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Military Firearm Restoration Corner

Failed Attempt At Welding A Bolt


drgoose

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It was probably not a great idea that the first thing I ever tried to weld was a bolt handle but anyway.

It did not work well, but anyway. I had to try, I guess I'll have to learn on some scrap pieces of steel.

I don;t think I was using a big enough tip because I was not able to get a "puddle". When I tried it on some thinner pieces of steel I was able to get the "puddle".

 

In the mean time, I will take the bolt and bolt handle mounted on a jig to the welding shop that is a couple of blocks away from my house.

 

edb899be.jpg

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There is a lot more to OA welding than just tip size and puddle. :huh:

 

You have to have proper regulated pressure of both gases. Proper tip size for matl. thickness. Proper adjustment of handle valves for correct flame type at tip for welding to be done. Proper fill rod type for matl.being welded. Coat hanger is OK for a gate hinge but not worth spit on a rifle bolt.

 

Then and only then do you get many hours of practice before assaulting another poor unsuspecting rifle bolt.

 

I applaud your enthusiasm and DIY spirit but it is best to learn to walk before you attemtp running.

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The older metal coat hangers worked just fine for bolt welding. It's those new plastic ones you need to stay away from.

Don

 

I've never welded a bolt before but I have done a lot of different welding so Ill try to chime in.

 

Don is right with OLDER being the key word. The uniform companies I have used over the years have not made good welding rods since the 90's. Tractor supply has rod for use with oxy/acet welding if you do not have a welding supply near you. I have used a lot of door lock rods out of cars also. I actually prefer them to real welding rods if I have to weld with gas.

 

I wonder how a mig will work for this sort of thing? It seems to me a mig is hard to beat for almost any situation. You can get a small 110 mig cheap.

I have been considering one of these cheap plasma cutter/tig welder combo units. Im thinking about it specifically for firearms work if I ever finish the other projects I have. I've never tigged before but it can't be impossible to learn.

 

Ps if you try a mig get a treal mig not a flux core wire welder. Much better job and much easier to weld without overheating metal.

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The older metal coat hangers worked just fine for bolt welding. It's those new plastic ones you need to stay away from.

Don

 

 

Oh Dude, :blink: Now you tell me. Is that why all the stinky black smoke???? :D:P

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