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should cold (temperature) steel be warmed b4 weldi

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diggerdave

12-09-2004 06:21:52

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I dont know a lot about the physical properties of "steel" (example: the angle or channel steel on a typical trailer..). If you were to have to weld on one in the middle of winter and say it was below zero, should the area to be welded be warmed with a torch or do the properties of "steel" make that point moot??? just wondering. thanks dave

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SamCanada

12-13-2004 10:40:03

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Re: should cold (temperature) steel be warmed b4 w in reply to diggerdave, 12-09-2004 06:21:52

With all due respect to prior advice on this matter, may I suggest for safety's sake, that there be no conjecture on this issue. Those suggesting preheating, are of course correct. There are different requirements for different applications, but in your case, certainly remove the moisture by preheating. Take care if using a torch for heating, to avoid excessive oxygen in the flame adjustment. A neutral flame is best, held about 6 to 10 inches distant from the work. Also, allow to cool slowly,(cover up if excessively cold). My last tip is to make sure your welding rods are warm and dry. Never use damp 7018 rods when someone's life might depend on it. Be safe my friend.

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farmweld

12-10-2004 11:13:56

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Re: should cold (temperature) steel be warmed b4 w in reply to diggerdave, 12-09-2004 06:21:52

the weld will cool too fast and you risk cracking. make sure you pre heat at any temp below about 45. farmweld

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Greg NE Or

12-10-2004 10:49:34

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Re: should cold (temperature) steel be warmed b4 w in reply to diggerdave, 12-09-2004 06:21:52

There is a book [Fabricators' and Erectors' Guide] or rather a 50 some page manual on the Lincoln web site, that will answer this question plus a whole lot more. Lincoln used to offer this book a no charge, I see that it has now gone up from $5.00 to $7.00 and I still feel that it a 'Must Have' and worth many times this price for any beginning or advanced welder.

Not much of a way to answer your question, but I feel it may take a few chapters to do so.

In General you will hardly ever go wrong using a mild pre-heat.

On Lincoln's site

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BobR

12-09-2004 15:51:44

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Re: should cold (temperature) steel be warmed b4 w in reply to diggerdave, 12-09-2004 06:21:52

Preheat around the weldment area, or the weld may cool too guickly and crack. Bob

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T_Bone

12-09-2004 14:45:09

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Re: should cold (temperature) steel be warmed b4 w in reply to diggerdave, 12-09-2004 06:21:52

Hi Dave,

Can't write it up right now but will soon, couple weeks.

Basicly you want to remove the surface moister at 32� and below or if there is a higher dew point. We would be concerned about the moister.

Heat to just above 212� to boil off the water with in 2" of center weldment. Weed burner works well. You'll see the moister evaporate from the steel surface as the metal comes to correct tempature.

It's the below 32� temps that will take some time to write about.

T_Bone

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Jim861

12-09-2004 09:58:47

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Re: should cold (temperature) steel be warmed b4 w in reply to diggerdave, 12-09-2004 06:21:52

I was doing just that repairing my ramps on my trailer in 30 degree weather in the barn. I had 4inch channel an tryed both ways pre heating an just laying a 7018ac rod on it.I didnt see the difference but like someone else said I think in the warm weather I do get a better weld.Maybe some one will pop in an answer our ????

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BFO

12-09-2004 09:48:04

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Re: should cold (temperature) steel be warmed b4 w in reply to diggerdave, 12-09-2004 06:21:52

Generally, thicknesses over 3/8" should be preheated, and if there is no tempstick available, to at least take the moisture out. The entire weldment can act as a heat sink, and if the weld cools too fast, cracking can result.

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hay

12-09-2004 09:36:26

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Re: should cold (temperature) steel be warmed b4 w in reply to diggerdave, 12-09-2004 06:21:52

i always have a hard time getting a decent weld on cold steel. i was wondering the same thing about heating it first.

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kraigWY

12-09-2004 06:55:01

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Re: should cold (temperature) steel be warmed b4 w in reply to diggerdave, 12-09-2004 06:21:52

I wouldn't think it would matter. Metal has to be heated to X degrees before it melts. It wouldn't matter if you started out a 10 degrees or 60 degrees, it still melts at the same temp.

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txblu

12-09-2004 09:33:36

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Re: should cold (temperature) steel be warmed b4 w in reply to kraigWY, 12-09-2004 06:55:01

On paper I agree. Comon sense says I agree as you are up in the 1000's of degrees F vs a change of ambient of from say 90 to 30 (-60).

But as strange as it seems, I have a harder time welding in the winter..... .but maybe it's fighting the glasses and hood fog...just seems that way.

Oh well,

Mark

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lucass

12-09-2004 06:52:25

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Re: should cold (temperature) steel be warmed b4 w in reply to diggerdave, 12-09-2004 06:21:52

i dont think cold roll has to be preheated.. some high carbon steel like what you use 7018 rod on calls for preheat to 200 degrees... lucas

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