Welding methods (steel)?

[wdiannes]

Here (in North America) ASME Boiler Code allows only arc welding of steel boilers (by certified welders of course) but in the aircraft field only oxy-acetylene welding is permitted on structural parts. Both are "life safety issues" - if a weld fails, people could die!

Obviously oxy-acetylene would be a VERY expensive and time-consuming process on a large steel boiler but I have never heard of gas welding being acceptable on a model boiler and wonder why?

Having done both methods, I know I can produce a cleaner and more reliable weld with gas than with arch, especially on small  parts, and wonder why we (modellers) don't use it.

Your thoughts are most welcome!

[ejparrott]

The UK boiler code, the Green book, doesn't make any mention of welding methods. Its was something I asked to be clarified at the last revision, but along with my request for 'standardized' calculations it was ignored. Usual process I am aware of is for TIG routing, followed by stick with low hydrogen rods.

[fostergp6nhp]

Hmm, gas welding. 12mm tube plate into a 10mm thick barrell would be fun.

[wdiannes]

Nov 6, 2013 19:32:09 GMT fostergp6nhp said:

Hmm, gas welding. 12mm tube plate into a 10mm thick barrell would be fun.

LOL! It certainly would! I was thinking of a much smaller boiler where arc welding would be more like driving a tack with a sledge hammer! I was wondering if there was a reason (other than speed and economy) for not gas welding steel.

[bhk]

I think it would be due to only then having to write rules for one type of welding thus reducing the overall cost of putting the code together, gas welding if done right will produce a superb weld as would MIG and TIG but the weld prep would be different for each and inspectors would need to understand the problems that can come with each

[locoian]

Nowt to do with this but BR used to seam weld the copper fireboxes at Swindon sing a couple of gas welders.

Cant remember the exact details, but it was described in the proceedings of locomotive engineers sometme during the 50s. From memory it was done vertically with a welder working on each sid. I think there were 2 gangs, each welding for about 30 minutes at a time and then cooling down.

Dont fancy it myself

Ian

[pault]

Hi,
If you are happy gas welding try and get a go at TIG welding, you will never want to go back to gas.

[bhk]

Nov 30, 2013 20:13:41 GMT pault said:

Hi,
If you are happy gas welding try and get a go at TIG welding, you will never want to go back to gas.

Agree, especially when you get those really "sexy" welds! I treat my TIG welding like an artist would a painting.

[jma1009]

hi ian,
copper welding of copper inner fireboxes was as you describe except done from the inside to avoid the removal of backhead and whole inner firebox required with a belpaire firebox. the GWR perfected same quite early on. it was later perfected to quite an art in the 1950s at other loco works in the UK. copper welding seems to have become almost obsolete these days with more modern methods.
i cant weld for toffee, but seem to be a dab hand at silversoldering. i'd love to learn how to weld one of these days.
cheers,
julian

[abby]

I much prefer gas welding to any form of arc , it's almost theraputic , but the cost of bottles and gas.........what can you say !

[locoian]

Re JMAs comments. Yes I believe Gorton did a lot of work on repairs to copper boxes.

These days TIG is generally the preferred method, but what ever is used it is a pig on big sections of copper due to the heat input required.

Ian

[terry1956]

Many years ago when I started out in engineering there was only gas at the plant.imloved gas welding, just watching the little pools of metal form was just magic. I remember reading domeplace that using gas for welding copper builds up to much carbon in the weld.i am planning next year to take up tig welding snd having a go at making a steel boiler.not being a coded welder I have contacted a local company who will test and certify the welds.michael

[maunsell]

Copper welding on locomotive fireboxes was also carried out regularly in the Locomotive Works at Ashford, Kent in the 1950's The Metallurgists also used a portable X-ray set to examine welds on pressure vessels and locomotive frames where a complete section was cut out and replaced. It was usually the section at the driving axlebox and nicknamed a "Barn Door"