Rust repair what gauge sheetmetal do you use?

[WSSix]

I got a sheet metal gauge along with my Hobart welder. Thought that was pretty cool. I also happen to really like my Hobart 140 if you're looking to buy a welder, Rad. Good luck!

[Radlark]

Originally Posted by ccracin

That's the name of the game right there. It's only metal. If you put it in and don't like it, cut it back out and do it again. Remember what you didn't like about it and try to figure out how to fix it. It can be very satisfying when you conquer even the smallest of projects! Good luck, can't wait to see the progress. Get yourself one of these. Very handy and idiot proof to figure out what you are working with.



http://www.eastwood.com/sheet-metal-gauge.html

CCRACIN Thanks for the tip and the encouragement!

Originally Posted by WSSix

I got a sheet metal gauge along with my Hobart welder. Thought that was pretty cool. I also happen to really like my Hobart 140 if you're looking to buy a welder, Rad. Good luck!

WSSix I already picked up the Eastwood 135 had a gift cert, but thanks for the tip! Need to go get one of those gauges!

[Rick Dorion]

Please post your experiences! I'm following in your footsteps.

[Radlark]

Originally Posted by Rick Dorion

Please post your experiences! I'm following in your footsteps.

Definitely Rick!

[Matt@BOS]

Kudos for buying some tools and wanting to jump right in!

I did the same thing about three years ago, and have learned so much along the way.

If I were you, I would buy some 18 and 20ga sheet metal. 20 is incredibly easy to bend and flex, which makes it much easier to shape into the inside corners of doors, etc. 18 is easier to weld if you're just starting out and is nice to use on a mostly flat section because it is less prone to warping when patched into a quarter or fender (my experience when first starting).

Lastly, if you've never done this before, it is more time consuming than you will ever imagine. It took me a good while to learn not to rush. When I first started I would fit things reasonably well, (at least I thought so) and weld them in, then try to hammer and grind to make it look nice. Eventually I learned how much easier it was to spend more time fitting, and cutting, trimming, and fitting, and so on, until the metal lined up perfectly, and even then, you still need to hammer trim as you weld.

Anyhow, have fun making some noise in your garage!

[Radlark]

Originally Posted by Matt.A

Kudos for buying some tools and wanting to jump right in!

I did the same thing about three years ago, and have learned so much along the way.

If I were you, I would buy some 18 and 20ga sheet metal. 20 is incredibly easy to bend and flex, which makes it much easier to shape into the inside corners of doors, etc. 18 is easier to weld if you're just starting out and is nice to use on a mostly flat section because it is less prone to warping when patched into a quarter or fender (my experience when first starting).

Lastly, if you've never done this before, it is more time consuming than you will ever imagine. It took me a good while to learn not to rush. When I first started I would fit things reasonably well, (at least I thought so) and weld them in, then try to hammer and grind to make it look nice. Eventually I learned how much easier it was to spend more time fitting, and cutting, trimming, and fitting, and so on, until the metal lined up perfectly, and even then, you still need to hammer trim as you weld.

Anyhow, have fun making some noise in your garage!

Matt thanks for advice , I'm looking forward to the trial and error side of things to get it right!!

[pro68chevelle]

22 gauge or body repairs.