swim ladder extention

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hello, I'm adding another step to a swim ladder on my dock.  i'll put up some pics later but its frame is basicly tubing vertical members with angles for steps.  would it be better when adding the new section to use a "male/female" socket method to attach and weld them or just fit the two together and butt weld them?Realgear 140 MIGMore DeWalt tools that I prolly needDIY 160 amp 40 OCV MOT Stick Welder
Reply:What material?
Reply:mild steel all 1/8" walls and angleRealgear 140 MIGMore DeWalt tools that I prolly needDIY 160 amp 40 OCV MOT Stick Welder
Reply:if you butt them up and get good penetration, I am sure that will be sufficient. Gap the joint a bit so that you get 100% penetration.UA Local 598
Reply:Thanks WHughes.  Ive got welding class on tuesday, I might take it in for extra TIG practice. I'll post pics if i doRealgear 140 MIGMore DeWalt tools that I prolly needDIY 160 amp 40 OCV MOT Stick Welder
Reply:In similar situations I typically drill a hole through each side of each tube, cut a piece of tubing that fits inside them (~2-3X longer than the diameter of the tube), assemble everything, plug weld the holes (which secures the assembly), then weld the butt joint.  Kind of a "belt and suspenders" approach.-jmcvo Attached Images
Reply:well, I got bored today and needed a project so a dragged the stick out and had no problems getting full penetration on that butt weld with 3/32 7014.  started with 3/32 6011 but found myself making holes i had to fix.  Realgear 140 MIGMore DeWalt tools that I prolly needDIY 160 amp 40 OCV MOT Stick Welder
Reply:I like the idea of extension of swim ladder because i am also looking something like that. But I want that extension removable which I can easily remove when ever I need. Do you have any ideas about that?
Reply:Originally Posted by Pedro M. PenaI like the idea of extension of swim ladder because i am also looking something like that. But I want that extension removable which I can easily remove when ever I need. Do you have any ideas about that?
Reply:Originally Posted by Pedro M. PenaI like the idea of extension of swim ladder because i am also looking something like that. But I want that extension removable which I can easily remove when ever I need. Do you have any ideas about that?