Came across this exchange ("Ask the Mechanic") in a farmer-oriented magazine: Q: "..could not get the pipe to weld...pipe was rusty because it had been on the ground...welder was checked...it was ok." A:"When you said the pipe had been on the ground for several years, you answered your own question....It's a problem fully understood by professional welders...Since the pipe is round, it has the ability to pick up the earth's magnetism, which makes it nearly impossible to weld--it's this repel and attract thing. Square tubing cannot pick up this magnetism, only something round, like pipe... The pipe you purchase needs to be on a rack off the ground... To check the pipe before you buy it, use a hacksaw blade... If it attracts the blade, take your business elsewhere." Never ran into this explanation before, although I, too, have had trouble welding round, rusty pipe. Comments, anyone? Will
- posted
16 years ago