Butt end weld round tubing.

admin

I am building a go-kart, and purchased some 1" OD x 1/8" wall ERW tubing.  I have a few pieces that are too short to use on my project, so I was wondering if it would be structurally alright to line them up end to end and weld them into one longer piece.  Is this acceptable if done right?  The longest single length of tube on this project is about 25", and I have pieces ranging from 12 to 17 inches or so.
Reply:sure you can, what process are you using?  i like to put a solid bar in stuff that small so it has extra reinforcement. lay both pieces in  chunk of angle iron to help keep it straight.Nothing Ever Got Done By Quitting, Never Give Up.
Reply:Hey thanks for the tip about the angle iron.  I am using a flux core wire feed welder.
Reply:Originally Posted by xoltriI am building a go-kart, and purchased some 1" OD x 1/8" wall ERW tubing.  I have a few pieces that are too short to use on my project, so I was wondering if it would be structurally alright to line them up end to end and weld them into one longer piece.  Is this acceptable if done right?  The longest single length of tube on this project is about 25", and I have pieces ranging from 12 to 17 inches or so.
Reply:Originally Posted by makoman1860Short answer, No, Your tube will NOT have the strength of an unwelded tube if you butt weld it. use a 30 degree angle (long way) at the very least.
Reply:You can always sleeve your tube, and weld it. That is what we do when we mean business on any added on length of tube.And then, after so much work...... you have it in your hand, and you look over to your side...... and the runner has run off. Leaving you holding the prize, wondering when the runner will return.