How to Weld a Cone
If you already know how to weld, creating a cone out of sheet metal is quite easy. It involves cutting the metal to the correct shape, clamping it and then welding the seam. If you are unfamiliar with welding, you may find that it is easier than you think. A MIG welder feeds wire automatically to the welding tip, and the settings on the welding machine can be adjusted until the speed and heat suit your welding style.
Things You'll Need
- Paper
- Marker
- Scissors
- Drawing compass
- Measuring tape
- Sheet metal
- Metal cutters
- Oil-removing cleaner
- Strong clamps (welding clamps)
- Welder
- Wire or rod
- Gloves
- Welding helmet
- Metal sander
Instructions
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1
Draw a pattern for the cone on paper. Begin with a triangle that is as tall as the cone you would like to create. The bottom of the triangle should be about one-half inch wider than the circumference of the bottom of the desired cone. Use a drawing compass to round out the bottom part of the triangle to create a more even bottom for the cone pattern. Cut out the pattern.
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2
Test the cone pattern by bending the sides together. Make sure that the ends overlap by at least one-half inch and it fits any object that it needs to accommodate.
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3
Trace the cone pattern on to the sheet metal. Cut this pattern out of the metal, then clean the metal with the oil-removing cleaner.
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4
Clamp the metal into place to form the cone shape you want to create. Make any adjustments necessary, because changing the shape after it is welded will be very difficult.
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5
Put on the gloves and welding helmet before turning on the welder.
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6
Weld the seam using your preferred welding method. If you are unsure of which welding technique to use, a MIG welder is usually considered the easiest for beginners to operate. Trace along the seam in small overlapping loops, moving the tip of the welder in whichever direction is most comfortable for you.
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7
Sand the welded seam if you would like the surface of the cone to be smooth.
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Tips & Warnings
If this is your first time welding this type of metal, practice on scrap metal and adjust the welder settings to get the best results.
Always wear protective gear when welding and when sanding or cutting metal.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
