Welding the Inside of an Acute Angle?

[cegreen]

Here's part of a gantry crane. Are there welds in the crotches between the braces and the main upright, or are they not necessary?

If they are welded, how is it done? Stick? OA torch? It doesn't look like a MIG or TIG torch would fit in there.

Thanks.

-Chris

 

[bika bill]

I wouldn't even try it. I'd bevel the front/back (top/bottom) of each hypotenuse leg. There is no welding process with which I could get a weld in that tight angle -- it would not be a beautiful thing. Typically I like at least a 45 degree angle and either a 1/16 inch root opening or a 1/4 inch extension at the root (flat bottom).

 

[A_Pmech]

I think you'll find it's not welded there.

Welding in an acute angle causes, among other things, an enormous amount of distortion.

 

[55bigblockcid]

I think I would make a triangular plate to weld on either side.Then you could weld the tubing to the plate.

 

[cegreen]

Thanks, guys. That's what I suspected. -Chris

 

[mayday0017]

JB weld

 

[coldfusion21]

Or the angle is made wide enough to weld. I've seen some pretty short/wide gantry crane arms.

 

[carhunter]

I think you'll find it's not welded there.

Do you think there's much strength gained by having a weld there, assuming it was possible?

 

[sanddan]

Where's ZTFab? If anyone could do it, he's the man.

In roll cages and off road tube frames there are joints like that but it is round tubing so maybe easier to weld.

 

[kald]

No need IMO if they are welded vertically on the outside and not ground flat for aesthetic reasons.

 

[Piper]

x2... look at the direction of the load the inside doesn't do much and would be messy at best. The bottom outside/inside and the top outside are easy to get to and are critical IMO

I wouldn't worry about the inside top at all. If anything, I'd be putting a piece of plate across the top to tie the 3 together if it needed more "umpff"

 

[metacath]

I would put a gusset on the front and back instead.

 

[dadsEH]

fishplates!

 

[Vegaman_Dan]

Gusset plates are the metal fabricator's friend here. Easy to cut and weld to the outside. Also easy to modify/repair later.

 

[brian90505]

Anything designed to rely on welds in those areas, not a very smart design