Welding Tips and Tricks

The guy that had me repair his table saw, has a new project for me. A firepit made from .060 (1.5mm) stainless steel, that needs repair. It was made about 10 years ago, and has cracked along a number of welds in the center section. I'm trying to figure out how to keep it from cracking again. From research, it appears the 430 was not a good choice for this application.

Nope. Stainless can get pretty brittle with heat cycles. Thin sheet will also “oil can” heavily as it heats then cools making it more prone to cracking at the weld. Any way of adding stiffeners or strong backs to the underside?

Here are pictures of top and bottom. The builder had some reinforcement straps, but most have broken away.

Lucky you to have that to repair Nice filler metal holders you got there

Richard,
If he didn't want it done before Thanksgiving, I would just bring it down to you. I'm bringing dad down there the first of December. Thanks for the nice words on the filler rack.

I think I'm going to pass on this one, and let him take it back to the guy that made it. It means a 30 mile trip vs 200 feet to my shop, but I don't see an affordable way for me to make a durable repair.