I got an email recently from someone attempting to weld the large pipe nipple to the tank to create a blaster pot as explained in my blaster plans or mini blaster plans. He stated that he was unsuccessful in sealing the air after welding. This post will give you some tips if you run into these issues too and provide some alternative fixes as well.
1. Ensure a Clean Weld and Do It Properly: Although it is great if you are an experienced welder, you can still get the job done with little practice because it really is not tough. I really am not a great welder but I always found a way for the air to seal and you will too with these tips:
- Make sure both surfaces of the metal are very clean. It is best to clean both edges by lightly grinding the metal down. This will ensure a smooth, clean bond and prevent splatters.
- Weld in a Close, Circular Pattern: Some welding techniques say to create a bead of weld by creating a slow circular motion while you work the bead from one edge to another.
2. Put the pot under light air pressure to test and find the hole:
- Use Heavy Soapy Water: Mixing hand dishwashing or liquid hand soap with a little bit of water while spreading around the weld that is under light air pressure will help you pinpoint the hole to weld. You may see soapy bubbling coming from the leak.
3. Grind Hole, Then Weld:
- Before welding over the hole, it is best to grind down the weld slightly in the area of the leak. Then proceed to weld over that area, following my tips in step 1.
4. Alternative Option:
- If the leak isn’t too big, you might be able to apply JB Weld over the weld area. This can work as a great seal, especially for small holes.
- I have mentioned that I believe it might be possible to make a blaster by using JB Weld with a combination of threaded components. The threads provide the structure, while the JB Weld provides added security and seals the parts together.
I hope this post was helpful. Please let me know if you have questions or suggestions in the comment section below.
