Welding ends on 9"

[57x]

I have to modify a couple of my axle housings, so I decided to buy a bar so I can do this myself. I have heard (unreliable source ...) that the ends should be welded in a continous weld. While that is nice, I do not have have a jig that can rotate the axle while I weld it. I have a couple custom housings that I compared, with mixed results. One housing is from Moser, which has a continous weld (they do this all day long, they better have a jig). The other housing is from a racing shop and appears to be stiched, one bead at a time. From a strenth and leakage factor, I do not see this being an issue. Stiching it has advantages in keeping the housing cooler, limiting the chance of warpage. Are there other things to consider?

[Scott @ DLS]

I have a Mitler Brothers jig myself and most of the time I will set up my ends and tack them on and then have a professional tig weld them all the way around. Since I am getting more faster and powerful cars I have stopped mig welding and started getting them tig welded, it's just a stronger weld IMO.

I have a steel A-frame I build all of my bench axles on and I have had a helper turn the axle while welding with a mig.

[the358bansh]

Another thing to consider is a puck of aluminum turned down to bearing size. Use it to soak up some of the heat out of the race and to maintain concentricity/size.

This is my version and it seems to work well for me...
Hot tack at A, then B,C,D,E,F,G,H.
Then weld 1-A, 2-B, 3-D, 4-C.
Then weld D-1, C-2, A-4, B-3.
And please, if you even question your welding slighty, please take it to a profeesional.


http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb93/JoeSchmo62/AxleLayout.jpg

[ERV JR]

I built two stands with rollers , 2 wheels each. I tack the ends in four spots then weld them around while having the housing rotated, there are times thta i have stopped to let the tube cool then gone to the other side to play the heat off of it

[57x]

Good stuff guys. the358bansh - that was similar to what I was thinking, and looks similar in technique to the race shop axle that I bought. Thanks for the help.