welding spindles

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I'd like to make a custom axle using round tubing and spindle assemblies from Northern Tool. It appears that you just slide the spindle into the tube and weld the ends on. Do you think that simply welding the spindle to the end of the tube would be sufficient or should I also drill a couple of holes and 'tack' the tube to the spindle.  It seems like most of the force on an axle is from compression, not a sideload. What say you guys?
Reply:Hi!I have had boat trailers for a long time. As a result I have observed several failures on mine and other's trailers. Some of the failures have been spectacular, like a 35' cabin crusier falling off at 55mph on an I64 overpass.I prefer solid axles, they take a long time to rust out, even when used exclusively in salt water. Tube axles are stronger pound for pound, but are prone to failures, like breaking completely in half without warning. A solid axle will bend, but I have never seen one break.The most important part of welding a tube axle is to make absolutely sure your weld is airtight. If it isn't water will get inside and the tube will rust through from the inside out. If you make a good weld so no new air can get in then it can't rust inside. You do not need to tack the tube to the spindles through holes drilled in the tube. The load is a radial load on the circumferential weld between the spindle and tube. It is also an overhung bearing load. By compression you must be referring to the pad that mounts to the spring.Anyway, just my two cents worthbyeJohn
Reply:Weld em on and use plenty of heat.  Do you have the right wall tubing?  Do you know the rating for the spindles and tube?DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:I work with square tubing a lot, and I ain't the best mud dauber on the planet.  But I usually don't have any obvious voids in my welds.BUT, I've been working around some of my equipment after a long period of rain, heard a slight hissing noise, and guess what.  It's water heating up inside my (I thought so anyways) tight weld, and causing moisture to escape under pressure.  And you can't even see the damn hole, it's so tiny.  But you can see the bubbles if you put a dab of dish soap on it.  So much for my perfect weld"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Thanks for the replies, fellas. They gave me plenty of food for thought.  The axle will be for an ATV trailer and not support more than a thousand pounds. Were I to use round tubing and just weld the 'crown' around where the spindle inserts into the tubing (not sure about my terms here) I wondered if condensation would cause problems later. Perhaps a couple of drain holes on the bottom of the axle tube would serve that purpose but not compromise it's integrity.David, I'm not sure what wall thickness I should use for this application.....could you make a suggestion? The spindle I'm considering using is Northern Tool's  1" spindle with a 1-1/4" stub diameter and they are rated at 1,250 lbs. Perhaps there is an engineering reference for tubing load capabilities that I could find.
Reply:mvintx, from prior personal experiences, I would definately consider getting a higher rated axle. Perhaps 2500 or 3500. For example, if you plan on carrying a 1000 pound load, and your trailer weighs 500 pounds. You are putting a 1500 pound load on a 1250 pound rated axle. In all honesty I would consider the weight of the trailer first, then consider what I will be putting in it. Then I would double it, and that is the axle I would choose. Overkill is always better. Just my opinion, NickNick
Reply:So, where do you live? Rust is different in Arizona than Louisiana. Top left of page, click on User CP, fill in location. 9-11-2001......We Will Never ForgetRetired desk jockey. Hobby weldor with a little training. Craftsman O/A---Flat, Vert, Ovhd, Horz. Miller Syncrowave 250
Reply:I have no idea what size tubing to use, I don't see the design of your trailer and I am not an engineer.  I would think about starting with 1/4" wall.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Originally Posted by David RI have no idea what size tubing to use, I don't see the design of your trailer and I am not an engineer.  I would think about starting with 1/4" wall.David
Reply:All good ideas, guys.Thanks. Looks like 2" x .250 will work with a 1.5" spindle and I'll weld 'er up.
Reply:Oh, and for those interested, I've updated my location...near Beattie, TX
Reply:I built my own axle from 2.5 inch sch 80 pipe, and two recycled old spindles which I turned on the lathe to fit the pipe ID tightly, the butts were beveled and welded w/ 7018 rod. This axle is supporting a pretty heavy 7 foot by 30” offset smoker, double wall 1/4plate, 27x24 fire box its ¼ x 4” heavy frame trailer this whole rig weighs in just shy of 3000lbs… my axle isn’t going to break, even with another 1000lbs on it. Remember that all that weight is not on the center on the axle, it actually sits only three inches inward from the spindle welds.