Best way to cut welds

[andy]

Ok, starting to get down to frame work. At some point in its life, it had a winch on the rear frame, and someone welded on some big I channels to the upper frame rails. How would I go about cutting off the welds to remove them.

Thanks!

[steve-0]

this depends on what equipment you have available to you. im good with a torch so i do most of my steel removal with that. if you don't have one or don't have much experience with one then this wont be an option. if you have a common 4 1/2" angle grinder then you can buy the thin 1/16" grinding disks for it and they cut through welds perty well. the problem with them is getting into tight spots.

[spec4don]

One of the best tools is an air-arc. Using a arc welder and air. It has a copper coated carbon rod. Basically it unwelds, the beauty is once you strike an arc the air blows the slag away. You can actually just shave bits away. It allows you to cut back the extra metal with out getting into the parent metal. The other value is that it does not throw in as much heat into the metal as a torch.

It is particulally good for gouging out weld in a butt weld situation. As stated before depending on the amount and location, torch and grider will also work. My frame I need to cut away the outer frame with out damaging the inner frame. For me the Air-arc is the only option.

If you have someone in your area that does mobile welding they would probably have an air-arc. Anyway that's my 2 cents.

Don G.

 

[SoCalM2]

I would have to agree with Don the air arc is the best way to protect the parent metal when removing the weld.  If you have that option.

Just another opinion.

[Tom @ Snake River]

I looked into Air-Arc, and the supply houses stated that it took a 400 amp welder to start to get the job done.
   Has someone did an Air-Arc with a lower amp welder ? ?

[PeteG]

I've used my 225 amp welder. I use small air arc rod, 3/32 I think? and I only gouge in short bursts. This method was recomended by the folks at my welding supply store. So far I haven't burnt up my welder, I'll let you know if I do. Also, it works pretty well too. 

[spec4don]

Tom, I did like Pete G. said, I used 3/32 air-arc rod and short bursts. I actually ran out of 3/32 and ended up using 1/4. I also used a 225 amp welder. Just give a rest now and again. I've used it on the front of my frame where they had welded on a funky winch so I could get back to a roller model.

If you only have a one time use you might be money ahead to rent a welder for the day. My local weding house does that. When I asked them about renting a welder they said "Got some air-arcing to do? " Evidently that is common practice.

Don G.

[halftracknut]

you can buy a 1/2 flat cutting tip for the oxy/ace torch and it works well ...no matter what you are gonna be grinding...