Round rod artwork question...

[hoagy_econo]

I am beginning a project where I will use 1/8" and 1/4" round rod, cut and free-formed into small (approx 8") squares, making one-off "picture frame" art. Each piece of rod will need to be individually welded to an adjoining piece, eventually filling the square with a design.
I may want to back up the design with a "stained glass" look, something on the order of the "dream catchers" that are seen in a lot of gift shops.

My question is: what do you recommend as a good welding practice to attach all these small pieces? I have a small (Lincoln SP125+) MIG welder, but am curious if a small stick welder or even O/A would be better. I don't really want to get into brazing, but am looking for all opinions.

Anyone care to offer suggestions?

Thanks to anyone who replies.

Jim Martin

[wood-n steel]

I put these together with my Miller 135 and .035 flux core wire
They are made from coat hangers you have to be quick on the trigger



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[Markopolo]

I've been working on some art that requires 1/8" & 3/32"round.
I've done it with my HH135, but, YES.....you do have to be quick on the trigger ! O/A welding is out of the question because, at least for me, by the time you get it to welding heat, it's gone !
I suppose if you had a jeweller's torch, you could do it, but the smallest tip I have is a 000, which is still too big for 1/8".

I finally just said the hell with it, practiced up on my brazing, and now I'm putting them together perfectly !

[david_r]

Jim,
Here's some 1/8 coated rod with 1/16 filler (applied sparingly). "0" tip (my smallest) on my chinese torch and gases around 5 psi.

As you can see on the butt joints, it's real easy to melt the corner away. I suspect a little overhang and letting that flow to fill the joint would help. Do note that this small of a material heated up FAST and I blew half of one of the butt joints away when it over heated and popped the torch tip. That's the welding gods telling me I should have not been doing this in shorts and tennis shoes.

I found it easiest to touch the filler to the work as the work went orange. When the filler melted, I pulled it back, the puddle flowed out and it was done.

If you go the O/A route, I suspect your going to get tired or relighting the torch.

[lotechman]

I have been joining 5/64 welding wire using .023 wire on my 250 amp MIG. I have to get everything lined up but it works.