Seperating welded frame tubes?

What's the cleanest way to seperate frame tubes welded in a T shape, and retain as much of the original tubes as is possible? I want to reuse the tubes in a slightly different position. I know the 'shaft' of the T can simply be sawed away, but that removes a bit of the end. Can they be chisled loose? Ideas?

polkat wrote:

What's the cleanest way to seperate frame tubes welded in a T shape, and retain as much of the original tubes as is possible? I want to reuse the tubes in a slightly different position. I know the 'shaft' of the T can simply be sawed away, but that removes a bit of the end. Can they be chisled loose? Ideas?

All depends on how good they were welded. This is a pictures type of a question. Post some and you'll get all kinds of opinions.

I weld for a living so on occasions There will be a design change that require removing a weld joint without ruining the work piece. This is how I break a weld loose: Use a die grinder (with a cut-off wheel) and cut a thin groove in the center of the weld along it's length. The depth of the groove should equal the depth of the weld to the surface of the base metal plus a hair bit lower to get you started. Then take a cold chisel and try to develop a crack in the weld below the metal surface. If the weld penetration is all the way through, you may have to guessamate where the two metals are joined within the weld and use the die grinder to completely seperate the pieces. I wouldn't worry about removing too much metal when you cut it. If you make your cut as close as you can to the original length, the small gaps can be welded back up after you reposition it.

unomike,

Method noted and filed away mentally for future use.

Good stuff! Thanks for sharing.

Best of success.
Bill

unomike, thanks! Good info. Here's a (rather poor) pic of the weld I want to open as cleanly as I can....

OK ... From the pic I can see what exactly the weld you want removed. Follow my instructions on using the Die Grinder and Cold Chisel method. Take your time on cutting a groove (all the away around the part) into the weld then use a cold chisel to start a crack in the old weld. Work your way around the weld to keep the crack growing. Once done, simply tap the piece completely loose. It may be harder than it sounds, but eventually you'll get it loose. And from the pic, it will take some patience on your part.