How to Weld a Steel Drum

Tempering and welding is an important step to successfully completing the process of making a steel drum.

Tempering is the eighth step in creating a steel drum. It is followed by choosing the drum, sinking, marking the notes, backing, grooving, leveling and cutting the drum, according to The Pan Page. Tempering, which includes welding, causes the steels to harden, unite and mold together. Tempering is the process of heating the steel drum and then cooling it, this procedure is essential when constructing a steel drum. It is completed so the drum can eventually be properly tuned.

Things You'll Need

• Steel drum (partially complete)
• Car tire
• Fire ignitor
• Stand
• Cold Water

Instructions

1. Burn a car tire cautiously for approximately 10 minutes. Do this in a safe and spacious outdoor location.

2. Place a stand over the burning fire. A typical stand has four legs that are approximately 15 to 20 cm long, and is often complemented by a shield to keep wind from disturbing the fire in any way.

3. Place the drum on the stand over the burning fire for a brief 90 seconds to two minutes.

4. Remove the steel drum from the fire carefully to begin cooling process. If there is not paint on the steel drum, the metal will turn blue, then black, and finally gray. The metal surface of the drum should look dull once is it heated enough and can serve as an indication on when it should be removed from heat.

5. Cool the steel drum. Pour cold water over the entire surface of the steel drum. The cold water will both temper and cleanse the steel drum.

Tips & Warnings

• Complete all steps with extreme caution.

• If you don't have a stand available to complete step 2, there is still a way to successfully continue the tempering process. Dig a pit into the ground with approximately the same diameter as the steel drum. Place four large rocks about 10 cm high surrounding the pit and position the steel drum onto the rocks. Be sure to do this after creating a fire above the pit. Leave the steel drum to heat above the fire for no more than 15 minutes.

• The steel drum will be black and dirty with soot once the tempering process is complete. This is the best time to clean the pan with soap and water before moving onto the next step, which is tuning.

References

• The Pan Page: Steel Pan Tuning- Tempering

Resources

• The Pan Page