Inherited a Lincoln MIG 140. Getting the fever

[Beaux Duke]

My BIL passed away and left me his Lincoln MIG 140 (115v). I realize it's limitations but I'm having fun with it.
My current project is to rebuild the battery tray for my golf cart (inherited that too)
I've finished the tray base and have only the back supporting straps to complete. Lacking metal bending capability I decided to cut the top 4 inches of the existing strap and weld new material to connect the hanger with the tray bottom

So, what's best? Butt weld the 1/8" by 3" plates or overlap by 1 1/2" or so? Since over 600lbs will be hanging under my tush I want the strongest weld possible.

My welding experience began in hi school AG class and ended when I graduated 2 years later. I know the basics and have been working on test beads for strength and penetration.

I'm considering drilling through the top plate so I can fill in the holes and weld the bottom plate to the top through the holes. I'm open for criticism if it's constructive. Just don't make fun of my welder:soapbox::ambulance:
Thanks

 

[Shield Arc]

So, what's best? Butt weld the 1/8" by 3" plates or overlap by 1 1/2" or so? Since over 600lbs will be hanging under my tush I want the strongest weld possible.

You can go either way. I personally like the looks of a butt weld. I would double bevel both pieces. I also try to never leave the crater / stop on the end of a plate. I try to stop in the center of the weld. Generally the starts and stops are the weakest part of a weld.

 

[Big Barn]

You can go either way. I personally like the looks of a butt weld. I would double bevel both pieces. I also try to never leave the crater / stop on the end of a plate. I try to stop in the center of the weld. Generally the starts and stops are the weakest part of a weld.

I've welded for fifty years on the farm, but learned more in the last two years thanks to SA and others on TBN. Thanks, to all.

Terry

 

[Shield Arc]

I've welded for fifty years on the farm, but learned more in the last two years thanks to SA and others on TBN. Thanks, to all.

Terry

That's strange! I've only been welding a few weeks.

 

[Big Barn]

That's strange! I've only been welding a few weeks.

Coulda sworn I'd read that a couple of years back...

Terry

 

[Arc weld]

Shield Arc started welding on Feb.29 so his weeks are leap weeks.

 

[Jorville]

That's strange! I've only been welding a few weeks.

That was a very long few weeks, plus welding fumes messes up a guys memory.

 

[Underdog57]

You can go either way. I personally like the looks of a butt weld. I would double bevel both pieces. I also try to never leave the crater / stop on the end of a plate. I try to stop in the center of the weld. Generally the starts and stops are the weakest part of a weld.

I hate to sound like a suck a** stalker, but SA always gives great advice in easy to understand terms and with great drawings to help us inexperienced weldors out!!! Thanks SA for sharing your vast knowledge with us, and I for one, read everything you post!!

Just wanted to say Thanks to everyone and especially SA! : :thumbsup:

Ok........stalking rant over...... I'm harmless.

 

[Shield Arc]

Thanks Underdog57!:thumbsup: As much as I like talking about welding. I would really like to talk about driving piles. I drove piles for more years than I welded for a living. Any of you guys want to build a bridge, or a container ship dock, lets get a thread going!

 

[Beaux Duke]

Thanks for the pointers SA. I went with the butt weld. Took my time, beveled as you suggested and cleaned everything up. Welding is a lot like painting. Preparation is essential for good results. Results looked just like yours...almost. :thumbsup: