Hi all,
Out in the shop today trying to resize some 55 gallon drums so that I can make a charcoal retort like Gary Gilmore’s. Found out the barrels are 22 gauge. And not very easy to weld with a flux core welder. Any suggestions? Has anybody welded this thin of metal successfully with a flux core? My welder is a Hobart 135. I have had a little success but only if I overlap the metal, then I have to clamp it down. After my clamps run out of reach I’m not sure what to do next…
Probably just going to have to go out and buy the smaller drums. But thought I would see if anybody had any success with this first. I’ll be here for a little while tonight if anybody wants to get on chat and see what I’m doing live. Don’t expect much I’m just tinkering.
I think my drums were 20 gauge and I welded them with my chinese flux core. it was a challenge though. Later, I did a little experiment with putting a resistor in between the work and ground clamp to cut down the heat a little. It worked ok on some 22 gauge banding. The “resistor” consisted of a piece of wire hanger a couple feet long. I could play with the heat by using more or less of the wire’s length.
You might try drilling some small holes through the overlap about ever 6 inches . Take some small bolts and pull the overlap areas together . Tack weld and use two hammers ( one in the drum and the other on the outside of the drum ) to pull the material together for welding .
Hi Robert, That is a real interesting tip Andy showed you using the wire resistor and glad it works, Will have to file that one away! Kind of wonder why you feel the need to resize the barrel though. Unless you do not have two 55 gallon barrels of the same diameter? What you picture will definitely work but just wonder why you’d go to the work of cutting and rewelding another barrel for an after burner.
Gary in PA
Hi Mr Gilmore,
Everything I have right now is 22 gauge 55 gallon barrels. I decided to go ahead and cut this one for the afterburner just for the practice. Putting another afterburner drum of the same size on top definitely would have been easier. But the afterburner doesn’t have to be anything perfect and I figured if I practiced on that then my wood basket might be better.
This one is turning out so much better and easier than the last one
As far as the coat hanger goes, you might want to measure exactly how far it is set so that way if you have to move your project you can put it back in the exact same spot. 1 inch does make a difference
This is where I have to stop tonight. Wood basket is almost done. Still have to weld the bottom on and make holes. I’ll have to cut the top off a little too so it can fit with the ring into the 55 gallon drum. I think I have some black pipe at home that I can use for this. I believe its 2 inch pipe anyway. Don’t have a valve like Gary does but would a regular screw on cab work?
OK, got what you are doing, Just an aside, you do not have to weld the barrel. Simply overlap the ends, and use steel pop rivets to hold it together. Looks like you are getting good at welding though! The valve for controlling air is nice but not necessary, You can use a cap or even plug the pipe with a wet rag or fiberglass insulation, Love you monkey wrench! I’ve got one too and find it a useful tool.
Gary in PA
Gary,
I realized about halfway through that all the welding was not necessary. Oh well. I’m really glad for the experience I gained. I’ve got about 12 feet of the one and a half inch pipe laying around. Will one and a half be enough or should I double up? ( put 2 intake pipes on) or should I just go out and buy a 2 inch pipe?
I too, learned first with oxy acetylene and sometimes still go back to it when I get frustrated with the flux core. gas has gotten so expensive though that I cringe every time I open the valves.
proofs in the picture. My welder is set at 30 amps and 8 inches of coat hanger.
