Need welding advice (Arc Welding)

[Bencrx91]

Good day all,

I want to extend metal legs of a work table that I have.
It's made out of 1/16" thick 2"x2" O.D. steel square tubing.

The closest match I found at the local metal shop was 1/8" x 2"x2" O.D.

I want to weld 12" extensions to the legs of the tables.
Which rod (#) and size @ what amp, should I use so it doesn't burn through ?
I have "v-grooved" both piece.

I have a lincoln AC 225 GLM stick welder and I am a beginner. ;)

Thanks,
Ben

[Red Green]

It's been a while(I got a Mig) I think you want 1/8" 7014 and set the welder to 65 or 75 Not sure but I think that is close

[dxdexter]

It will be difficult for a beginner to weld 1/16" material with the SMAW process without burn through. I would however use a 6013 (1/16" or 3/32") rod running around 40 to 60 amps depending on rod diameter. You should practice on some scrap before attempting and adjust the amperage as needed.
You should be able to get 2" x 2" x .100" HSS easily from most metal suppliers in Canada.

[Franz©]

As previously said, that is a tough weld for a beginner with stick.
Much better situation
Get some 1½ x 1/8 flat stock and cut 8 pieces 2" long and 8 pieces 4" long. Drill or burn ½" holes back from the end of the 1/16 tube so you can plugweld the flatstock in place to form an internal box.

Do the same holes with the 1/8 tubing. Insert the internal box, and make the plug welds.

Then drive the addition tube onto the box, and weld those plugs employing a piece of 2" or larger angle to retain straightness.

Final step, weld the butt joynt between the tubes.

This method will give you the strongest coupling even with limited welding ability.

I'd go with 6013 2/32, 1/16 is like cooked spagetti especially in the hands of a beginner.
Do a bit of practice on scrap and determine the current you'll need, probably around 60 amps.

[Bencrx91]

Thanks for the replys !
After looking my bills, i figured out that I had actually purchased .100 metal.
(not 1/8).

I have previously purchased the rods below:

3/32 : E7018
3/32 : E6010

3/32 : E6013
5/64 : E6013
1/16 : E6013

I might try it a shot, following your advices. Tomorrow's Sunday and I don't have flat metal on hand, I might give it a try directly without building a "box" inside the main square tube.

When welding an extension to the legs and grinding the welds flat )so the legs is a square tubbing from one end to another), will it still be strong enough ?

Thanks again for your advices !
Ben

[Franz©]

""When welding an extension to the legs and grinding the welds flat )so the legs is a square tubbing from one end to another), will it still be strong enough ?""

In the simplest terms possible, ABSOLUTELY NOT!

Without reenforcing that joint it's a disaster waiting to happen.
I wouldn't do it, and I'll guarantee I can make the weld.

There just isn't enough metal there to handle the stresses of an unsupported joynt. On top of that, the final product is a table leg. When it lets go, everything on top of the leg comes down, and somebody or something gets hurt.

[Red Green]

""When welding an extension to the legs and grinding the welds flat )so the legs is a square tubbing from one end to another), will it still be strong enough ?""

In the simplest terms possible, ABSOLUTELY NOT!

Without reenforcing that joint it's a disaster waiting to happen.
I wouldn't do it, and I'll guarantee I can make the weld.

There just isn't enough metal there to handle the stresses of an unsupported joynt. On top of that, the final product is a table leg. When it lets go, everything on top of the leg comes down, and somebody or something gets hurt.

:+1: I agree