How to Weld Rolling Ball Sculpture, Part 2: T-joint

The second in a series of instructional videos on building steel rolling ball sculpture, this video covers the basics of welding a T-joint, a common RBS welding situation. I show proper parts prep, tack welding, welding with filler rod and detail of a track clamp, one of the special tools used in making RBS track. The material in this video is stainless steel. I am using a Miller Maxstar 150 STH welder. I recommend using a foot pedal for ease of amperage control. All standard safety rules used in welding apply here as well, of course. If you have questions, please contact me through KZbin or one of the links below. I hope this video is of help in your creative efforts. Please comment, subscribe, share and enjoy! Thanks for watching!
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[@gabiballetje]

For the third hand he use that keep the rails spaced perfectly, he needs to screw it down every time, costing quite some time. Remove that system, get a few magnets that don't need to be too big, they just need to keep it in place while it lays there or you solder it. They will ne far easier and faster to remove and re-attach, even on your sculpture.

[@williamreed912]

Tom, do you need to ground both pieces that you are welding together, or just one?

[@TomHaroldArt]

Just one. As you are welding, the arc grounds the other. However, since I'm welding on a metal bench, I just ground the bench and make sure the parts have contact with the bench. It's much easier than trying to ground individual pieces all the time. I did that in the beginning, and it was a hassle, especially if they were small parts. Besides that, for safety, a metal bench should be used, and not a wood bench with a sheet of metal on it. If you put metal over wood, the wood can catch fire beneath.

[@jamiewoods9222]

What do you use to weld. Tig weld or something else. I want to try and make one of these , it would be my first. I'm excited about it. I'm good with my hand. Woodworking and such. Thank you for taking the time to make the video's.

[@TomHaroldArt]

Yes, TIG welding. It's always good to research the basics of the various types of welding to see which fits your needs. This is what works for me.

[@jamiewoods9222]

@@TomHaroldArt . Thanks Tom appreciate your information. I've tig welded before. Not really good at it but maybe the little intricate places maybe a little easier not everyone has been doing an extended weld. Hope to talk soon on insight into your great work. Thanks.

[@TomHaroldArt]

@@jamiewoods9222 You bet. There's a Facebook group for rolling ball sculpture that might help. They are good with questions.

[@sazadj3463]

Hi Tom . I have a question. How hard do you use wire? My wire is so flexible

[@quartetoasafe]

Olá sou do Brasil. Gostei do seu trabalho e Queria saber que tipo de arame você usa.

[@TomHaroldArt]

Muito Obrigado. O fio que uso é de aço inoxidável. São 3 mm. Você pode usar qualquer fio que quiser, mas esteja seguro. Algum metal emite gás venenoso quando aquecido. Cobre, latão, aço simples são todos bons.

[@quartetoasafe]

@@TomHaroldArt Ei Tom, obrigado pela atenção. Estou fazendo um projeto em vidro de 10 mm como base, com arame galvanizado n°14 com solda estanho. O vidro levará uma foto de minha familia que servirá como um quadro. Aqui no Brasil não tem esse tipo de trabalho e acho que chamará bem a atenção.

[@quartetoasafe]

De onde você é?

[@TomHaroldArt]

@@quartetoasafe Sou dos EUA, Indiana. Não sei falar português. Eu uso software de tradução. Espero que entenda bem. Sua ideia de escultura parece linda. Tenha cuidado com o fio galvanizado. Esse é um tipo de fio que vai liberar vapores venenosos quando é aquecido. É muito perigoso! Espero que você seja capaz de encontrar um tipo diferente de fio.

[@roelofversluis6680]

So no need to weld on the inside of the joint?

[@TomHaroldArt]

I would under regular circumstances, yes. I always try to make sure it's welded completely around/through for a solid joint. I just didn't do that in this example.

[@jcThib]

What is your track spacing and marble diameter?

[@TomHaroldArt]

Marbles are 1", track spacing .80" center-to-center.

[@jcThib]

Thank you! Are you using 1/8 wire?

[@TomHaroldArt]

jcThib You're welcome, and thanks for checking out the video! And, yes, that's 1/8" rod. There might be a little more detail on the materials and such in the first video, but it's been a while since I've watched that one.

[@jeffgonner5043]

JC InfiniteWood

[@helloos100]

A lot of commentary and less of teaching.