Welding Winch Mount

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Hey guys, My Grandpa gave me a stick welder. I have never stick welded before. Only used a mig.I am welding a mount on my frame on my 2000 Nissan Xterra for a 10,000lb winch. I went to lowes and got some 1/8''x1/4'' rods and they are E6013. My question is is E6013 penetrating enough? Or do a need a E6011? Or is that going to burn too hot?This has got to hold it and hold it permanently. Don't want to be in the mud and have it break off. Thanks!MackLast edited by BigDog107; 12-26-2009 at 11:50 PM.
Reply:#1  If you have never welded before, this is not a project for you.#2  The only rod I would even consider for welding on a frame is 7018.#3  Welding on a frame is generally not a good idea.I think that pretty much sums it up.My name's not Jim....
Reply:Well....I can tell you already....welding is the strongest way to do this....and numerous people have done it on the Xterra forum....I just figured since this was a welding forum i could get some good info....
Reply:How hot would you weld 7018?
Reply:The job can be done right, or it can be done by an amateur. If you want it to work in a clutch, you should choose the former. A solid application of a good design is in order. If you insist on this endeavor, don't avoid asking people for their assistance. Not all of us are uncouth and most will not snub you for trying, just for being ignorant.I am not hard to reach. I can be PM'ed here or anyone can go to my website and find my number. I am an open book.Bill LambertArgon WeldingABQ NMSic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc
Reply:Bolts are the preferred alternative, the idea is to maintain the integrity of the vehicle frame @ 100%. Frame welding is not a good beginners project, and stick welding takes more skill than mig welding... in general. Let's see some practice beads.  Attached ImagesLast edited by tanglediver; 12-27-2009 at 12:59 AM.City of L.A. Structural; Manual & Semi-Automatic;"Surely there is a mine for silver, and a place where gold is refined. Iron is taken from the earth, and copper is smelted from ore."Job 28:1,2Lincoln, Miller, Victor & ISV BibleDanny
Reply:Originally Posted by Boostinjdm#1  If you have never welded before, this is not a project for you.#2  The only rod I would even consider for welding on a frame is 7018.#3  Welding on a frame is generally not a good idea.I think that pretty much sums it up.
Reply:I do indeed plan to practice ALOT before actually doing it. I am not gonna just build it and then go and try and weld it on. Do you think a grade 8 bolt is good enough to hold a winch pulling out a vehicle that is 5000-6000lbs? Plus the resistance of the mud or snow??I have a buddy who is a professional welder. I could always have him come over and provide assistance.
Reply:Spoke with my buddy....he said to use 7018 and it wont hurt the frame at all. He said he would not bolt it....as that will actually weaken the frame when I drill holes in it.As long as I practice I will be fine. I have alot of experience with mig....although I know stick is completely different. I have done lots of fabrication. So I am not really a complete noob...only to stick....lol
Reply:2-4 Grade 8's per side depending on bolt diameter should hold it.1/4-3/8" brackest bolted to frame, and winch mount built out from the brackets.Drill brackets and holes in frame(only if unavoidable), bolt bracket to frame, then tack other mount members to brackets, remove then finisn weld.  Tacking place on the truck guarantees it will fit when done.  Don't rely on measurements then hope it'll fit when mounted.Big word of advice.  Disconnect battery cable, then disconnect PCM harnes, and ABS module harness before doing any tacking.  Both units must be electrically isolated from the frame.Overwelding increases distortion, and requires time consuming straightening, and the heating apparatus to do it properly, although back beading will work in a pinch.6011, 7018, and 7018AC would be the best rod to use.  Keep it hot and burn it in, and you ought to have good welds."Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:I will just bolt it. Put three 1/2'' grade 8s on each side of the 1/4'' plate and it should be ok. I will be sticking around this forum.....I got a bunch of fabricating to do.
Reply:Grade 8 bolts if for no other reason than eventually you will want to remove the winch and mount. As stated before some manufacturers are using heat treated high tensile steel to get the strength needed in the lighter guage metal used today. Even if no one were injured it would be problematic to have the whole rig fall off while winching or just driving down the road because the frame failed where it was welded.
Reply:Originally Posted by OldtimerGrade 8 bolts if for no other reason than eventually you will want to remove the winch and mount. As stated before some manufacturers are using heat treated high tensile steel to get the strength needed in the lighter guage metal used today. Even if no one were injured it would be problematic to have the whole rig fall off while winching or just driving down the road because the frame failed where it was welded.