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Question for Experienced Welders

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by cycledrum, May 22, 2009.

  1. cycledrum

    cycledrum PSOCSOASP

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    Would 'TIG welding with stainless steel rod' be the best method for welding to the seat rail shown below? Or would MIG with flux core wire be just fine?

    I ask because Solar_Powered mentioned using TIG when welding the same pieces. Didn't get a PM back from SP recently.

    The weld has to be in the crevasse in the pic. I would sand off paint first. (this is a Corolla 'foot' just for example).

    IM002470.jpg

    Here's the front extender brace tack welded

    IM002469.jpg

    Glad I'm trying this on a used seat.
     
    #1 cycledrum, May 22, 2009
  2. Daox

    Daox Member

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    Tig or mig will work. Tig would likely be prettier if you know how to tig weld. Flux core is messy, but it'll do the job. I believe that is just a mild steel bracket, so theres no real reason to use stainless filler rod, but you can if you really want to.
     
    #2 Daox, May 22, 2009
  3. cycledrum

    cycledrum PSOCSOASP

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    Thanks for the reply!

    Booked a MIG and helmet to rent this weekend. The agent reminded that TIG welders are very expensive and said even he couldn't get the hang of it.

    They'll give me scrap metal for practice. Planning to weld in the backyard.
     
    #3 cycledrum, May 22, 2009
  4. msirach

    msirach Member

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    I second the words of Daox. No need for stainless and I would recommend tig if available. Flux core wire if you are doing it yourself. (with a 4" grinder available.)

     
    #4 msirach, May 22, 2009
  5. dogfriend

    dogfriend Human - Animal Hybrid

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    I'm not a welder, but a mechanical engineer with a bunch of grad work in material science. Ideally, you would use filler rod that matches the base material as closely as possible. I agree that the rails and brackets are mild steel - no need to use stainless steel filler.
     
    #5 dogfriend, May 22, 2009
  6. dogfriend

    dogfriend Human - Animal Hybrid

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    I took a welding class back in college. We had one day to try TIG welding. It was really easy to blow a hole in whatever you were welding.
     
    #6 dogfriend, May 22, 2009
  7. Daox

    Daox Member

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    I'd also recommend taping off the rails where you don't want spatter to get into. It can sometimes be a pain to chip off and if you can't get it out, it may bind up with the mating part.
     
    #7 Daox, May 22, 2009
  8. cycledrum

    cycledrum PSOCSOASP

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    Thanks for that.

    Not too expensive to rent. About $70 / day.

    Thanks again Daox. Also msirach thanks.

    Off to work.
     
    #8 cycledrum, May 22, 2009
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