[ODIS]

My new project is for a log skidder/ boom arm for the 3 pt hitch on my tractor. I am using 3" heavy walled sq tubing.

I have the 25" cross piece all capped and am ready to weld the upright too it. Should I notch the end of the upright or could I get by with filling in the gap from the rounded corners and grinding flat and welding in splints that are about six inches long. All I have for notching is a grinder and I have not been able to cut notches in the past that would lead me to believe that I could get the kind of strength for something like this. I will be using it to lift and drag logs of course but also lifting and moving other heavy stuff like my rotary mower and plow blades.

[cj737]

Give this video a watch and see if it doesn't help your technique-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHBanmf ... mdFavcfzKw

[ODIS]

Give this video a watch and see if it doesn't help your technique-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHBanmf ... mdFavcfzKw

I've watched that video before, I'm just curious if doing that would be necessary with heavy walled square tubing. I invision one side not being the same as the other. By the way thanks for the response.

[cj737]

Well to answer your original question... I see no issue filling the rounded corners with weld versus a coped cut. OBVIOUSLY you need to allow for venting when you weld it close. I tend to weld the top of the upright closed, then move to the bottom. That allows the gas/heat from the lower weld to fill the chamber vertically and provide me more time to close the weld (if I'm fast enough) before blowing out.

Make any sense?

[ODIS]

Yes that makes sense, I will end up cutting 2 strips of 1/4" 6" long and splint front and back for extra reinforcement.