member

• May 21, 2015

• #1

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

Do'er of stuff and the like

• May 21, 2015

• #2

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

.

Events Planner

• May 21, 2015

• #3

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.

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don't think that's right

weld can be stronger than the metal

 

ProcrastinatorFraser

Active Member

• May 21, 2015

• #4

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

.

Events Planner

• May 21, 2015

• #5

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?

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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

Active Member

• May 21, 2015

• #6

Plug welding

 

200

Active Member

• May 21, 2015

• #7

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

Well-Known Member

• May 23, 2015

• #8

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

Active Member

• May 23, 2015

• #9

okay, thanks