Welding Tips and Tricks

What is the best process/way to weld water hardening drill rod to 1/4 " plate steel? The drill rod is 1 and 7/8ths inch diameter. I'm using it for a turntable pivot point, there will be a lot of torque on the pivot point..... I would normally machine a sleeve for the rod to slip in and bolt into and then weld the sleeve to the floor plate, but I don't have enough clearance to get a good sized sleeve in there this time...

I know a few things hopefully more will chime in..

Its basically tool steel so it will need a preheat, post heat and anneal or it will be very brittle. Do you know what grade it is? W1 or O1?

IMO- not worth the chance of an issue, Id choose a different material.

Anneal the end to be welded. Heat it reddish and let it slow cool in air. Then Pre heat and 309/312 ss rods.

Thanks!!!

I'm not sure what he grade is, I'd have to go back and check the paperwork.... But, since it sounds like if I don't do this exactly right there is too much room for a major eff up, so I think I need to find a different material. There is a lot of torque on this pivot, I can't take the chance of it breaking.... once installed, it's in a major PITA place to get to.

Thanks!!!

http://www.interlloy.com.au/our-product ... steel-bar/ This looks a good option.

That would work just fine. Thanks Mick!!

No worries cobba. Not sure if its called the same thing in the US.