Welding prep questions

[bluedog225]

I’m putting together a solar array, using double strut and rigid metal conduit. All galvanized to some degree or another. This is the best picture I have at the moment. The double strut is held onto the 3 inch pipe with 1/2 inch thick, hot dipped u-bolts. The post caps allow for summer/winter angle adjustment.

I’d like to weld the strut and bolt to the 3” horizontal pipe to keep them all in the same plane. There is a little recessed area between the u-bolt and the pipe. And a 90 degree joint between the strut and the pipe.

I don’t know much about welding. I’d like to prep all those little joints for the weldor. It’s going to take a bit of time to get them all. I can get in there with a 4” grinding or cutting wheel. It’s a little brute force.

I talked to the welder/weldor. He says it‘s fine to weld as is. I’m a big fan of proper prep In most things.

Two questions. First, do I need to grind off the zinc? Or can he just power through it? And second, is there something I can spray on the prep’d site to keep it clean and rust free prior to the welding?

Thanks

 

[tarmy]

Well, grinding or welding galvanized coatings off gases toxic fumes. Proper breathing protection is a real thing when doing grinding/welding of it. Always get clean metal to weld…grinding to clean metal will make things easier and provide for a better weld. I got headaches when I welded anything and bought this helmet…expensive, but I have one set of lungs and eyes…

 

[PCustoms]

I don’t know much about welding. I’d like to prep all those little joints for the weldor. It’s going to take a bit of time to get them all. I can get in there with a 4” grinding or cutting wheel. It’s a little brute force.

I talked to the welder/weldor. He says it‘s fine to weld as is. I’m a big fan of proper prep In most things.

If the welder says it's fine, then leave it be.

I assume they will be running stick, that will burn through that no problem.

How are you treating the freshly welded material?

 

[bluedog225]

I was planning on cold galvanize. Sorta matches the decor.

And what is tock? Google no help

 

[PCustoms]

And what is tock? Google no help

Horrendous typo.

Stick

 

[Loga_3]

Always remove plating prior to welding. As for the protection, i would probably put some oil on it to prevent rust. Easily removed when it's time to weld.

 

[bdbecker]

If you trust your welder, trust his process. If he says it's fine, then don't mess with it. I'm sure you have the best intentions in mind, but let him do his job.

 

[bluedog225]

Trust would be a little strong.

 

[Firebrick43]

Stick welding will burn through just fine. If our doors. And there is a breeze or fan pushing fumes away you will be ok otherwise you need a respirator designed for metal fumes. Probably not a bad idea either way to wear one.

The cold galvanizing is how o would protect it.

 

[Jswain]

Best way to prep for your weldor is to keep all your **** out of his way. Just like you wouldn't loosen any bolts for your mechanic, don't prep the metal and spray some **** on it hoping to help him.

Make sure the area is tidy and organized so he just has to get there, prep & weld.

And like mentioned, some cold galvanizing spray after the welding is complete.

 

[Ultradog MN]

I agree with the others who say to leave it alone. Your welder will know what to do.
If he is using stick it will burn right through the galvanizing.
Don't stand downwind from him.
If you want to help, tell him you don't mind chipping the slag off and wire wheeling after he's done. Save you a few minutes off his hourly rate.
Cold galvanizing in a spray can is fine.

 

[Bert_]

I've never ground off galvanizing before a weld. Has never hurt anything. I usually run 6011 it'll burn through about anything as long as you can strike an arc.

 

[no704]

Don’t forget to also coat the sawed off ends. Just ask your welder what u can do to help. Stay out of his way and offer him a glass of milk!

 

[steel 35]

I made it simple NO!
Sure got funny looks, countered with;
I will do it first thing in the morning, and take the rest of the day off

 

[Bert_]

I ran 7018 and some 6011 on this. Galv angle and mild steel flat. I didn't really prep anything. Burned through fine, something else will fail before the welds.

 

[GaryM909]

I have welded lots of strut over the years. The galvanizing is thin enough to weld over. 7018 seamed to work best. Every time I had to weld it I was on the job and the only electrodes on site were either 7018 or 6010.

 

[ching0n]

you can weld galvanized but I like to avoid it. I don't have a fancy mask but I can hold my breath just fine if I don't have a breeze to assist.