Sheet Metal Arc Welding

The more time the arc is in an area the hotter it becomes.

Sheet metal arc welding.

Now you know the secret of arc welding thin metal sheets. Always travel in a straight line and use the fastest travel speed possible that maintains a good bead profile. Everyone is different but those settings will get you in the right ballpark to weld 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.

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. 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. Disclaimer due to factors beyond the. 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.

I would compare it to performing plastic surgery with butcher knives. Yes arc welding sheet metal is difficult tedious and probably a bit insane but it is feasible. 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. Techniques for welding sheet metal to prevent burn through and warping don t whip or weave the torch.

Two of the most important processes use a gas shield to protect the weld metal from atmospheric contamination. Every surgeon can operate a scalpel but only a few could work with any tool. So for instance you can work on 18 ga. Air products welder s handbook arc welding arc welding processes fabrications involving sheet metal plate or pipes are commonly welded by an arc process.

For 3 32 7018 s it s about the same. Stainless steel or 24 ga. 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.