MIG welding thin steel

[ray66v]

I've been mig welding sheet metal in the auto body repair business for decades.

It's generally thinner than 14ga.

Many in my business like to use use .023 wire.

I actually prefer .030 wire. And, I can weld thin metal quite well with it. So, I can tell you it can be done.

.030 is generally called for in the factory service manuals, to make plug welds, when doing structural repairs.

I prefer not to use flux core, it is great if you have to weld outside in the wind. But, it splatters too much for me.

I use a Co2/argon mix. And, I like the welder set up a little hotter than most people.

It takes time to develop the skills to do it well. The more you do it, the better you should be.

 

[dragoneggs]

Good equipment and being able to see what you are doing works wonders.

Shield Arc taught me that! I tried his readers and it opened up a new world under my helmet! I since went to my LWS and got some cheaters that slide right into my helmet. Best improvement I made to my welds! Thanks again, SA!

 

[Big Barn]

Been running .030 exclusively with my 211MVP. I don't do so good with 14g or less, either. I guess I have to go through the hassle of swapping out wire to .023... or get a new welder!

Not a farfetched idea Mark. That's what I did.

.023 in the top machine
.035 in the bottom:



.045 dual shield in the Miller:

 

[dragoneggs]

Not a farfetched idea Mark. That's what I did.

.023 in the top machine
.035 in the bottom:

View attachment 546220

.045 dual shield in the Miller:

View attachment 546221

But then I need another cart! :laughing:

Old pic. I have a better flow meter now but I am embarrassed to say I have yet to paint the rack I added to a HF cart . :ashamed:



I guess maybe I'll start looking for a bargain. Probably could get away with a 110v only machine then with .023? The Miller cheat sheet on the inside cover shows 3/16in max recommended regardless of 110/220 for .023. I doubt I have tried anything thicker than 12g, maybe 10g with 110v. Not sure why I would need .023 for anything but thin gauge material so no need for 220v, right?

 

[Shield Arc]

Probably could get away with a 110v only machine then with .023?

I'm not big on 120-volt welders! I like power!:thumbsup: Take a look at the Everlast 140E Mig welder. A guy who lives in Tacoma came over for me to help him weld an extension on to a wheel barrow. He is going to convert it to a power wheel barrow. That is electrical conduit I welded around the top edge.

 

[flingwing1969]

Of course you can just get a portable tig/stick like I have. Just throw it in the back of the car and take it wherever you want. 450 lbs of love.