Forging welded joints?

[metalworker77]

I have a Mig welded joint that needs to be bent back to shape. It is a different kind of joint is and is almost impossible to tack and get straight before welding. If it is possible, I know I can get it to shape by heating it in the forge and bending it; then maybe rewelding it; is this possible?

[HWooldridge]

It will probably work. I often MIG weld joints then hammer them flat after heating and I have never had one separate but I don't know what your project looks like. Make sure you get the metal close to welding heat before reworking it.

[Chris Pook]

Like HWooldridge said, get it real hot, and don't work it cold. Make youself stop while its still hot and reheat it.

[Ten Hammers]

depending on what the joint material is ( bar, rod, square, hollow - read tube or square ). Acetelyne and a gas saver is great in this situation. As has been noted, you need it pretty hot. Acetelyne may scale a bit and this can make for a cheesy joint if you not careful. Pile some wire on and smooth it with torch THEN forge. Yes, a hot file works well. you MAY kick the fire up and back off on the wire a bit, then weld the joint while hot from the forge ( read lay wire like caulking ). I frequently use migged joints in production and they disappear nicely with the torch. I have not had any returns issues and I am not scared of the procedure ( meaning I stand by the joints ). YMMV