can you weld 1 1/2 rigid conduit?

admin

Wondering how is easy is it to weld 1 1/2 rigid conduit. I just need to tack weld the collar to the pipe so it doesn't move. Using Lincoln weld pak 140. Also is it better to mig or flux core weld conduit. Thanks in advance.
Reply:thats enough machine for a tack..rememmber with any galvanized steel grind it off beefore you weld to avoid the toxic zinc fumes...and be careful because you wont be able to grind off the inside which will generate tzf's...
Reply:I am going to be doing it outside and I do have the proper vapor mask as well. Could I just use a wire brush attachment on a side grinder, will that be go enough? Or do I have to take down the coating better than that?
Reply:The 140 is plenty of machine- the Conduit ain't that thick.Outside-Fluxcore unless there is no wind.If it is just one or 2 welds just set up a wind break if you are already set up for Solid wire.Ed 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:wire brush wont remove the galv. grinding wheel ona sidegrinder is the way to do it.with galve or mill scale, grind down to shiny steel. an inch from the weld is plenty.
Reply:I wouldnt even grind it...a tack takes a couple of seconds..just dont be huffin the smoke and you'll be ok...keep your head out of the fumes, hold your breath a few seconds, its not like looking at galvy is an instant death sentence...be reasonable, take sensible precautions...
Reply:Originally Posted by TEKI wouldnt even grind it...a tack takes a couple of seconds..just dont be huffin the smoke and you'll be ok...keep your head out of the fumes, hold your breath a few seconds, its not like looking at galvy is an instant death sentence...be reasonable, take sensible precautions...
Reply:i wouldnt grind it either. the man is here for advice and to learn, and i wanted to teach him theright way. when he gets older and smarter he can decide what he can cheat on.
Reply:Sometimes what people call galvanized isn't galvanized; at least not in the sense that it is zinc coated. What it is is cadmium coated, but anodized, not hot dipped as galvanized is. They are both nasty metal vapors to breathe. Just thought I'd split hairs.
Reply:Originally Posted by weldbeadi wouldnt grind it either. the man is here for advice and to learn, and i wanted to teach him theright way. when he gets older and smarter he can decide what he can cheat on.
Reply:I weld up the 2" size for my custom truck exhaust systems all the time and have never done any cleaning, using my Millermatic 135. Weld on elbows and couplings as shown below.
Reply:Originally Posted by maartySometimes what people call galvanized isn't galvanized; at least not in the sense that it is zinc coated. What it is is cadmium coated, but anodized, not hot dipped as galvanized is. They are both nasty metal vapors to breathe. Just thought I'd split hairs.
Reply:Get a small roll of .030 E71T-GS self shield fluxcore wire.  No need to grind off the galvi with fluxcore.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Just put a conduit lock nut on before the collar and the corrosion protection of the zinc will still be intact. But if welding is a must I would mig it. Even in a fair wind you  can cup your gloved hand around the nozzle to make enough wind block for a tack.Tough as nails and damn near as smart
Reply:If it is a threaded coupling you are going to tack weld together just to stop movement, I would use lock tite or some form epoxy in the threads. I am not knocking the welding part but this would be much quicker than all of the set up for a couple of tack welds.G3miller... 225g, s32p, 250x, 304, 12vs, MSW41     victor o/a thermal dynamics cutmaster 50 lenco panel spotter        hobart hf-boxG3 Farms.....raising cattle, hay, kids and hell, ...oh yeah I'm a fire sprinkler contractor by trade.
Reply:I'd think a lot would depend whether it's hot dip or electroplate. Hot dip tends to be thicker. Just remember what you don't grind off should be burnt out. I don't see the difference between rust, paint or galvy, sooner or later all the impurities need to come out. Galvy has better conductivity and makes for easier starts than rust I guess. If it's hot dipped and you're not familiar with welding galvy I'd at least get the bulk off first.