do I need root gap

[robin osborne]

Hello. Just quick one. I am making welding table . Legs and bracing is 40mm box 4mm thick. The box is very rounded. Do I need to leave root gap. I have welder 5mm plate on to bottom of legs at around 140 amp and seems ok. Was going to carry on welding legs to bracing using this setting but thought I check first

 

[Richard.]

You don't need a root gap when making a work bench just a suitable machine to stick it Up well. The design of how it's built is the key to its stability. Brace the legs up well top and middle then drop the top on top and stitch it down.

 

[robin osborne]

"]You don't need a root gap when making a work bench just a suitable machine to stick it Up well. The design of how it's built is the key to its stability. Brace the legs up well top and middle then drop the top on top and stitch it down.
Cheers Rich. I have an rtec mig 180 I have only done up to 3mm. I was aiming for around 157 amp and 314 inch wire with .8mm wire as a starting point I have been using .001 inch of metal = 1 amp and 2 x inch of wire per amp. I fined I usually end up about 25 amp over this formula. But finger that's ok

 

[Richard.]

I am sure the r tech is sufficient mate. I don't think formulae and mathematical theory is needed to build a bench. Build it square, brace it well and stitch it up.

 

[Kent]

I avoid welding rhs frames without a little gap or its hard to square things. Running a route though? Nah, tack it all up then crack on with the full weld-up.