Welding Shafts Together

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Hey guys...Im working on an old diaphram pump that i bought, without an engine... My thoughts are, i can bolt up an engine, get it running, and make more then the $250 i have into it...But, the couplers for the engine gearbox, and the pump gearbox arent really in a mood to work, and are a real mess right now. So, im gonna just weld the shafts together.Should they need to come apart for anything, youde just have to take the cover and the gear off one gearbox, and they will seperate.They are both 3/4 inch shafts, and im wondering how to weld them. I have a nice buzzbox. My thoughts are 6011 and about 110 amps or so, but im no expert. Thats why im asking.Also, the gearboxes are like four inches from where the weld will be, and are both full of (motor) oil. Should i open the caps to release any pressure, drain the oil and fill with water (dont really want to do that) or what?? Its not a dumb question cuz ill learn something from it. Hopefully... lol...
Reply:You can do it, but I have a feeling whoever you sell it to will came come back after the weld breaks and shove the entire pump up your azz. Those couplers are there for a very good reason, to compensate for any shaft misalignment and linear expansion/contraction of shafts. So do whatever you think you can get away with.                                JMHO,                                            MikeOl' Stonebreaker  "Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes"Hobart G-213 portableMiller 175 migMiller thunderbolt ac/dc stick Victor O/A setupMakita chop saw
Reply:yah if you weld those things off balanced, or out of plane you'll do a good job of killing bearings fast.how much torque/rpm are going through these?  because altneratively you could get a coupling off mcmaster carr, the type with set screws, and call it a day.  Shoot you can even drill blind holes into the shaft so the set screws have something to prevent decoupling.Welding EngineerCertified Scrap Producer
Reply:Who knows what the shafts are made of?  Regardless, I believe it would be impossible to accurately align and weld the shafts, especially considering the dynamics of an engine and pump combination.Good Luck
Reply:Originally Posted by LanseHey guys...But, the couplers for the engine gearbox, and the pump gearbox arent really in a mood to work, and are a real mess right now.
Reply:Good advice from all.Go with a lovejoy coupling, you can get both couplings and the spider for under $50. If you want something that'll handle a bit more hp go with a chain coupling......Mike
Reply:IF you weld the shafts, it prolly won't survive even the test run.  Go with Lovejoy like MrMikey said.My name's not Jim....