For most of us, when the Temperature has dropped this time of year, working in the chilly or even frigid air can be a challenge, sometimes bringing on unforeseen problems. Often, questions arise about the best way to handle these extreme weather conditions when working on an outdoor welding project. Here are a couple of the most common winter weather welding questions and tips on how to ensure a tight weld despite the cold.

Will the cold temperatures effect my welder?

While frigid temperatures can damage a welder, majority of new welders are built to withstand extreme temperatures. To determine exactly how your welder will operate during winter weather, consult the operating manual to find out if there are any specifications on temperatures that may limit your welding machine.

Does cold temperature influence the strength of my weld?

Colder temperatures will cause welds to cool much faster, which can result in an increased risk of cracking, both during and after welding. You can help combat cracking by preheating the steel in the environment you will be welding in with a torch until you reach a temperature of at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Is there a certain temperature that’s considered too cold to weld?

No, which may be why no one has ever said welding is easy. When deadlines are set, the show must go on.

Would leaving my welding materials in a cold garage damage them?                                                                                                   

The main problem with unheated garages is not the cold temperatures, but rather when the weather warms up after a cold spell. When larger metalwork items have cooled, they are likely to drop below the dew point of the moisture in the warmer air, resulting in condensation forming. To prevent condensation, try turning on some dry heat before the warmer weather comes along.

Winter Welding Tips

1. Slow and steady wins the race– Reducing your speed while welding in the winter will most often result in a better weld because it allows the material more time in contact with the hot air.
2. Turn up the Heat– Increasing the temperature of the tool you’re working with will help compensate for the materials low temperature and the cold air in the environment.
3. Test Often– Changes in wind speed, cloud coverage, and time of day will affect the temperature, which may require you to change your tool’s settings. To avoid any errors, make sure test welds are done periodically. To ensure a proper weld during cold weather, it’s important to be aware of the changes in the environment and adjust accordingly.