Warp Prevention?

[odleo]

I use a lot of clamps and learned the hard way to move arouind when welding. I have seen Stan's (SIC) work up close and when he suggest to move aournd and use a lot of tacks, you can take it to the bank. Untill I saw them use a torch and wet rag I would have not believed how good it works

[BradBlazer]

You got good advice. I look at the effect as when you weld or heat metal to the annealing temperature it will relax all stress in the hot, expanded state. As it cools it gets it's strength back before it finishes shrinking. The last thing that happens is high strength shrinkage of the area that was heated.

Moving around reduces the heat affected zone which reduces shrinkage. It also lets you get an assembly square before you lock in the warp. As you become more familiar with the effect you will learn to use it to your advantage to get the final shape you want.

It's still tough to break it off when you get a good bead going...

[mountain eagle]

Moving around reduces the heat affected zone which reduces shrinkage.

Hmmm.......... anyone else think Seinfeld?

[rustycase]

I've seen where it was advised to clamp thick copper blocks near the HAZ to act as heat sinks.

AND, I found some 1/2 - 3/4" thick by 3" wide copper stock at my favOrite scrap yard.

He wants $5 a lb. ...There's always a fly in the ointment!
I'll need to get some of that copper if it's available next time I see xtra $'s.

rc