Success on thin stuff!

[Dangle_kt]

Hi,

As you may know from my previous posts, I'm learning to arc weld, before I move on to MIG - think it will be a good skill to master.

So you may have seen my welds on 6mm or 7mm flat, they were ok. But when ever I tried to progress onto corners etc, it all went wrong, especially on the 3mm angle I was using, I would blow holes through it as my amp control and arc length were obviously out.

Anyhow, I've been toying with the idea of making a small welding table, just out of an old metal bed frame. I was sure though, that with this angle with holes in stuff it was made from being 1mm, maybe 1.5mm thick I wouldn't stand a chance.

So I read lots and lots of threads about arc length and watching the weld pool. I knew I'd have to drop the amps right down on my clark 160 easi-arc, so then I practised stricking the arc with low amps.

I finally built up the courage today to have a pop at a 45 degree corner out of the dreaded thin stuff! I cut the angle on my chop saw - v badly I have to say! leaving a 0.5mm root gap...just what I didn't need!!!!!

I have to say though I'm very VERY pleased with the result. No holes, decent penetration and a tidy looking weld to boot!

I would welcome any comments on the attached pic.

I know the weld isn't full length, but I was using a set of mole grips to hold the peice together (buying proper magnetic and normal clamps this weekend).

 

[Dangle_kt]

 

[andy82]

Looking good for a beginner on thin material.

What i usually do when i have thin sheet is to weld in short bursts, like constantly tacking all the way along the work piece. This is easier on mig but can be done with practice on the arc.

By using this method you are minimizing the heat put into the steel and minimizing the chance of blowing through.

Hope this helps

Andy

 

[Dangle_kt]

Cheers! Good tip, but I bet stopping and starting often is tough at low amps, still - I'll try it! Thanks!

 

[andy82]

See here http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/thin-metal.htm for very good description on the technique

 

[shenion]

Looks good.

How thin was it? 6013 rods?

I'm not sure about the magnetic clamps. Many here have bashed them as they never hold well or can cause arc blow. Have never tried them, just use lots of vice-grip type clamps then tack weld.

You could clamp one side, tack weld the other, then remove clamp at tack the opposite side.

I had no problem with thin with small 6013 rods until I tried an inside corner. Had a real problem of slag inclusion.

 

[Dangle_kt]

Hi, I don't have a micrometer or anything, but it looks to me to be 1.5mm maybe 2mm with the black paint on. Which might not sound so great, but I was a little heavy handed with the grinder getting the paint off so it was definatly thinner than I thought I'd be able to do.

It was a 6013 rod, murex ones, had the welder set at it's lowest, and it worked a dream.

I'm really pleased with my test - just got to do it on a grand scale now!

I'll post the finsihed article in the projects section - but the mrs just went nuts when I suggested postponing the DIY for tomorrow. For some reason she doesn't seem very impressed! Cant think why