Weld Test Stand

[erikmannie]

The weld test stand is really tall so that I can get plenty of overhead action. The top of it is 18” away from the ceiling.

 

[erikmannie]

I spent the last few hours milling the “backing strap” (this 1/2” plate is used to attach the coupons being welded on to the fixture), wire wheeling and flap disking the slag & spatter.

I suppose I should get some high temp spray paint on to that exposed steel.

Now I need to cope some pipe (two 90° & one 45°) to weld on to the sleeves.

 

[erikmannie]

I see that it took me 30 minutes just to cope one 90°. Of course, I will use painter’s tape to get a template for my next 90°.

 

[Winegrower]

The weld test stand is really tall so that I can get plenty of overhead action.

I think this is about as far from having a good time in the shop as I could get.

 

[erikmannie]

Even with a template, this one took me 30 minutes, as well.

 

[erikmannie]

So a new friend came over as soon as I finished the second cope. The friend had 2 axle flanges he needed turned down. You will see pictures below of these axle flanges before and after.

He wanted to hang around and watch me weld the (weld test stand) sleeves on to the arms (the joint is the 90° miter). After I did a deep & hot root pass (6010, of course), he asked if he could do the cap pass. Although he had not arc welded (i.e. SMAW) in 27 years, about half of his beads looked better than mine.










EDIT: In the last photo, the 1/2” plate in the fixture is what you tack weld your sheet and plate coupons on to. You could also clamp a backing strap in there.

 

[erikmannie]

I had to clean up a big mess in the shop before I started work on this today. All that I have accomplished on the weld test stand so far today is buying high temp spray paint + more Grade 8 bolts (for the pipe/tubing fixture), & coping this 45° angle.

The mitering work took a very un-fun 45 minutes.

 

[erikmannie]

I had to have my grandson hold this down while I tack welded it. I tried to do it by myself with clamps and what not, but it was much easier with 4 arms.

This tack is ugly, but serviceable.

 

[erikmannie]

I put in a deep & hot root. Then I ground this root down flat. Now I am going for a hot pass (always with 3/32” 6010 at 75-80A unless mentioned otherwise).

 

[erikmannie]

I am not proud of this. I am going to paint it & move on.