welding question: fill in the gap?

[mhorowit]

Re: welding question: fill in the gap?

Someone suggested that instead of attempting to view this as get-the-inner-tube-molten-then-include-the-outer-tube that I just treat this as two seperate lap joints. Thoughts? - MikeH

Please see http://members.cox.net/mhorowit/cluster/lapjoint/
I took someones suggestion and treated each side of the "outer sleeve" and the "inner sleeve" as the components of a lap joint; hence two beads.
- MikeH

PS - I don't think taking a shortcut by simply cutting a partial slice in a larger diameter tube would make a difference in the exercise.

As I post this, I see the "High Time Cub" posting - will read over coffee

[high time cub]

Re: welding question: fill in the gap?

Now, if someone were to say "let the outer sleeve burn back", problem would be solved. - MikeH

http://www.airbum.com/articles/ArticleZenWelding.html

"As we said, the diameter of the puddle will vary, but that variance will be much smaller than you think. It will always be about 1/4 inch and may widen out to 5/16 inch or even larger on acute-angle joints in clusters, but that's a function of the joint configuration and the bead bridging a gap, rather than the metal or torch tip.

Incidentally, it is because the bead is so wide in relation to the thickness of the material that it is difficult to get a bad weld, as long as it penetrates and doesn't get too hot and oxidize. Since we are working metal .035-063 inch thick, if we get penetration into the surface and the bead is 1/4 inch wide, we've got a tremendous amount of weld area in relation to the thickness of the metal. So, as long as there actually is penetration, the weld will be good. Period."

[mhorowit]

Re: welding question: fill in the gap?

http://www.airbum.com/articles/ArticleZenWelding.html

This will take several reads;
I like the first part 'cause he's saying something I've observed when welding and around a campfire - when the coals burn down and you focus on the fire, you can actually feel like you are part of the settling coals - I"ve heard this refered to as "dreaming the fire". Exactly the same mesmerizing that the author talks about with the welding puddle - you get drawn into it; I"ve had to look at the puddle out of the corner of my eye to avoid going into 'stare' mode. I've been taking my glasses off when I put the goggles on - I like the idea of cheap reading glasses 'caue I also like the idea of getting in close. Thanks for the pointer - MikeH