How to Weld H-13 Steel

Tool steel must be heated before it can be welded.

H13 steel, a tool steel, is essentially similar to many other types of tool steel, the identification numbers of which all begin with the prefix "H." To perform a repair weld on this form of tool steel, take into account some important factors before beginning. Unlike welding mild steel, there is much more preparation work that must be done in order to prevent further damage to the steel or a situation in which the steel's hardening is undone.

Things You'll Need

• Propane torch
• Rubbing alcohol
• Welding clamps
• Wire brush
• MIG welder
• Hammer

Send to Phone

Brought to you by

Send to Phone

Please enter your 10 digit phone number only.

Send

A link to this article has been sent to the phone number provided.

Close

Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. Message and data rates may apply.

Instructions

1. Set the MIG welder to the appropriate setting for the thickness of the H-13 steel that you are welding. This information is noted on a chart either on the inside panel of the MIG welder where the wire spool is installed, or it is in the welder's operation manual. Different size welders use different settings that must be correctly dialed in before welding.

2. Place the piece of H-13 tool steel on a solid work surface or clamp it to a metal vise with the part you will be welding clamped in place or held carefully by your gloved hand. Apply rubbing alcohol to the metal surfaces and scrub them thoroughly with a wire brush to remove any surface dirt or debris that will reduce the effectiveness of the weld. H-13 steel must be extremely clean or it will not weld properly.

3. Clamp the ground clamp electrode to the part that you are welding, and then use a propane torch to heat the junction between the H-13 tool steel parts until they have reached an orange-red color. Turn on the welder.

4. Lower your welding helmet and look through the visor. Position the welding tip ¼ of an inch from the surface precisely at the juncture where the tool steel parts meet. Pull the trigger of the MIG welding gun to touch the electrode tip to the steel and begin the welding process.

5. Build up a weld bead on the steel that is approximately ¼ of an inch wide. This will look like a small pool of melted metal. Push the weld pool across the juncture of the two parts being welded, but do not move the welder tip back and forth. This will result in an insufficiently deep weld penetration. Tool steel is much harder than mild steel, and you will have to work more slowly with it in order to obtain a strong enough weld.

6. Release the trigger of the welding gun after the weld has been completed, and then raise your welding helmet. Clean off any residual slag that sits on the weld using the wire brush. When the weld is complete, but before it has completely cooled, repeatedly strike the weld with a heavy hammer. This process is known as "peening" and results in a much stronger, more durable weld.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear appropriate safety gear such as a welding helmet when welding any metal. It may also be a good idea to wear a long-sleeved shirt and gloves, particularly if you are new to welding.

References

• "Welding Complete: Techniques, Project Plans & Instructions"; Editors of CPi; 2009
• "Welder's Handbook, Revised: A Guide to Plasma Cutting, Oxyacetylene, ARC, MIG and TIG Welding"; Richard Finch; 2007
• Weld Reality: H. Tool Steels Welding Data; Ed Craig