Welding black oxide steel

[DekeT]

Any tips on this material weldabiltiy? The manufacturers sites all say no toxic release and the welding forums all say it's stinky nasty with unhealthy odors. Anyway I need to weld two shaft collars on one of my tractor axle supports and this collar material is all I can easily find. I am welding it to 3/16 low carbon steel. I have mig, stick, and oxy/acet choices for the welding. Any tips on which of these processes is best or is it personal preference?

 

[coma13]

Grind the weld area and wear a respirator?

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[strength_and_power]

Weld as is or hit it with a grinder and get down to parent metal. If you were going to be welding for hours on end, a respirator would be a good idea just to keep the black boogers to a minimum. Zinc plated and galvanized would be different.

 

[Tinner]

Sand it off, it can cause porosity. Any coating or plating should be removed before welding. At a minimum you'll get a more stable arc. If it's clean it won't matter what process you use.

 

[laser3kw]

We manufacture parts using that method all the time. The welders usually align the parts, tack collar in place, then (mig)weld as print directed. It such a short process that if the is any stink, it doesn't last long. Just don't inhale any fumes.

 

[jar944]

Seeing how black oxide is a iron oxide (in this case magnetite) I wouldn't worry about smells.

Prep the same as rusty metal, since its black rust.