[TheForge] Welding preheat

[Paul N]

Ron,
I was afraid that using smaller stuff, even down to like 1/2" square 
would probably bend from the weight (the end of the "handle" will also 
be at forging heat). And if I go much larger, the whole thing will start 
to get pretty heavy.

I may be over-thinking this. So I appreciate the suggestions.

thanks
**paul

On 9/17/2010 11:31 AM, Ron Childers wrote:
> Arc is fine; why not use a longer, smaller dia handle so you don't have to
> mess with tongs?
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net
> [mailto:theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Paul N
> Sent: Friday, September 17, 2010 11:44 AM
> To: Sponsored by ABANA
> Subject: [TheForge] Welding preheat
>
> I'm about to make my first largish hammer, and I intend to arc-weld a
> "handle" stub onto it. Since I only have hobby-duty welding equipment,
> I thought I'd get another opinion or two before I proceed.
>
> The hammer head will be forged in a coal forge.
>
> Here's what I've got:
> Material:
>    2.5" dia piece of railroad locomotive spring, about 5" long (around 7#)
>    1" dia A-36 for my "handle" (about 6" long so I can grab it with
> reasonably sized pair of tongs)
>
> Choice of welders:
>    Lincoln 225 AC/DC ("tombstone")
>    Lincoln SP-170T wirefeed (.035 FCAW)
>
>
> Here's the procedure I'm considering:
> I've beveled the end of the 1" piece leaving about 1/4" flat at the bottom.
>
> I was going to use the 225 AC/DC and 6011 rod DCEP to get the best
> penetration
>
> I'm going to preheat both pieces. From what I've read, I should preheat
> the spring to about 300 degrees.
>
> Questions:
> Is this likely to produce a weld that's adequate to hold up to the
> hammering? (Manual, striker with a sledge)
>
> Is the preheat temp critical? More specifically, is hotter better?
>
> thanks,
> **Paul
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