Arc Welding Sheet Metal

Every surgeon can operate a scalpel but only a few could work with any tool.

Arc welding sheet metal.

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. 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. 3 5 for gas tungsten arc welding gtaw see ses w07 f01. Only pause at the puddle and then move back to establish a puddle in the crater.

Always travel in a straight line and use the fastest travel speed possible that maintains a good bead profile. 3 6 for weldments of sheet metal see ses w06 f19. 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.

Gas metal arc welding gmaw is a very effective method in joining together thinner materials. 3 7 all welding and tack welding shall be done by welders who have satisfactorily passed welder s qualification tests. Yes arc welding sheet metal is difficult tedious and probably a bit insane but it is feasible. A good heat setting for 1 8 6011 rods on thin material is about 80 90 amps.

Techniques for welding sheet metal to prevent burn through and warping don t whip or weave the torch. The more time the arc is in an area the hotter it becomes. 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. Just grab a piece of sheet metal to get the heat set correctly and go to town.

So for instance you can work on 18 ga. Disclaimer due to factors beyond the. I use 6010 6011 for thin sheet metal. For 3 32 7018 s it s about the same.

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. Stainless steel or 24 ga. Heat and establish a puddle move along your welding direction far enough to allow the puddle to freeze keep moving.