Welding Tips and Tricks

haha Man, I am making a welding table. It is like 36 inches long, by say, 25 wide. So, I have the top and bottom welded. All is good there. BUT, the freaking legs, which was 30 inches long are mothers. Well, they go in between the top and bottom. I was then going to get a piece of metal, cut a square, weld to the bottom and put wheels on.

The metal is 1/4, 2 by 2 square tube. So, the legs are good, but for one. First, it was two inches out. haha I fixed it and still it is way out. I just can not figure out why it keeps happening. I just tacked them to the bottom. I have having no luck at all with the thing. Someone had the idea, that I could weld a piece of steel, a square I cut, to the bottom. THEN put the bottom frame on the thing. Then, the bottom would not be over one square more than another. But really, I should fix the problem. The person said I am not a pro and I am just learning. That is true. But still, seems I should make the thing right, instead of just throwing it together.

It is a kick in the teeth with a steel toed kodiak work boot, then a trip to the hospital bloodied and bashed. haha Sorry, one of my favorite movies, that was a line.

You need to constrain your metal even when tacking it. It does funny things when you weld it and can get all out of whack before you know it. Use LOTS of clamps. Sometimes you have to get creative about clamping too. Tack your pieces and check your plumb, level and square and adjust it if anything moved. NEVER full weld anything before you have it all tacked up.

Can you post up a pic so we can see what's going on?

Yes, a picture would be a good idea. haha I have to shower, go get some food and get my bottle of Argon.

I did tack the thing on. But, still the sucker bent. I wish I could have put the top part on as well. As far as clamps go, I had two on the thing. That is all that would fit. They say, I believe 50 pounds they hold. I want one of those really strong ones, that you can turn on or off. But, those suckers are like $79.99. haha I will post a picture later on.

this is what i use for miters and legs.
pivot arm on right side swings over and holds vertical leg in place.
craig

Craig...you're spoiled

I got one of those from the tool consignment store by me handy as hell!

Your spoiled too Tom!

jeff
you need to be spoiled too...
craig

I am spoiled...I enjoy cutting tacks to re-square everything when I get careless or in a hurry, It's all about how you look at it

like have said before
my welding is my practice.....
craig

Hmm I have two videos. But, I can not upload them here. So, the pictures will have to do. I took some from the video.

I said I had clamped the legs down. When I thought about it, I realized I had not. So, when I go to do it again, you know, THAT will help. LOL

I have to leave this thing outside. It is to big to fit in the shed I have. I hate to do it. But, I have no choice.

exnailpounder wrote:Your spoiled too Tom!

No way If I was spoiled it would have a cupholder!!!