Firebox weld joints?

[akjeff]

Getting ready to MIG weld up my firebox(1/4" plate), and was wondering what type of joint I should use, open or closed? If closed, do you bevel the edges, to get better penetration(and a flatter weld), or just but them up and weld away? Lastly, do you weld them inside and out, or just outside?

Thanks,

Jeff

[Big T]

I either cut the plates a little short so that it's not a closed joint or I bevel the edges. I try to weld the FB inside and out because of the stress from the heat cycles but sometimes I'm lazy and i just weld the outside solid and all of the inside corners with a few stitch welds through out the inside.

[akjeff]

Thanks for the feedback Big T. I already have the plates cut to size, so I guess I'll be beveling! Welding the inside sounds like a good idea, and will do that as well.

Jeff

[ajfoxy]

Yep, as BigT said. As you have cut them to size, bevel them and leave a small land. Good luck.

[Dirtytires]

I welded both sides...lot of welding but the box hasn’t had any issues so guess it’s worth it.

[akjeff]

Yep I welded inside and out as well.

Jeff

[Rodcrafter]

I weld the outside completely but stitch the inside.


Making memories!

[ajfoxy]

[Chukknob]

I know this is an older post but I recently ran into this. It's funny how you think you thought of everything in advance until you realize you didn't lol. I simply staggered my joints using the edge of the material. I was too lazy to grind the edges and the butt welds are gnarley to grind down. It saved time but it also means my box is now about a 1/2 inch wider than expected. No big deal in this case but definetly should have thought it through ahead of time. Great idea on stitching the inside too. I was kind of wondering if I should do anything with the inside.

[bigphilsSmokers]

When I build a 24” x 24” firebox and I’m using 1/4”
Plate. I just cut the plates at 23.5” x 23.5”. That way when I make each corner a 1/4” fillet weld the overall dimensions of the box will be 24” x 24”.