Self weld testing.....

[HarleyR]

Just curious to see what people do to test their welds....Destructive of otherwise... I have been doing some tests by smashing a tube completly flat approx 1 inch back from weld never had a weld tear or break.... But I know there has to be other ways.... mostly Steel but alum. methods would also be helpful.... Also I have been looking for some info on downslope... I know what it is just not 100% sure on its application and under what type of welding it would be needed Thanks for the help guys......

[RyanWiW]

This is what i use. A little messy, but cleans up good with a little brake parts cleaner. However, it will not reveal any cracks or perosity underneath the suface. The only way to chek for those is xray or ultrasound (either one or the other. not sure if my terminology is right either!!).

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/3WU62

[lowdownndirty]

might find something usefull here.....

http://weldingweb.com/

I belive I rember reading once there about cutting the weld open and using a type of etching acid...

[loufish]

NDT - Non Destructive Testing
Usually Ultrasound or X-Ray....

Test coupon, weld 2 strips togather and start bending to see if the weld fails or the base metal...:p

[HarleyR]

Thanks guys.... I Auctually have a level 2 NDT cert... mag and dye.... Just Dont use it...

[loufish]

Thanks guys.... I Auctually have a level 2 NDT cert... mag and dye.... Just Dont use it...

Kind of tough to use the Mag at home in the garage huh?....:D

[fathead]

Kind of tough to use the Mag at home in the garage huh?....:D

Not really, depending on the part.
You can use mag yolks.

[HarleyR]

Even tougher in an apartment hahaha... The shop where Im currently dosent have the equipment....

[goofballracer]

hit it with a hammer

[loufish]

You can use mag yolks.

I was thinking about the huge Mag machine they had at my aviation school...;)

[rojodiablo]

hit it with a hammer

This can give an idea of a welds' resistance to shock load, but as for total resistance to failure, you need something that wants to tear the metal apart, instead of crack it. A sledge repeatedly bending a part can give you some good ideas. Also, the acid test as was mentioned. Cut the weld in half, bend, and then you can wipe it with muriatic acid. You'll see a dark line after the acid etches the steel for a minute. If the line is visible, you can see the crack. The line of the weld itself will be obvious, and that will show you penetration. The weld bead and the parent metal will be slightly different, and the color will show that welded area.