trying to square

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I am to weld 2x2 square tubing at 18" each with inside 45 deg to create a 90 deg. between the to. I have these squaring vises, I tack everything in place all seems square until I hit the inside corner joint. how can I keep square. i know metal likes to pull together, but how do I compensate. These have to be square, because the are going to be used as engine boring stand.
Reply:weld opposite corners... and keep it cool by not going real slow.. also do periodic checks by cross squaring... that's about it.. other than tacking in place, welding and letting cool.. even that will draw tho..if you're not livin on the edge, you're takin up too much room..
Reply:they draw in more than out so I usually weld the sides of the tube first from inside corner out then the outside joint and then a smaller weld on the inside joint to keep it from sucking backVisions SteelWasilla Alaskahttp://www.facebook.com/album.php?ai...5&l=c32ed1320fwelderstourchessawsgrinders
Reply:generally when i have to build something square - like a trailer frame - i lay it out and tack everything. i primarily use cross measuring to check the squareness. as far as stopping it from warping as you weld - just gotta build some things and learn how metal acts. alot of what ive learned over the few years as far as how to properly tack somthing just comes from practice. and lots of it.I break things for a living...
Reply:You can always put it on a metal table and secure it with the right angle welding magnets
Reply:Do you have a welding table?  If so, get the pieces laid together and then clamp the crap out of both of them.  Then still do the tacking and going slow.  Also, make sure you have a true 45 degree angle on your pieces...a little bit off and it makes it just that much more difficult to put together a 90.  Take your time. I've built a few projects that I needed a rectangle made from angle iron (1/4").  First one I did I did not have my welding table and welded it on the driveway.  I went very slow, tacking alternate corners, inside, outside, letting everything cool completely before doing any more, checking and double checking for square, etc.   Came out great and square to the world but it took a long time.Even after building my welding table and clamping everthing to the top I still have to go slow to make sure I keep everything square.  I'm thinking next time, along with the clamps I may actually tack the pieces to my table top.  Keeping things square aint easy.
Reply:i have tacked braces to the steel when i had it in place to help hold the position i have allso tacked the frames to the steel table too.When i was done id cut them free.After the arc has died the weld remains
Reply:Unless you gap the joint to make up for the distortion/shrinkage, it will distortSequenced tacking, sequenced welds, and joint restraint, go a long way in solving the problem.  Pre stress works too sometimes.Ultimately, if dimensions are critical, you too will enter the wonderful world of heat shrinking"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/