Thread: How many welds?

I have a question about how much welding is too much.
I want to make a fixed seat using RHS and Angle with a pair of "legs" set in the ground and a plank of wood on top.

The diagram shows welds in Orange and Yellow (dotted where not directly visible).
Are the Orange ones enough?
Should the solid yellow be added?
Should all be done?


I have not planned to do the bottom edge of the angle.

Comments please?

Single_phase.

For strength you would probably get away with just one run down the side indicated 'orange' but you probably want the horizintal weld to seal the SHS / RHS otherwise you'll get some corrosion inside the section.

I would make both the vertical runs and seal all the horiz runs also.

Gidday

IF you can lay a good weld strength is not an issue and the orange runs would be more than enough to do the Job.............theres plenty of options to rust proof other than welding all round eg: A few beads a silicon, a spray can of rust proof paint rar rar rar ...................

Outta habit most welders would probably weld all round to seal the joint particularly if its a 'one off' project. Just remember more weld = more heat n more distortion issues to deal with.

Which ever way you decide to go just make sure shes set up how you want it with a few good tacks before you start welding n she'll be apples

Regards Lou

Thanks guys.
Will tack for sure and check for square before going in for the kill.

Hi Single Phase,

Personally I would do the yellow as shown and one on the opposite side because you are less likely to bow the angle iron as you would with the orange welds.

But them I am not a qualified welder so what would I know.

Cheers
MH

To help reduce the bowing effect from heat stress I would clamp a heavy piece of angle to the back of the angle u are welding.

Doesnt even have to be angle, anything heavy guage will do.

Update - spoke to an ex-boilermaker (pipe welder) about this.

He suggested the orange verticals and solid yellow edge weld - as any distortion from the orange welds should not affect the flat top of the frame. The flat top is desired to make the seat work. If the frame has a bow in the horizontal plane - then no-one would be able to see it.
The holes for the plank will be drilled after, so can be adjusted to make a neat straight line.

He pointed out the need to grind the inside-edge off the RHS to allow room for the inside radius of the angle - but I figured that out quickly when holding the parts together.

I welded up something similar for the local primary school when my kids were going there. I welded where you have the yellow lines (ie around the end of the RHS upright. I did not weld down the side where you have the orange lines.

I had the RHS set out from the edge of the angle so the inner corner radius was not an issue, I did not weld the inner side of the RHS due to access restrictions. It's unlikely to get too much weather there due being shielded by the side of the angle

These were welded up when my kids started primary, they've left university now and the seats are still standing unscathed by hordes of kids jumping on them. So I think you should be fine with just welding the yellow lines.