Welding mild steel

[Connor026]

Hi im building a space frame for a streamliner made out of mild steel, and i was wondering what is the best type of welding to use? The tubing is 1. 1/4 inch and 0.09 inch thickness, which is the min requirements for the roll cage set out in the SCTA rules.

Any info or tips on welding would be much appreciated

[manta22]

Any method is just fine as long as it is done properly. Craftsmanship is important.

Don't overlook the importance of well- fitting joints and remember that the chassis will undergo distortion from the high heat of fusion welding. Try to tack things and weld symmetrically to minimize distortion.

Regards, Neil  Tucson, AZ

[rouse]

I would use only TIG welding only, if it was mine.

MIG welding is used a lot on mild steel, however, I'd classify MIG welding as "operator sensitive", in other words, you can make a big mess in a hurry, and weld quality may suffer in a dangerous way. You could have more weld defects than you can shake a stick at, if your skill level ain't up to the task.



Rouse

[Milwaukee Midget]

Hi im building a space frame for a streamliner made out of mild steel, and i was wondering what is the best type of welding to use? The tubing is 1. 1/4 inch and 0.09 inch thickness, which is the min requirements for the roll cage set out in the SCTA rules.

Any info or tips on welding would be much appreciated

Are you building a car or a bike streamliner?

Do yourself a favor - don't go minimum on a frame.  It's likely that by the time you finally get it to the salt, the rules might change.

[Connor026]

Cheers for the replies, really didnt expect them that quick I was leaning towards TIG welding so thanks for clarifying. Never even considered a change of rules so thanks for the tip Milwaukee Midget, its a bike

[Milwaukee Midget]

I don't remember where it's at on these boards, but a little over a year ago, there was a big rule change that almost eliminated most of the motorcycle streamliners due to tubing size.  The rule was reprieved, but that doesn't mean it couldn't happen again.

Welcome aboard!

Chris

[Rex Schimmer]

Connor,
Do yourself a big favor and use 1-5/8 dia x .120 wall tubing so when you start going fast you won't have to build a new cage, and use TIG welding.


Rex

[manta22]

Conner;

Besides MIG & TIG, there is the old- school method-- oxy-acetylene torch welding. It is a perfectly good technique but the cost of acetylene has gone up considerably over the years.

Regards, Neil  Tucson, AZ

[bearingburner]

I would highly recommend if your are not a profesonal welder I would find one to do your drivers compartment. The more certifications the better. I would also strongly recommend  you use DOM tubing one or more sizes larger than the minimum.
Its taken me over 10 years to finish my lakester (haven't yet,but close) and you don't want a rules change in tubing size to destroy all you've accomplished.

[kiwi belly tank]

With those sizes he's quoting it's a bikeliner. That size ruling might change in the near future to bring it up to streamliner specs so you would be wise to up the size now rather than later. Mig or tig is ok depending on your equipment & skill level.
  Sid.