PDA

View Full Version : Weld prep in tight areas?


49 Fastback
03-29-2007, 11:12 AM
I'm in a fix. I'm trying to repair a bad weld that I totally botched up on the underside of my welding cart. I can't get my grinder in to grind off the contaminated surface. What can I use to clean the metal?

I was thinking of a degreasing cleaner on a rag, and then work it with either a needle file or steel wool? Any other ideas? I think the reason my weld popped is because I didn't prep enough (it was the last weld on the table, I was in a hurry...lesson learned!)

Thanks

Tucker

martell06
03-29-2007, 11:44 AM
small speed blaster??

Piper
03-29-2007, 11:46 AM
how bout a dremel tool? They have really tiny bits that can get almost anywhere.

Piper

49 Fastback
03-29-2007, 11:50 AM
What dremel bit would I use? I've never been impressed with the grinding stones I've used--maybe I'm buying the wrong ones or looking for too fast of a result?

Tucker

Piper
03-29-2007, 12:14 PM
I'm not 100% sure how big an area but I've had success with tight jobs like this with a conical metal bit kind of like a big dentist bit. They are quite hard and will cut but ultimately are usually ruined by the time the job is done. Maybe if you could provide a pic or 2 so we could see how big/tight the area is?
:headscrat
Piper

Roospike
03-29-2007, 01:32 PM
Carbide bur bit maybe ? Just guessing here as a picture of a close up and and pic of the over all structure would help a lot.

Did the weld break or whats wrong with it ?

russlaferrera
03-29-2007, 06:18 PM
Die grinder with a 1/4 in end mill cutter or steel cutter that fits your needs.

49 Fastback
03-29-2007, 06:43 PM
It's the junction of the table top frame and the leg. The leg popped loose on it. It's made out of 1/8" angle iron.

I'll swing by the store and see what they have. It sounds like doing it by hand with a file is not a good option...

Thanks

Tucker

toolfreak
03-30-2007, 08:08 AM
I would use a straight or angle die grinder with either a burr bit or a grinding stone.

49 Fastback
03-30-2007, 09:16 AM
I picked up a grinding stone and went to town. Got it clean and all welded up. All I have to do is finish welding the plate the CO2 tank will rest on, and I'm done. I would post a pic, but form is getting whupped badly by function! It's ugly, it's crooked looking but it's level and stable!

Thanks guys!

Tucker