Warping metal

Is the 1x2 pictured the piece that warped? Looks like the mill scale hasn't been removed before welding?

Yes that is it. I didn't grind it off or anything first. Honestly I never have though, should I? I just want to make sure I don't have to redo this again.

You should always get the millscale off before welding. That is probably the reason your tacks don't hold. On heavier welds the temperature burns scale but you arent doing production so take the time to clean all surfaces to bare metal.

It's also possible that you have been welding at a higher temp than needed to break through the scale and make a strong weld.

yea remove the scale and chamfer the edges a little so you can get enough penetration to be able to grind the welds flat.

Thanks for the help guys. I've never been "trained" on welding, just tought myself. I've welded A LOT of stuff in the past and this is deffinatly a first. Here's a couple shots of the warped piece. I thought maybe the metal was bad or something. It's not like a had the welder cranked up super high or anything either.

Man you better hire a contracter to fix that patio. The way the scale is removed in those pictures is what you are after. When I first started welding about 14 years ago I didnt know you had to clean it off either. Man your gonna love welding from now on. It will ground better and weld nicer.

mabey try some thicker metal like 10g or 1/8"

Originally posted by periportfd



Man you better hire a contracter to fix that patio. The way the scale is removed in those pictures is what you are after. When I first started welding about 14 years ago I didnt know you had to clean it off either. Man your gonna love welding from now on. It will ground better and weld nicer.

What's wrong with my patio?

man i am working on my bed this right now its 16 gauge, but of course i havent run solid beads, yeah it sucks but i have just tacked many times, but i agree with everyone else all metal will warp..