How to Do a Lap Joint

A lap joint is used to attach two pieces of steel together. Lap joints are regularly used in welding when you need the extend the length of a piece of steel or make a piece of metal thicker and stronger. Lap joints are one of the easier things to learn to do in welding.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Gloves
• Welding mask
• Laser welder
• Clamps
• Work station

1. Clamp the two pieces of metal you'd like to weld together. Be sure to position them in the exact spot you want them joined. Measure, if necessary, to make sure the position is correct.

2. Tack weld to keep the pieces in position.

3. Double-check to make sure the steel you're adding on is accurately positioned.

4. Weld the pieces together until you get a tub of silver weld bead. You can weld just the two sides or all three.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure the steel you're working with is relatively clean without a lot of rust.
• To make two plates lie on the same plane, you can bend the pieces of steel before welding.
• Use both hands to steady the gun as you weld.
• Clean the liner of your laser gun welder occasionally. Don't forget to and drive rolls. Be sure to keep the gun nozzle clean of spatter. If you notice that the contact tip is feeding poorly, it's probably blocked and needs to be replaced.
• Always wear a welding mask to protect your eyes from the brightness of the welder's laser beam.