How to Weld With Recycled Metal

Recycled steel has the same basic properties as new steel.

Welding with recycled metal typically presents few problems for the technician. The most important aspect to using recycled metal is that the metal you use must be thoroughly cleaned to prevent poor weld penetration, and thus, a weak weld. Regardless of where you source your recycled metal from, this is the most important aspect of using recycled material.

Things You'll Need

• Wire brush
• Die grinder
• Grinding discs
• Rubbing alcohol
• Clean rag
• MIG welder
• Welding helmet

Instructions

1. Inspect the metal you intend to use to weld for signs of weakness. These might include stretch marks or surface cracks that seem to extend into the metal.

2. Clean any existing rust off the metal with a wire brush or a die grinder fitted with a sandpaper grinding disc. Welding through rust is far less effective than welding onto clean metal.

3. Wet the surface of the metal with rubbing alcohol. Then clean it off with a clean rag. This will wash away any oils or oil residue on the metal, further promoting proper weld adhesion.

4. Apply the negative ground clamp to the recycled metal workpiece after it has been cleaned, and then dial in the settings on the MIG welder to the appropriate settings for the thickness of metal you will be welding. These settings are usually indicated on a chart either in the owner's manual for the welder or inside the cover plate.

5. Lower your welding helmet and proceed to produce the necessary welds to complete your project.

Tips & Warnings

• Always weld with a welding helmet in place. Weld electrodes produce extremely bright light, which can lead to flash burn in unprotected eyes.

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
• "Welding Manual"; John Haynes; 1995