Just a curiousity question.

What kind of amperage welder is required to weld a wood splitting wedge to something like an 8" steel I-Beam?

I have this notion of building my own 3-point wood splitter to
go behind the compact tractor.

And I understand the amperage requirement changes depending
on what process you use. So please comment on what process
you recommend also. Arc stick? MIG? TIG? Oxy-Acet?

Thanks,

Ken K

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1982 300D at 351K miles
1984 300SD at 217K miles
1987 300D at 370K miles

Assuming the I-beam is about 1/2" thick, I usually use ~140-~160 with an arc welder on similarly sized steel. Arc would be the way to go. If you don't have the equipment, a welding shop would charge you less than $30 to weld that together for you if you had it all set up. I'll do it for free if you bring it to Charleston .

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1982 Mercedes-Benz 300CD
1982 Mercedes-Benz 240D - stick

I'd be interested to see how much amperage is required to strike an arc on a "wooden wedge".
I'd bet it would take a bit more than 160 amps.

Seriously, depending on the electrode used, 140-160 would be a good range. I also agree that stick is the method to use.

HAHA! If you only knew how hard it was for me not to post a "can't weld wood to steel" answer. It took everything I had to just give a straight answer. Good pickup though

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1982 Mercedes-Benz 300CD
1982 Mercedes-Benz 240D - stick

Lincon makes a dandy 225 amp AC DC welder I got mine at a local building supply for 299.00. remember to gring a good bevel on both pieces. I use a lot of 3/16 (either 6013 easy to use or 6011 deeper penitration) rod on a weld that will take a beating. If you are using a wedge made for a sledge they are cast steel and a bit harder to weld than some steels.........

William Rogers.......

Thanks for the help.

I found a source of STEEL ( ) wood-splitting wedges, ready to weld to the steel beam of your choice. Makes it a little easier because I don't have to figure out how to cut and sharpen something that heavy.

Also curious to know the purpose of being able to choose AC vs. DC welding. One welder I'm looking at lets you choose.

Thanks for the help on the welding rod choice.

I think its going to be one ugly log splitter as far as the welds, but it will be fun to try.

Ken300D

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1982 300D at 351K miles
1984 300SD at 217K miles
1987 300D at 370K miles

There's a link to some welding information, including AC vs. DC, below. We use the same Lincoln Unit william rogers mentioned and have literally welded tons of stuff together. It is a great machine. I have never used a DC welder, so I don't know anything about them, but they seem to be rather specialized. That Lincoln unit will do everything you'll ever need, though We also have Lincolns 110v MIG for the light stuff.

Your welds will get better looking with practice, you may be able to improve their looks with a grinder until they do.

Spend some money on a nice auto-dimming helmet (that uses batteries - forget solar). You will be amazed at how much better you can do when you can actually see well. Every adjustment on mine is variable and it is worth its weight in gold, especially on light MIG stuff. Oh yeah, get a mag lens if you wear glasses - huge difference in your field of view vs. wearing glasses under your helmet.

Resistance Welding

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1982 Mercedes-Benz 300CD
1982 Mercedes-Benz 240D - stick