Dumpster problems

admin

One of the many problems I have to solve at work is fixing leaks on our over 100 dumpsters. The problem that I usually have is finding somewhere to clamp on to when welding inside the dumpsters. Most of the time I am welding 3/16 angle iron, the angle iron fits flush to the sides of the dumpster. Where should I put the work clamp? Any help will be appreciated.
Reply:anywhere there is no paint..front..back..inside..outside..dont matter.....zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:I have been a dumpster repairman as well as a dumpster diver. The rust in a dumpster often prevents you from clamping the ground up on a good section of metal and then being able to strike an arc where you need it on your angle iron. The easiest way I found was to tack weld a "ground tab" onto the new metal, clamp to that, then draw the arc on the clean metal bridging onto the old rusty stuff.  Of course a bit of time spent with a small grinder or needle gun on the area you intend to weld will be well spent. (I lay the new pieces in, mark it with soapstone, no need of doing what you don't need to) Even with 60 series rods, heavy caked on rust will made water tight welds dam hard.Just my  opinion, not from a book, just from the road.Howes Welding Inc.www.howesweldinginc.com
Reply:Awesome advice guys thank you. Now what do you do to get the welding dumpster smell to go away...LOL. I work at a casino and we get some wierd sh@* it those things. It has made me sick before but I made the company buy me a nice mask. I dont have a huge problem with rust maybe it is the high alcohol content that gets thrown away but I really eats through the metal.
Reply:I have had success using a magnetic ground for welds where clamping on to something was not an option.  I have seen them for sale at Welding Supply stores but I just made one from a circular magnet from the local hardware store.  Total cost for the magnet, eye-bolt and two nuts was about 6 dollars.