Should I weld on both sides of the joint?

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Beginning stick welder here.  I'm putting a trailer frame together, welding together pieces of 3/16 angle iron.  I was thinking of welding on both sides of joints to increase the strength.  (1) Do you think this is necessary or advisable?(2) I assumed this would increase the strength, but someone told me it might actually have the opposite effect.  Do they know what they are talking about?If it affects the answer at all, I am using 3/32" 6011 rod.
Reply:I personally like 5/32 rod on 3/16 to 1/4 inch material at about 185 to 190 amps on AC. I actually switched from 6011 to 6013 rod, can't remember why at the moment but, never went back. I think you would be fine welding 1 side only. I am by no means a professional so wait to see what someone else has to say.
Reply:Lots of variables here, thickness of the stock, your skill, rod, prep or on prep. If properly done it shouldn’t make a difference.
Reply:Weld both inside and out side of the joint  This way you have a good solid weld all around.I am tired of Ketchup, I want the Gravy...
Reply:Originally Posted by misterWBeginning stick welder here.  I'm putting a trailer frame together, welding together pieces of 3/16 angle iron.  I was thinking of welding on both sides of joints to increase the strength.  (1) Do you think this is necessary or advisable?(2) I assumed this would increase the strength, but someone told me it might actually have the opposite effect.  Do they know what they are talking about?If it affects the answer at all, I am using 3/32" 6011 rod.
Reply:I agree with DSW.If you bevel the joints, you can weld one side and be done with it.  Either way, you're going to have to set up the joint so the weld can get in there.  No-gap fit and beveling both sides is easier to set up and weld most of the time.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:This is the area where the weldor's job meets, and many times overlaps the welding engineers job. We have to take responsibility for the good. bad, and the ugly work we put out.Imagine what will happen to a load that gets anchored to one of these. Attached ImagesCity 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:Weld on both sides of "what" joints, "which" joints ? Some you need to, some it won't matter, and in a few cases joints can be overwelded. In the DYI world that usually only plays a role when the members themselves have been marginalized for cost or weight purposes.
Reply:the fitup must permit penetration..either a gap or a bevel..and you must be able to see the puddle and pace your electrode movement based on seeing the puddle fill the groove..or else undercut..
Reply:Clean all that rust off and put some heat into those welds!. It looks easy to weld if it was clean.
Reply:Originally Posted by pyroracing85Clean all that rust off and put some heat into those welds!. It looks easy to weld if it was clean.