Sheet Metal Arc Welding

Two of the most important processes use a gas shield to protect the weld metal from atmospheric contamination.

Sheet metal arc welding.

Stainless steel or 24 ga. I would compare it to performing plastic surgery with butcher knives. Disclaimer due to factors beyond the. Welding instructor mark prosser co author of full bore welding walks arc magazine readers through the steps to repair a hole in thin gauge steel.

A good heat setting for 1 8 6011 rods on thin material is about 80 90 amps. Everyone is different but those settings will get you in the right ballpark to weld sheet metal. Now you know the secret of arc welding thin metal sheets. Shielded metal arc welding smaw also known as manual metal arc welding mma or mmaw flux shielded arc welding or informally as stick welding is a manual arc welding process that uses a consumable electrode covered with a flux to lay the weld.

For 3 32 7018 s it s about the same. 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. 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. 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.

Yes arc welding sheet metal is difficult tedious and probably a bit insane but it is feasible. Gas metal arc welding gmaw is a very effective method in joining together thinner materials. 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. So for instance you can work on 18 ga.

Always travel in a straight line and use the fastest travel speed possible that maintains a good bead profile. Just grab a piece of sheet metal to get the heat set correctly and go to town. Every surgeon can operate a scalpel but only a few could work with any tool.