Ratchet strap to square

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This is probably a dumb question, but I'm a newb, building my first welding table.  Basically building a 4x4 cube from 2x4 and 2x2 tube.  2x4 is the vertical posts, 2x2 running horizontally.  I cut everything on a bandsaw and everything is pretty accurate at the same lengths so it dry fit square.  I then tacked most things together and then got anxious and started welding the joints before I had the final two tubes tacked.  Unfortunately, when I got to the end and went to put the last tube in, it was 1/2-3/4" short because of heat movement.   I considered grinding out the welds and starting over, but instead grabbed a ratchet strap and pulled them together to make a tight seal on the last horizontal tube.  Welded it up and released the ratchet strap.  Everything is square enough for a welding table.  But after sleeping on it, is this going to fail violently sending shrapnel flying through the shop?   Or more seriously, is it a bad idea to weld something with this stress as it weakens the integrity?
Reply:If it's square enough it's fine.Airco Ac/Dc 300 HeliwelderMillerMatic 200 (stolen)Miller Maxstar 150STLMiller AEAD200LE (welding and generating power) Hobart MIG
Reply:Rachet strap?That's nothing compared to the many clamps and other bending twisting pulling set ups to get metal to where you need it.Once you weld the top down where is it going to go?No flack jacket needed.It's fine.Carry on....zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:as mentioned no problem and a good lesson in heat distortion on a project that doesn't matter too muchEd Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:Ratchet was good idea, they come in handy. Another option is a 3/4 pony pipe clamp used diagonally. The Sparks won't hurt the pipe.
Reply:Originally Posted by BD1Ratchet was good idea, they come in handy. Another option is a 3/4 pony pipe clamp used diagonally. The Sparks won't hurt the pipe.
Reply:WM,   that's what we refer to as the "Beat It to Fit, Paint It to Match" design school.  As long as everything complies with the hyper critical TLAR (That Looks About Right) inspection standard, it's all good.RogerOld, Tired, and GRUMPYSalesman will call, Batteries not included, Assembly is required, and FREE ADVICE IS WORTH EXACTLY WHAT YOU PAY FOR IT!Dial Arc 250HFThunderbolt 225 AC/DCAssorted A/O torches
Reply:I operate by TLAR guidelines every day!! LolI don't worry too much about procedure as long as I get the results I'm looking for!Real welders know how to penetrate!(Equipment)Whatever can be used to beat my opponent into submission!
Reply:My father used to say...  "Good enough for government work!"
Reply:I use chain and the screw type chain binder when i got to tweak it just hair...Big thick curly black oneBacked my CATMA over your CARMA oops clusmy me  What would SATAN do ?? Miller Trailblazer 302 AirPakMiller Digital Elite  Optrel Welding HatArcair K4000Suitcase 12RC / 12 VSHypertherm PM-45Rage 3 sawRusty old Truck
Reply:Done it plenty. I usually try and use clamps or a come along for better resistance to sparks.
Reply:A come a long or porta power works well too.
Reply:Ratchet strap, come a long, chain and boomer, jacks, backhoe, trackhoe, sideboom, winch truck, dozer... Or combination of any and all above... Welded a LOT of $hit forced into position, sometimes with many thousands of pounds of force... Never a problem.-------------------------Chemetron AC/DC 300 HFSnap-On MM300L Lincoln SP140 Lincoln AC/DC 225g Lincoln SA200 Lincoln SA200 Miller Bobcat 225GVictor torchesH&M and Mathey beveling machinesMcElroy Plastic pipe fusion
Reply:Ratchet Straps are a Fabricators Friend, Tack everything up and the square with Ratchet Strap. The weld the corners, works every time for me