Should I weld on my AR500 steel?

[DC4OU]

I have some 66% IPSC targets in AR500 steel. I was going to paint the A zone from a USPSA target on them and someone told me to weld the zone on there. Sounds like a good idea if it does not damage the steel. I could turn the welder way down to prevent it from getting too hot. Do you think it would hurt the steel?

 

[Bryan Hoover]

Yes

 

[Matt1911]

Make a stencil and rattle can it.

 

[twss]

The heat from welding would greatly affect the hardness of the ar500. I wouldn't do it.

 

[jcameron996]

I wouldn't get to wound up about welding something on the base or edge, like for standing up knock over steel, but I wouldn't start welding on the impact surface. Pretty sure that would be the best way to ruin your targets.

 

[jtischauser]

The heat from welding would greatly affect the hardness of the ar500. I wouldn't do it.

This is true. All my knock down plates with welded bases are weaker and have dimples from .223 at the heat effected zones.

 

[DC4OU]

Well, I guess that answered that question. Today I cut an A zone out of an USPSA target and painted it on the target. It looks big compared to the 66% target. I may shrink it down 25% and then use that stencil. I would think it would make me a better shot if I practiced with a smaller target. Then a normal size target would be easy. However, I would have to slow down to hit the smaller targets. Do you think I am better off using the full size A zone or shrinking it down?

 

[dennishoddy]

I reviewed several forums including the Miller welding forum about AR-500 welding, Thinking there might be some preheating or something that might work, but its all a no go.