How do you test quality of weld?

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Hi All,Most of the welding I have done has been non-structural.  I am in the process of building a tilt-up mast for a wind generator I have built.  I plan to use 20' of 3" Sched 40 and weld 20' of 2-1/2" to the 3.  For the tilt-up base I would like to weld a 2-1/2" piece horizontal across two pieces of long angle that will be cemented in the ground.  A 3" piece of pipe will be put over the 2-1/2" piece befor welding.  The 40' of pipe will be welded to the 3" pivot pipe after I notch the end of the pipe.  I will also weld a 20" piece of 2" pipe to the pivot for a Gin-Pole.  I need to make sure that my welds are as strong as can be. what is the best way to test my welds.  Any advice would be welcomed.Thanks in advance,,Ron
Reply:Ron, this thread accidentally double posted; I removed the second one. There are some good pipe welders here who will have some helpful info for you very soon!!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.
Reply:We basically steal Rojo's hammer...cut apart the sch 40 hammer handle....weld it back together and clean it up....put it back where we found it...and wait for him to bash someone over the head with it. The wait usually isn't that long. If it breaks, we messed up....if not, we done good. He has never asked why his hammer handle is warm either. Best way would probably be destructive testing. Cut the pipe into strips across the weld and do a bend test on them.QamuIs Heg qaq law' lorvIs yInqaq puS
Reply:dda52. was wondering about ROJO's hammer. had to go back and do a little reading. i gotcha now. lol.  I agree destructive testing would be best. cut it into strips, clamp it in a vise and start smacking with a hammer. if it bends into a u shape without breaking you can consider it a good sound weld.  or you could use a shop press if you have one.
Reply:Originally Posted by patrickpdda52. was wondering about ROJO's hammer. had to go back and do a little reading. i gotcha now. lol.  I agree destructive testing would be best. cut it into strips, clamp it in a vise and start smacking with a hammer. if it bends into a u shape without breaking you can consider it a good sound weld.  or you could use a shop press if you have one.
Reply:Originally Posted by DDA52We basically steal Rojo's hammer...cut apart the sch 40 hammer handle....weld it back together and clean it up....put it back where we found it...and wait for him to bash someone over the head with it. The wait usually isn't that long. If it breaks, we messed up....if not, we done good. He has never asked why his hammer handle is warm either. Best way would probably be destructive testing. Cut the pipe into strips across the weld and do a bend test on them.