First real job..... need advice

[comrade mackie]

Hi,

I recently got a small mig (clarke 135te) and i have my first job.

I have erected a prefab concrete shed with a galv steel door.

I want to weld two standard dead locks a foot above and below the standard sash lock.

The door is 22 gauge (0.7mm) and the locks frame is 14 gauge (2mm) i have only laid practice welds on scrap and I am worried that I might blow holes in the 22 gauge when it is butted up against the 14 gauge.

Any tips?

Yours Fraternally

Mackie

 

[pedrobedro]

Can you bolt them through the door and put a spreader plate behind them then weld the bolt heads?

 

[keith19]

I certainly wouldn't trust myself to weld 0.8 or 0.7 mm to 2mm for a job as critical as yours, and I've been welding for some years. Through bolts would be the best route.

 

[comrade mackie]

The distance between the door and the frame is very tight. the head on the coach bolt would foul the frame.



Also Mods please move this to 'Learning MIG Welding' Sorry!

 

[keith19]

Just a thought, could you first weld 1.2 mm strip to the door around where your lock fits? It would be easier then to weld 2 mm to 1.2 mm than to 0.7 mm.

If you try this, get plenty practice in first, on same thickness materials. Use the on-off thin metal technique, tack welds spaced apart to reduce heat, then tacking onto each tack again, until you get a welded seam.

 

[comrade mackie]

cheers, I'll post pics of my hack job at some point!!!

 

[Hitch]

Countersunk bolts?

I'd steer clear of welding sheet that thin, especially as its galv sheet (?)

Countersunk bolts sound ideal, if I am thinking along the right lines.
Quicker too probably.

 

[razie1985]

I would take the advice from Hitch & Pedrobedro, bolts would be the best way to go.
also as it is galvanized you will have to grind it away and may make the sheet a bit to thin for welding

 

[neilarmo]

If you're looking to increase security for your treasured welder etc, I'd go for a thicker door in the first place rather than welding locks to a biscuit tin lid.
I agree with the bolting rather than welding bit though in this case.