welding on a new bolt handle??

[jiminthecorner]

What is best way to weld on a new handle? I have the jig all set up and used standard arc rods 7188 or a "blue nickle" rod before.Seemed to work but lots of filing to clean up bead. What about TIG,MIG or torch?? Thanks Guys, JITC

 

[tiriaq]

I've only ever done them with an o/a torch, and the 3 1/2 percent nickle rods Brownells sells. No complaints. TIG would probably be excellent. MIG would depend on the wire, I suppose. Can't imagine using a stick welder.

 

[Mudpuppy]

I prefer to weld them up with TIG as it leaves a weld that requires less clean up but if I can't get access to my friends TIG, I just use my MIG.
Arc is just a little too much for something like this, it can be done by a good welder but there are better options.

 

[Maple Leaf Pilgrim]

Don't use Arc, you stand a good chance of blowing the bolt handle away as molten steel. 7018 rod is okay for most applications, but I would go for GTAW (TIG). You want to make sure you match the filler to the base metal as closely as possible. So check the metallurgy of the bolt arm and go from there. Then find some similar sized stuff and test it before you do the real thing on the rifle.

Mudpuppy is right about TIG being the best option, it is a real clean process when done right and will mean less cleanup time. Heck, if you do it right it can look pretty cool left as it is.

 

[WithoutWarning]

What is best way to weld on a new handle? I have the jig all set up and used standard arc rods 7188 or a "blue nickle" rod before.Seemed to work but lots of filing to clean up bead. What about TIG,MIG or torch?? Thanks Guys, JITC

I'd be happy to do it for you,
but you probably don't want to
send it all the way to Alberta either. .

 

[buckbrush]

I have used all three, stick, mig and tig. Tig is prefered by far. Stick makes the most mess and needs the most cleanup.

 

[maple_leaf_eh]

I have used all three, stick, mig and tig. Tig is prefered by far. Stick makes the most mess and needs the most cleanup.

Stick weld means oxy/acetolene and handheld welding rods or arcwelder?

 

[Shrek]

stick welding is arc welding with rods (also called SMAW). oxy acetelyne welding with filler rod is sometimes refered to as torch welding. I wouldn't hesitate to stick weld the knob on if that is all you have access to, provided you use small (3/32) rod. That being said, almost everyone has access to a good friends 120 volt mig welder. Less cleanup for sure!