How cold is too cold to weld the metal?

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So I will be able to use my welder after Christmas when it gets coler.  I have a few things to weld, but they are outside.  They include lower shock mounts on the axle as well as a few other things.Is there a method to heat the metal to get a better stronger weld?  thanksTyler03 Jeep Wrangler, Lifted, Locked 36sHobart 187
Reply:O/F rosebud.  Old stand by.   JohnSMAW,GMAW,FCAW,GTAW,SAW,PAC/PAW/OFCand Shielding Gases.  There all here. :
Reply:so 0º F  What about pre heating?  Is it it even needed?Tyler03 Jeep Wrangler, Lifted, Locked 36sHobart 187
Reply:Yes and with a rosebud torch to approx 75 to 80 degrees.    JohnSMAW,GMAW,FCAW,GTAW,SAW,PAC/PAW/OFCand Shielding Gases.  There all here. :
Reply:Heating it up will help, but given that you'll be using all mild steel presumably 1/8" or of relatively thin thickness, I wouldn't say that preheat is absolutely necessary.
Reply:Originally Posted by SupeHeating it up will help, but given that you'll be using all mild steel presumably 1/8" or of relatively thin thickness, I wouldn't say that preheat is absolutely necessary.
Reply:you can use the carbon equivlancy formula to find minimum preheating temps. --Gol'
Reply:Originally Posted by JeepRocks86so 0º F  What about pre heating?  Is it it even needed?
Reply:I have welded in 14 below a few times and tons around 0 never had any trouble up to 1". Now I live in the tropics and would love to weld below 75. Not going to happen. Steel Thunder Welding LLC. St. Thomas VI USAMM350PBOBCAT 3MAXSTAR 150 STH375 EXTREME PLASMA6.5 HP COMPRESORDEWALT 18, 24, AND 36 VOLTO/A TORCH SETAND SO MUCH MORE I DONT REMEMBERALL IN MY 2005 2500HD EXTENDED CAB L/B
Reply:Wanna weld under 75? I'll trade you. It's 16 here in Pittsburgh right now! Global warming, my ***!
Reply:well that;s good to hear.  Last winter I re did my entire suspension with actual temps around 0 F and a wind chill below that.  The welding was done inside (borrowed).  The rear shock mounts are custom 3/16 and I need to weld a new front lower control arm bracket which is 1/4"The brackets can be stored inside but the axle, well, can't.  The only Torch I have is a small propane one, which Would barely make a dent but it may help.Tyler03 Jeep Wrangler, Lifted, Locked 36sHobart 187
Reply:you will need the chemistry of the metals to be joined to determine the preheat, if it is needed at all. in your situation i would think that you will want to be preheating
Reply:Be careful.  I know that a lot of axles are cast steel, which makes welding on them difficult.
Reply:Small migs are heck on cold starts anyway, sooo take it from there. After the first small bead the area will be up to temps where metalurgical problems no longer exist. (body work)
Reply:Originally Posted by 700RBe careful.  I know that a lot of axles are cast steel, which makes welding on them difficult.
Reply:Originally Posted by SandySmall migs are heck on cold starts anyway, sooo take it from there. After the first small bead the area will be up to temps where metalurgical problems no longer exist. (body work)
Reply:Originally Posted by qaqc????????????????????
Reply:do you really believe that after the first small bead the material has no issues with restraint?
Reply:Originally Posted by qaqcdo you really believe that after the first small bead the material has no issues with restraint?
Reply:sandy, i agree with you if we are talking about ga. steel. it was my impression that he is dealing with an axle. also, the preheat will be influenced by the manufacturing process and chemistry just as much as thickness.
Reply:Originally Posted by qaqcsandy, i agree with you if we are talking about ga. steel. it was my impression that he is dealing with an axle. also, the preheat will be influenced by the manufacturing process and chemistry just as much as thickness.
Reply:If it's thicker metal heat it up a bit. As for non code 1/8 to 1/4" mild steel work I've welded it at temps near zero with no problems. I don't like the cold so I not planning on seeing how much colder I can get away with.