Need some scrap for practice.... so

[Haywire]

I thought I'd go down to the shop where I usually get my steel and see if they would let me "borrow" 10 or 20 lbs of their small drops. I go home, weld them all together and then return their scrap a little heavier and a little easier to move. I then get another 10-20lbs and repeat.

Think they'll go for it?
Ian

 

[dcyrilc]

I thought I'd go down to the shop where I usually get my steel and see if they would let me "borrow" 10 or 20 lbs of their small drops. I go home, weld them all together and then return their scrap a little heavier and a little easier to move. I then get another 10-20lbs and repeat.

Think they'll go for it?
Ian

Depends on how well they know you and if it's scrap bin stuff. Good chance though. Certainly can't hurt to ask.:thumbsup:

 

[Haywire]

It'll be a couple weeks before I can get down there. I suppose it depends on if they root through the scrap bin for stuff like gussets and such. I'm on pretty good terms with them, I've been buying odds and ends from them for a couple years and they're a small shop.

Ian

 

[rjmack]

look for 1/2x3 and 1/2x1 flatbar.

cut them into pieces about 8" long and tack them together like this -|-

fill up all 4 fillets, all positions,with nice flat welds, no undercut.:thumbsup:

 

[Haywire]

Why no undercut? I thought with stock that thick, that a 30deg bevel would be standard.

thanks,
Ian

 

[gwdixon]

Why no undercut? I thought with stock that thick, that a 30deg bevel would be standard.

thanks,
Ian

I think rjmack is referring to the edge of the weld rather than the bevel - but I don't want to speak for him.

If you don't pause just a bit when weaving, the edge of the weld will "undercut" the metal and cause a weak, or thin, line down the edge of the weld. It is particularly noticeable on the vertical plate when welding 90 degrees (2F).

It can happen when whipping but not nearly so much in my experience if you take it slowly.

 

[Haywire]

ah.... terminology

 

[Shield Arc]

A good rule of thumb with undercut, if you can hang your finger nail in it, it's too much.

That's not to say a welding inspector might have a different opinion.

 

[JB4310]

I think OP's idea is a good one. They should go for it, especially if they know you. They're not risking much with 20 lbs of scrap.

Undercut ? I call it proof of deep penetration, different ways to look at things I guess.

I thought this was a great weld I did to my 3 pt lift arms. 3/4" material in single pass. That slight undercut told me the weld penetrated deeply.
Like I have mentioned in the past, I don't even know what I don't know about welding, but I keep making smoke


JB

 

[dcyrilc]

A good rule of thumb with undercut, if you can hang your finger nail in it, it's too much.

That's not to say a welding inspector might have a different opinion.

What exactly is undercut? Is it the weld hanging over the base metal or burnt into the base metal?

 

[Shield Arc]

I'd rather see just a tad bit of undercut, than cold lap. Especially with Mig welding!

 

[Haywire]

I would guess burned into the base metal. When I get close to a corner when doing a fillet weld, I've noticed the weld penetrating a lot deeper. It tends to leave a 'ledge' or 'overhang' on the upper piece.

Ian

Edit... SA was posting at the same time I was. My guess was right. Yay!

 

[dcyrilc]

I'd rather see just a tad bit of undercut, than cold lap. Especially with Mig welding!

Thanks for the picture. I was mentally picturing cold lap. That really helped to clear it up.

 

[Shield Arc]

In my opinion, (take it for what it's worth....... nothing):laughing: cold lap is a disaster with Mig welding!

 

[crazyal]

If not that shop then how about a scrap steel dealer? There's a couple around here that will sell you the steel (if it's usable) and I bet a few trips back with what you got the first time would just give you pieces. One of the steel dealers is also a scrap dealer and I know if they thought you'd be buying steel from them in the future they would gladly give you some scrap to play with.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

Check your local tractor dealer. Usually plenty of shipping crates around to hack up and carry off.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

Check your local tractor dealer. Usually plenty of shipping crates around to hack up and carry off.

Or an ATV dealer. Same thing... Crates.

My local scrap yard quit selling their scrap to individuals. Cited liability issues.

 

[Perplexed]

Check your local tractor dealer. Usually plenty of shipping crates around to hack up and carry off.

Or an ATV dealer. Same thing... Crates.

My local scrap yard quit selling their scrap to individuals. Cited liability issues.

Crates? As in, wooden shipping crates? I'd think the only metal in those would be the nails and possibly any thin straps (if those aren't made of plastic)?

 

[Shield Arc]

Few years ago I got about six stacks like this from the local motorcycle shop. Some of the frames had these cool little feet. I've done quite a few projects from this scrap haul.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

Crates? As in, wooden shipping crates? I'd think the only metal in those would be the nails and possibly any thin straps (if those aren't made of plastic)?

Absolutely! Once you've put enough of those nails and thin straps together to make a project you're mighty practiced in the art of welding.

:laughing: