Can you weld 1/2" EMT electrical conduit?

[xadamx]

And, can you weld on galvanized objects? Is EMT conduit galvanized? Just wondering if I need to go to the metal store or if I can just go to Home Depot. I have read a few articles about people building Carson tops and radiusing wheel wells with the EMT stuff, but I just wanted to make sure. Thanks...

Adam

[xadamx]

I think I just figured it out. I can use galvanized EMT, just gotta sand it off. I think...

[The37Kid]

NOT a healty thing to do! I'm no chemest but is bad stuff to breath.

[Django]

I have a friend that uses it. Also uses brake lines. Whether or not he SHOULD be or not, I can't answer.

[gears-n-grease]

Just like normal welding, it is a good idea to wear a resporator. But you should get rid of the galvanazation in the area to weld first with a grinder or sander

[xadamx]

Got it, just what I thought...thanks!

[Nads]

Yes you can, but you've get the galvanizing off, even then the galv is still inside the tubing. I built the whole exhaust system on the Packford using 2" galv tubing, but it did make me sick, it's truly awful shit. I heard the remedy is to drink lots of milk when you're feeling ill, but I'm lactose intolerant, so I downed a 12 pack of PBR to dull the pain.

[dixiedog]

Welding galvanized metal is not a good thing. Unless you weld PLENTY of ventilation. The galvanized gives off a gas that is TOXIC and you will be sick and throwing up.

However, there is a trick to avoid the sickness and that is drink plenty of milk prior to flame cutting and welding, this coats the stomach.

[dixiedog]

Here is a link for ya

galv welding pdf (http://www.sperkoengineering.com/html/articles/WeldingGalvanized.pdf)

[Flat Ernie]

What they said - do it outside with a fan blowing over it. Try like hell not to breathe any of it. Since you're asking the question, I'm assuming you don't have a fresh air respirator system - that would be the correct answer.

Used to braze it all the time when building airboat cages. The milk works - drink about 2 big glasses before & as your primary drink the rest of that day.

You can sand/grind it off, but you'll never get it all off...

Same goes for metal that has been treated with ospho (or any other phosphoric acid rust neutralizer) - welding there & the fumes will make you sick (as me how I know that one http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif)

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[xadamx]

Dixiedog...thanks for that link, that helps TREMENDOUSLY! I am going to be building that framework for my Carson-top starting tonight...hopefully I will have pictures for everyone by Sunday of the finished framework and me barfing from the zinc-oxide fumes!!! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

[lowburban]

Good safety link. It says that even though it will make you feel like shit for a while, there are no long term effects. That is very good to know. I have myself experienced the "sickness" from ospho. I fix alot of sheetmetal for my father-in-law's tractor restorations and he loves that stuff. Anyone know if the milk trick works for that too? I'm know that the acid in it is much worse than zinc.

[james]

I used it to maker a carson top for a bug once, and didn't get sick at all. Of course, I work outside, which probably has a lot to do with it. Also there was green cloud coming off the stuff, just kept my head out of it. You're not welding on suspension peices, so it doesn't have to be perfect, so keep a little more distance.

[ratster]

I'm finishing up my top for the roadster. I'm still sick, only because I had to raise it up. my fat ass head couldn't fit in it.

I have a fan or two going when I'm welding it. I didn't get sick

[ESnacky6]

Hey Adam... be careful about the fan thing....
if you are welding with a mig w/gas, you need the gas
to shield your weld or it will booger up like crazy...!!
(ask me how I know... hahaha..!!!)
I'm still fixing a bunch of stuff from when I learned how to weld
when I chopped my truck one hot summer a few years ago..!!


On another note, how's your schedule looking..??
I'd like to make an appointment sometime 'soon'... and
finally get what I talked to you about getting a year ago..?
hahaha...! please let me know..!!

Later, Jack

[flatheadpete]

I moved my welder outside when I welded that nasty crap. Also, crank the gas and lower the heat with medium wire speed..........just a suggestion.

[Chaz]

http://people.montana.com/~kaparich/rfbike.jpg
I've welded 1/2 in for a lotta years. I always acetylene weld it and yeah, Its real toxic. Its really neat stuff if it werent for the coating. Your local steel supplier has conduit in 3/4 in that bends with an emt conduit bender and welds nicer ... If 3/4 in will do for you. I made the bike above out of 1/2 " emt

[willowbilly3]

Here is my take, Don't weld the stuff. The main reason is the health issue. The fumes are deadly and accunulative in your body. If you must weld it do so only with a full pressure breathing apparatus. The milk thing? Do you breath with your stomach? How is that going to keep it out of your lungs?
And the other thing is anything you weld up from galvanized metal is just plain fugly and looks like some hayseed poverty project. I have been welding since I was a kid and use lots of recycled material and I wouldn't even let a piece of galvanized metal reside in my scrap pile. OK I am biased but that is my take, from experience.

[weekender]

ratster, sorry to hi-jack this post, but could you post a better pic of the Henry-J and Deuce coupe on your wall???

As for the emt, use the best mask you can find b-4 welding galv. Been there.

Thanks, McCray