Ok, I am new to welding, I usually have my dad who is a good welder but mostly on clean, new thicker metal. I see what you guys can do on here. Question is I have 2 holes, that are egged out, because the bolts/screws were broke off and the holes are not perfect circles after I attempted to drill them out. So, How can I "partially" close up a hole with a panel behind where the hole is?? If I use brass or copper backing will it contaminate the weld? or just tack real quick and easy and grind? Pics are for reference.
Copper or brass backing will not contaminate the weld metal to a point it would fail. I like brass better. Just have the area ventilated Then redrill the hole.
That easy! I was just worried about the panel behind, I was gonna slide backer material in and clamp it. Hoping that would work. I think I can fit 1/8 to 3/16 behind.
as with any other welding technique, it's a good idea to practice on a piece of scrap, rather than learning on your project.
Weld is hard to drill, so you should cut a bigger hole weld in a patch and drill a new hole in the center of the patch, that’s how I would do it ( I am not a great welder).
Instead of putting copper/brass behind it, put a small patch behind it and wedge it against the hole. I'd actually drill the holes a little bigger so the weld attaches around where you redrill it, and the edges of the hole are clean for weld adherence. Then weld the hole up and redrill it. It will be stronger that way. Also, like squirrel suggested, do a couple of practice pieces before doing the real ones. This will also help you keep from burning through if you don't have .023 welding wire. Best to use .023 instead of the thicker stuff.
The only dumb questions is the ones you don’t ask. The hamb guys may rib you but you will get answers IMO. I like to over drill the hole make a plug of same thickness of metal then weld it in. When grinding down the weld be careful start at high point and work towards the virgin metal try to take very little off.
When grinding down the weld use the edge of the stone or cutoff wheel so as not to attack the base metal which if you are not careful could lead to more welding.
I just did what LLoyd mentioned above. I needed a 3/8th's hole on each side of my bed where a notch currently resided. I welded in a 3/8" washer after I closed it up and flattened it, no drilling required. Weld it in and grind it down Like squirrel said, practise on some scrap.
Thats what I was trying to say........ Only I would weld the patch in and make the "whole" hole full of weld. Then grind it smooth and redrill.
Did you do that with a mig? I would have trouble keeping the hole without getting weld in it. Putting a solid piece in place makes welding easier and then just redrill the hole. To each his own though
Use a step drill to enlarge the hole to one of the hole repair sizes in this kit and weld the patch in. You will have the correct metal thickness and there will be no hardened metal to drill though. https://bobdrake.com/products/universal-weld-in-hole-repair-kit?_pos=1&_sid=3f32ab85a&_ss=r
Yea, that was a MIG job. I keep the wire speed down and it is pretty easy to do delicate fills. I have a lot of practice filling holes on my PU!
Small holes ,round or not..I just use my MIG with .023 wire Set fairly hot Turn the gun around, sorta backwards. Point up at 12 o'clock. Using a series of tacks while still hot, go over to 9 o'clock then back to 3, dropping down as you go. Depending on size, I'll stop and cool or maybe not .Cool when done. Use the cut off wheel and then angle grinder , like you guys do. Never let anything get hot for long and you'll be okay. This is kind of the way I weld headers too.
I can see guys using a backup with a MIG . I wouldn't do the plug unless I was using a TIG. A MIG would leave too much weld that you'd have to grind down IMO
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