How to correct a bad weld.

[lhfarm]

Too embarrassed to show closeup pictures here, but I have a weld on my gauge wheel setup that has broken twice. It is where the 2" tubing is welded to the jack body. Rather than explain how I tried to fix it (and had it break the second time), what is proper method for correcting a broken weld? Do I need to grind/cut away all traces of the original (bad) weld?

I clearly wasn't getting good penetration with either attempt and I need to correct that. I'd just like to get it right the 3rd time.

Thanks,

 

[The Haymaker]

I weld from the Redneck School of Trades, but yes, grind it away, get rid of as many voids as possible, and reweld. If the reason you couldn't get penetration is because of thin tubing, make multiple passes. I have even built up light metal edges to add more mass and then made more passes at a higher temp.

E

 

[KLMandW]

yes you need to grind away all of the bad weld......also another technique that I use alot in my shop is preheating the weld joint before welding. This will help reduce the thermal shock to the metal and reduce the stress in the heat affected zone of the weld....hope this helps.

 

[Egon]

Consider adding a brace.:thumbsup:

 

[SPYDERLK]

Too embarrassed to show closeup pictures here, but I have a weld on my gauge wheel setup that has broken twice. It is where the 2" tubing is welded to the jack body.

I clearly wasn't getting good penetration with either attempt and I need to correct that. I'd just like to get it right the 3rd time.

Thanks,

I like your gauge wheel implementation and think ill use some variation of it.:thumbsup: I dont see where the weld of jack tube to square tube is made. Looks like there is a bracket on the jack that would be welded to the square. Maybe you are augmenting this with another weld to the jack tube?

At any rate, grind off as much failed weld as possible and use 6011 rod at highest non burnthru level. Chip slag, inspect the weld and touch it up while hot if you can. Bracing too as mentioned previous. ... oopps - you are stick welding right?
larry

 

[travis potter]

It would help if we knew what type of welder you are using. also could the wheel not be swiveking and putting a side load on the weld? As you go up and down with the adjustment the angle of the castor changes and this could make it hard to turn just a idea.

 

[Transit]

It would help if we knew what type of welder you are using. also could the wheel not be swiveking and putting a side load on the weld? As you go up and down with the adjustment the angle of the castor changes and this could make it hard to turn just a idea.

Add to that, stick or mig, rod type and size, wire size and type, gas.

 

[SandburRanch]

Too embarrassed to show closeup pictures here, but I have a weld on my gauge wheel setup that has broken twice. It is where the 2" tubing is welded to the jack body. Rather than explain how I tried to fix it (and had it break the second time), what is proper method for correcting a broken weld? Do I need to grind/cut away all traces of the original (bad) weld?

I clearly wasn't getting good penetration with either attempt and I need to correct that. I'd just like to get it right the 3rd time.

Thanks,

--------------------------------------------------------------------
Take it off and grind until it's clean to original. Weld a short piece of tubing on top of the long tubing so the jack mounting bracket can be fitted to the side of the tubing and welded on at least 3 sides. Box in the open tubing ends in if you like.

 

[Egon]

Looked at it more closely. Cut a plate, bolt it to the jacks and then bolt or weld plate to the main frame.:thumbsup:

No penetration, a little more heat?

 

[Jimbrown]

I agree with Egonthat you really need a brace like this.

 

[RoyJackson]

You're welding square tubing to round tubing...there's not much contact surface at the tangent point. Even welding along the body of the tube...tough to get good penetration (I'd wager the weld broke at the round tube, not the square tube).

So, I'd agree with Egon and jimbrown about adding a brace (as Jim's marked up picture shows) or a gusset for even more strength.

 

[duckhunter27]

Why not just bolt them on???? If not grind all the old weld off then before you reweld it practice practice practice on metal the same thickness you are trying to weld. A good weld will never break.

 

[tommu56]

The real problem is when your rear tractor tires go in a dip all the weight gets transferred to the gauge wheels putting extra stress on them.

You need a toggle like on a rear mower to give some flex up and down and not put all that weight on the gauge wheels.

To prove my point take your top link off and put a chain were the top link was and try it.It might not cut as aggressively as with a solid link but it wont brake any thing.

tom

 

[SPYDERLK]

The real problem is when your rear tractor tires go in a dip all the weight gets transferred to the gauge wheels putting extra stress on them.

tom

The whole 3ph mechanism will rise all the way to its stop before the top illustration happens. Only extreme circumstances are sufficient to cause this.
larry

 

[RoyJackson]

The whole 3ph mechanism will rise all the way to its stop before the top illustration happens. Only extreme circumstances are sufficient to cause this.
larry

Yeah, but adding a floating bracket on the rake (tommu56 called it a "toggle") would prevent that.

Downside, of course, is the rake might float when you don't want float.

 

[Shield Arc]

First rule of welding and fabrication, is proper joint design, and prep!
Second rule of welding and fabrication, is proper joint design, and prep!
Third rule of welding and fabrication, is proper joint design, and prep!
Fourth rule of........ Well you get the idea.:laughing:

When ever I have to weld something round to something flat, I cut some of these. These half plate washers really help to get weld volume.

 

[beppington]

Add 2 triangular braces on each wheel as shown?

 

[RoyJackson]

Add 2 triangular braces on each wheel as shown?

That's a gusset, Bep...

 

[beppington]

That's a gusset, Bep...

OK, two gussets on each wheel

 

[Shield Arc]

Those gussets are a great idea, I wouldn't weld them solid to the jack! I'd skip weld them starting at the bottom. Too much welding just might warp the tube.