Galv angle iron ok for arch?

[mol1jb]

Hey all,

After scrounging around I have enough 3/16 thick angle iron to make my 2x6 arch frame. But its galvanized steel. Is this ok for an arch frame?

[wmick]

Don't see why not...
The melting temperature of zinc is 419.5 °C or 787.1F.... So you may get some smell from it the first time you get it really hot..
You will need want to grind the galvanizing off in spots that you want to weld... and use some good ventilation and mask for welding.. The smoke from welding galv is kind of nasty.

[RileySugarbush]

operationally ok, but toxic to weld. I'd avoid it.

[phil-t]

Would not bother me to use the galvanized steel angle. I would do my welding outside, or in the door way of the shop, with a fan blowing the smoke away and wear a mask. Just my opinion. I've dome quite a bit of welding on galvanized steel, so have many others.

[wmick]

operationally ok, but toxic to weld. I'd avoid it.

Actually, it is non-toxic an non carcinogenic.. Its basically an overdose of Zinc Oxide that welders can get without proper ventilation... Our bodies need zinc.. just not too much at a time... If you do breathe a bunch of it, you can get "metal Fume Fever".. (short term flu-like symptoms) Small project with adequate ventilation wouldn't scare me.. Lots of people weld it every day.

[mol1jb]

Thanks for the insights