Is it shrunk or stretched???

mikhett · Aug 31, 2005

when mig welding on a 24"x4"highpatch on a lower qtr panel taKING MY TIME MAKING SURE NOT TO CAUSE WARPAGE I JUST TACKED a million tacks to get a complete weld seam.After i was done i noticed an "oilcan"dent about 3 inches above the weld seamit measures 5"widex4"high,the weld seam is level.Has the metal above the weld seam shrunk or did it stretch?what do i do to repair the damage? thanks mike

sevt_chevelle · Aug 31, 2005

The metal is SHRUNK!!!
Remember back in science class, "For every action there is a equal and opposite reaction"
Well that oilcan right above your weld is NOT the action its the reaction. The metal where you welded has shrunk down in size pulling the surrounding metal around it with it.
You you correct the action(shrunken metal from welding) the reaction(oilcan) will disappear.

The CORRECT repair is to stretch the metal in the HAZ Heat Affected Zone. This is the discolored metal that surrounds the weld bead, work ONLY within the HAZ zone. If you use the hammer ON dolly method and work the HAZ you will stretch the metal back out that has been shrunk. This stretching will in return make that oilcan disappear...Eric

mikhett · Aug 31, 2005

thanks eric will do, mike

Dan72 · Aug 31, 2005

So you would hammer along the seam where it's blued, with a dolly along the back? Hard for me to picture exactly what movements you mean.

Dan72 · Aug 31, 2005

Never mind, I read the "metal finishing" thread.

Where would I find this article he referred to? Always love to read stuff penned by the guys who know, and are kind enough to share the benefits of their experience.

Is it shrunk or stretched???

mikhett

sevt_chevelle

mikhett

Dan72

Dan72

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