Welding the axle supports

[KieranM]

Hi,
I am in the middle of making a scratch built goped/scooter and i plan to make the axle supports from two pieces of mild steel.

I have cut both to size and tac welded together in a L shape, but I was told that if I were to weld them fully they could bend out of shape.

Is there a way to weld them but keep them from flexing out out of shape?

Thanks- kieranM

 

[anderkart]

Without pics of your design we cant give you much help here. Can you post some pics of what you've got tacked together now?

 

[KieranM]

These are the best pics i could get with my camera,

At the moment it is only in early stages hence the crappy wheels.
Hope it helps . sorry about quality
KieranM

 

[Kaptain Krunch]

If your really worried about it bending from heat (shouldnt if there isnt any weight on it) than just tack it in a few places, let it cool, lay one bead, let it cool and so on.

 

[KieranM]

Thanks for your help. Much appreciated

 

[AutoMX]

doesn't seem like it would matter if the heat warped it a bit, these arent rocket components with tiny tolerances. i'd guess it might shift 2mm at most if properly welded. to prevent any movement you could tack on some diagonals then chop them off when done welding.

 

[IHcubguy]

tack it on one side only do not square it up, one good tack! keep it about 1 or 2 degree off square! run a bead on the other side from the tack, 9 times out of 10 it will flex enough to come darn close to square, keep an eye on side to side movements! if it's off a little bit grind the tack off and make adjustments with a small hammer, have to move quick while the steel is still hot do not wait too long, then complete the weld! it works well in most cases!

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Tack everything in place, then work in fairly short bursts, alternating from one side to the other.

 

[KieranM]

tack it on one side only do not square it up, one good tack! keep it about 1 or 2 degree off square! run a bead on the other side from the tack, 9 times out of 10 it will flex enough to come darn close to square, keep an eye on side to side movements! if it's off a little bit grind the tack off and make adjustments with a small hammer, have to move quick while the steel is still hot do not wait too long, then complete the weld! it works well in most cases!

Thanks. Good idea much appreciated