Posted: 10/30/2006 9:22:27 AM EDT
I came across plans for a sturdy shooting bench online that requires some welding. Problem is, I don't know shit about the subject!  Can someone please give me a Welding 101 primer--like I'm a five year old--and tell me if I'd be better off taking this to a pro?The task will involve welding some galvenized steel couplers to some 4x4x 1/4" mounting plates as shown below. The couplers need to be welded at an 18 degree angle from the center. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!  |
Threading the pipes isn't his problem. He needs to cut a length of pipe with an 18 degree angle, tap it, and weld it to a piece of steel that he can screw to the table. I'm rather limited on my knowledge of welding, but I seem to remember something about galvanized steel releasing fumes when being welded. |
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Get a local shop to do it. -or- you can also check with your local 'Trade' school or does a local high school have a welding shop? Talk to the instructors. Welding is easy and fun, but you really need to practice and have a little hands on instruction. ByteTheBullet (-: |
+1 If you don't know anything about it you most likely just make it look like crap. If you do decide to do it yourself practice alot beforehand, and clean of all the galv. before welding in that area. The high welding temps burns the galv of and the fumes are very toxic. |
+1 Yeah, you could probably rent a stick welder and manage to glob on enough metal to get it to stay together for a bit. But it'll look like butt and will probably snap the first time you use it for a variety of reasons. If your pipes and flanges are threaded like that, you could try using a MAPP torch and some plumbing solder to try and "glue" the thread in place. If you still insist on trying it yourself: http://www.hobartwelders.com/techtips.html#stick |
That is a bit of an exaggeration. It will make you feel sick, but there are few if any lasting effects. |
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What type of process are you looking at? Ck your local rental place for a wire feed welder. A lot of them plug into 110. They come with basic instructions. And for what you are doing would work fine. There are also cosmetic reasons why you would want to remove the galv. IM me if you have questions. |
| Is that the shooting bench you can make from one sheet of plywood? If so, I made one and it kicks ass. My dad had it in a magazine from the 70s. A welder won't charge $15 to do that welding probably. BTW, I didn't make it so the legs thread it, instead I used larger pipe and so the legs just slide in and out. It's nice. |
The zinc in the galvanized matreial will cause your lungs to feel like someone just extracted your wisdom teeth by way of your anus. It's vey toxic. There's a reason old pipe liners get paid as much as doctors. You'll be cheaper in the long run to buy a bench, or hire a welder. If you have your heart set on doing it yourself...First thing is to scrap that waterline pipe, and start over. That stuff is a "one time go", only meant for water. Get some good sch. 40 1" and do it right. Your lungs will thank you. |
Bingo!!! Clay-More...no offense, but if you're asking how to do this in the first place, it's probably somewhat beyond your skills and equipment. Find a neighbor who welds (the fourwheeler guy suggestion is a good one).
Another good point. |
Check out this link: www.larrywillis.com/shootingbench.html |
| It might help to know what type of welder you will use, Arc or wire feed? If you want to try it and learn maybe we can help. If this is a 1 shot deal and you don't want it messed up it will be best to hire it done. If you have room for a few oops, might be a good way to learn how to weld. |
Personally, I'd call death a "lasting effect". Seriously, there was a guy I used to discuss welding and blacksmithing over on the Anglefire discussion forum; he died from welding zinc/galvanized metal. True, you probably won't die doing these four items, but it's not something to play around with. When I HAVE to weld galvanized, I clean as best I can and then try to stiff-arm weld it. Good luck to the OP. Merlin |
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Welding isn't as easy as some people think. You actually need to know what you're doing, what happens when during the welding process, and certainly need to have practiced. If you can cut the couplers at the proper angle, then do so. Take them and the pieces of plate to a welder who will probably charge you only a few bucks. I mean the thing isn't meant to hold a building up, it won't really see any stress so as long as the guy does a "good enough" job you'll be fine. Try auto body shops, fabricators, neighbors, etc. Also, I would use black pipe if I were you. Probably have an easier time with someone who will weld it. Just sand, clean, and paint it when you're done. |
Let me reiterate: welding galvanized metals is toxic and it will kill you from just breathing it, not toxic like it will cause cancer in 5 years. There is a big difference. Read these closely: Death From Zinc Inhalation WeldingWeb Forum Thread on Zinc Hazards From Galvanized Metals |
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First off, as already mentioned do this outside and wear a respirator . Go rent or buy a small 115volt wire feed welder like a Lincoln , Miller or Hobart. You will get years of enjoyment and use out of it . Its amazing how many projects you come up with if you have a welder Anyhow, lots of people will tell you that you cannot weld galvanized. This is simply incorrect MIG- using the wire feed process with a solid wire and shielding gas ( MIG ) will work ok but there are actually specialty gases that a waaaay better for welding galvanized. Example is Praxairs Helistar GV ( GV stands for galvananized ) Flux Cored Self Shielded - these electrodes do not need shielding gas. This is a far better method for welding galvanized pipe. The reason for this is the commonly available flux cored electrodes are actually designed for welding galvanized The wire you want ( all electrodes will have a AWS - american welding society classification ) is a AWS E71-T11 . Common trades names for this class of electrode is Lincoln Electrics' "Innershield NR-211" You can buy this at Home Depot etc or any industrial welding supply house This electrode will work great for what you need. Limitation for this electrode is on thin material ( autobody ). For that appication MIG is a better choice I do lots of trade shows and open houses were we have a small MIG set up. With a little bit of coaching you can pick the technique up very quickly ( unlike stick welding which is much harder for beginners ). I seldom come across someone who just can't get the hang of it. |
Makes it a hell of a lot more stable. I think I've seen a couple of similar where they took and cut wood mounting points at 18-20 degrees, glued and screwed them on, and then just used regular flanges from the hardware store as screw-in leg mounts. AVoids the welding altogether. |