Arc Welding Sheet Metal

How to weld thin gauge steel similar to car body panel down to 8mm or 1 32 of an inch thick with arc or stick welder.

Arc welding sheet metal.

Yes arc welding sheet metal is difficult tedious and probably a bit insane but it is feasible. Only pause at the puddle and then move back to establish a puddle in the crater. An electric current in the form of either alternating current or direct current from a welding power supply is used to form an electric arc. Disclaimer due to factors beyond the.

For 3 32 7018 s it s about the same. So for instance you can work on 18 ga. Techniques for welding sheet metal to prevent burn through and warping don t whip or weave the torch. 3 5 for gas tungsten arc welding gtaw see ses w07 f01.

I would compare it to performing plastic surgery with butcher knives. Keep in mind during the welding process it is important to direct the arc right at the center of the weld puddle and don t do movements like whipping or weaving. 3 7 all welding and tack welding shall be done by welders who have satisfactorily passed welder s qualification tests. Every surgeon can operate a scalpel but only a few could work with any tool.

A good heat setting for 1 8 6011 rods on thin material is about 80 90 amps. Now you know the secret of arc welding thin metal sheets. I use 6010 6011 for thin sheet metal. Heat and establish a puddle move along your welding direction far enough to allow the puddle to freeze keep moving.

Everyone is different but those settings will get you in the right ballpark to weld sheet metal. Gas metal arc welding gmaw is a very effective method in joining together thinner materials. Just grab a piece of sheet metal to get the heat set correctly and go to town. The more time the arc is in an area the hotter it becomes.

Always travel in a straight line and use the fastest travel speed possible that maintains a good bead profile. 3 8 for guidance in the selection of the proper welding process see ses w01 f02 and w03 f02. When mig welding sheet metal it is important to set the proper parameters to prevent warping and burn through or else it will create excess heat and easily blowholes on the metal.