How to weld auto body sheet metal with a tig welder.
Best way to weld sheet metal.
Take some time to make your patch a perfect fit.
This is especially useful for carbon steel.
Ideally there should be a 1 32 gap between the patch and the.
Everyone who works with metal from metal workers and mechanics to jewelers and hobbyists knows gluing metal needs good preparation.
A better technique is to move around the weld seam doing short quick stitch welds that you eventually connect all together.
Don t attempt to weld thin materials like sheet metal with flux cored wires which put more heat into the base metal.
But when it comes to stainless steel or other nickel based metals less heat is needed.
Tack weld different areas of the joint about an inch apart.
The backing bar is used commonly by welders to cool the welded metals and they are generally made up of a copper or aluminum metal and clamped to the base of the weld piece whether it is just a piece of thin sheet metal or a body panel you can use it either way.
To weld sheet metal with solid wires use electrode positive ep or reverse polarity.
Tack welds are simply small welds that barely penetrate the metal and aren t pushed or pulled to form a bead.
For most everyday situations and simple diy projects a liquid adhesive or glue for metal is the best solution.
I keep it short and to the point in this welding instructional video and show how ve.
Removing the coating and re spraying or painting the weld seam after welding to regain corrosion resistance.
This will hold it in place and allow you to weld.
Tack weld in place.
Ditch a 1 8 inch tungsten electrode for something much smaller like 1 16 inch tungsten.
Sheet metal warps easily and also can burn through easily.
Learn how to mig weld automotive sheet metal in about 5 minutes or less.
Tig welding sheet metal.
The best way to weld sheet metal panels together is by butt welding which is joining them side by side see picture below.
This adds two operations.
The best two electrodes for welding auto body sheet metal is either ceriated tungsten or thoriated tungsten.
The best way to weld galvanized steel regardless of welding process is to remove the zinc coating from the joint.
Forget the larger 1 8 inch tungsten electrode and use a smaller one.
Making a patch panel.
The best way to estimate the heat input needed for welding is by applying the 1 for 1 rule this means that 1 amp should be used per 1 thousandth 0 001 inch of thickness.
Metal glue is a great way to join metal to metal or metal to other materials.
1 for 1 rule.