TIG welding sheetmetal

[out2kayak]

Agreed, welding without proper protection is just dumb.

Yep, I'm a tack - skip - tack - skip - tack - hammer the gap/warp flat around each tack before I continue kind of guy.

But then again, I never claimed to know everything and am always willing to listen and learn.

[GregWeld]

Joe --

I know just enough to make a mess out of most of it...

Everybody develops their own technique - based on instruction - and tips from others etc - and in the end - they do what works for them. I might feed the fill slightly different than someone else - and when we get done - the beads look about the same.

I - like most of us on here probably - weld all kinds of different stuff and different gauges - and jump around -- so it's always harder to be real proficient like a factory guy that welds the same stuff all day long. And I might not weld anything at all for days at a time, so there's always the rust that sets in. One day I might weld up a neighbors garbage can lid - then days later be making an aluminum bracket. It's all fun.

[GregWeld]

Originally Posted by out2kayak

Just curious how folks setup your TIG machines for welding sheet metal.

Do you still follow the 1 amp / .001" rule of thumb?

I've been playing in the 80 amp range for 16 gauge with 15 CFH and a 3/32 2% lanthanated tungsten.

I've been reading at http://www.metalmeet.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6292 a "no hammer method" of welding sheet metal that I'm going to try, but wanted to hear what others are doing.

Thoughts?

I typically run more amperage than I want to use... and because I use a foot pedal - I can back off or add heat as needed. I like to set the machine up just a little higher -- and then just use the bare minimum needed to make the weld.

I will always use the smallest tungsten I have to weld with especially on sheet metal. I like the keep the arc tight - the arc distance tight - and again - the minimum amount of heat to do the job. 3/32" on sheet metal -- is way large by huge. For sheet metal like we're talking about - car patches etc -- I'm in the 1/16th or .040 range again - depending on the heat... too small and you're going to blow tungsten into your weld... to large - and it takes too much heat to even get the tungsten working and by then - you're going to have a big HAZ and or a big ol' hole to fix.

[kennyd]

.


See any warpage in this tank I made?




no i dont BUT welding stainless #1 and welding stainless on a edge#2 is alot easier than regular steel .

but yes good job on the tank anyway

[GregWeld]

Totally agree Kenny ---

Thanks for the compliment -- I was trying to show what a half azzed home welder can do... if they're careful with the heat etc.

[out2kayak]

Yep, a foot petal is a must. Most of mine is by touch, looking at the puddle and adjusting the foot and fill rod accordingly. Thus the "80 amp range", as it depends on where my foot is at any one time.

Will have to try going smaller that 1/16th. Have not, but what I've worked on is a bit thicker.



-- Joe

[ccracin]

Originally Posted by GregWeld

Yes it is!! You're good man!!

I'm the short fat one with the camera... I made this MIRROR POLISHED SS fuel tank for my buddy. The one with the big smile.

You know, I thought you'd be taller!

[GregWeld]

You know, I thought you'd be taller!
__________________
Chad



Wait til you see me standing by Charley or Rodger....


You shrink as you get older.

[ccracin]

Originally Posted by GregWeld

You know, I thought you'd be taller!
__________________
Chad



Wait til you see me standing by Charley or Rodger....


You shrink as you get older.

That was my quote from the movie Roadhouse! I'm about the same height as Rodger! Wish I could get to SEMA to meet up with you guys. If you do a good Don Corleone voice, Rodger Charley and I could follow you around looking mean!

[GregWeld]

Rodger said we'd be like "Twins".




Sorry to hear you're too cheap to buy a plane ticket.