How to Weld Angle Iron

Angle iron is also called an angle bar and is a structural iron or steel piece that has an L-shaped cross-section. Though angle iron is made of the same material as any other iron or steel metal workpiece, the angle at which it is bent could give rise to understand exactly how to weld angle iron.

Uses of Angle Iron

Angle iron is made in a particular shape because the angle at which it is bent allows it to be extremely stable and gives it strength to bear very excessive amounts of weight and pressure. Angle iron pieces are usually made of galvanized steel iron, which makes it stronger than regular iron and gives it more flexibility and resistance to corrosion and oxidation.

Angle iron is used in almost all industries but is most likely to be seen in construction and factories. Sometimes, angle iron comes with two punched holes on either side that allow you to screw it into place without the need for special tools.

Angle iron is most commonly used in the following aspects of daily life:

Building Frames

In the construction industry, builders use angle iron for building frames for the added support and stability they provide. Where two frame pieces meet, an angle iron piece is attached to keep the joint angle stable and prevent the two larger pieces from falling apart or breaking. Most frames for homes and buildings use angle iron in almost every room.

Bed Frames

Metal bed frames also tend to use angle iron pieces to provide support to the bed so it can handle the weight of people sleeping on it. Though more commonly used for metal bed frames, angle iron is also used for wooden frames to keep the pieces of the bed together and support the mattress that is set on top.

Seating

Additional strength is often needed in furniture, especially in seating, to support the weight of the people who would be sitting atop it. Angle iron is used frequently in seating, especially in large public benches, as part of the design to be able to withstand the weight of more than one person.

Shelving

Shelves that are screwed onto the wall, particularly industrial shelves, usually require angle iron pieces to hold the shelves in position and be able to hold the weight of any objects that are placed on top. Iron angle brackets have a surprising amount of strength due to the way they are shaped, which allows each individual bracket to hold up quite a few pounds on its own.

Though angle iron pieces are not used on their own, they are often used to create and set up the basic structure of any workpiece, and then, other materials are used to help finish the task. This is because they are durable and stable enough to withstand almost any kind of use since they do not break or bow. By adding reinforcement in different directions because of the angle, they make work more manageable, and by bolting or welding pieces together, they can add even more stability.

The different types of jobs they are used for, depending on the thickness of the bracket itself. For example, smaller and thinner pieces are usually used for projects where pressure and weight on the structure are minimal. In contrast, larger and thicker pieces are used for walls and building beams that have to handle massive weights consistently.

Welding Angle Iron

Though it is possible to use simple tools such as drills when working with angle iron, it does not produce stable or best-looking results. By welding the angle iron to the metal frame structure, it will provide not just strength but also make the workspace look smooth and neat, and helps avoid the possibility of the pieces coming apart because they will be joint together.

Tools to Use When Welding With Angle Iron

Welding Machines

Bolts and drills also work, but the best-looking results for angle iron com with welding each joint together. MIG or arc welding machines are able to handle even the thickest angle iron brackets, and with a bit of practice, it is easy to understand how to create elaborate frames and structures by welding different pieces of angle iron together.

Welding Masks

When doing any welding work, it is essential to take measures to protect your eyes from being exposed to the arc. Not only can exposure cause vision problems, but it can also cause burns from the sparks. Even basic welding masks that offer sub-optimal protection are better than not using a mask at all, but where an auto-darkening helmet is available, it is best to use it.

Chop Saw

When welding angle iron, you will often need to cut it into the shape and size you need. Cutting angle iron is not very difficult, and a chop saw can do several cuts and with very close precision. Chop saws can easily do perpendicular cuts, though they are quite expensive, and if only a few cuts are needed, they may be unnecessary.

Angle Grinder

An angle grinder can be used to cut angle iron as well, to fit the shape needed or to trim pieces. Usually, the joint is cleaned with the grinder before and after welding to make the weld look as neat as possible. Angle grinders are available in many sizes, depending on the project scale.

Torch

Sometimes, cutting torches could be needed to cut the angle iron or for cutting out holes to bolt the pieces, or even to shape the joints. Cutting torches come with gas tanks and are relatively inexpensive.

Welding Magnets

welding magnets are used to hold the pieces at a correct angle during welding. Though welding magnets can be used with any welding workpieces, they are also used with angle iron brackets to hold it stable during the welding process and don’t need the use of your hands due to the magnetism.

Chipping Hammer

Chipping hammers are used after welding pieces together to clean slag off the joints. This makes the welds cleaner and the surface smoother for any further welding that is to be done, such as a finishing coat.

Safety Equipment

When working with any tools, welding, or otherwise, safety is a crucial part of the process. When using drills, grinders, or welding equipment, make sure to use safety goggles and masks to protect your eyes and face. These processes can also create a lot of loud noises, so make sure to have hearing protection and a dust mask to avoid inhaling dust, fumes, and metal particles.

Consumables

You will also need to keep an adequate welding rod or wire for your welding equipment, as well as gases, including oxygen and acetylene, if you will be using the cutting torch for your angle iron work.

Why Should You Use Angle Iron?

Angle iron can offer several advantages to any project you are working on.

Affordability

Angle iron, compared to other products used for industrial purposes that provide the same level of strength, is extremely affordable and is a suitable, cost-effective replacement for a large number of metals that are often sold at higher prices such as aluminum.

Versatility

It can be used for various purposes, such as bracing, creating frames, or even decorative purposes.

Easy to Use

It is easy to work with angle iron, provided that you have some experience in metal fabrication, since you may have to cut or weld the bracket a bit to suit your usage. It is also easy to set into complex structures.

Strong

The angle at which it is set makes it extremely strong and capable of supporting heavier weights than other items used for the same purpose, such as wood or even flat steel, in some cases.

Lightweight

Compared to other industrial components with the same level of strength and capability, angle iron is quite light and compact. This means it is also capable of making smaller structures such as tables and shelves sturdy without adding too much to their weight.

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