Welding rod size for sheet steel?

[Alan]

Hi All:

Was planning on building a cabinet using mild steel angle iron for the corner supports and some 18 (?) gauge sheet steel.

Using an arc (aka "drag") welder, what size rod would work best with this combo of materials?

Thanks much!

Alan

 

[Binder]

You would be best off to use some 3/32 6013.....Don't "drag" it, whip it.... This kind of welding is not easy so if it's the first time you've tried it don't get your hopes too high.

 

[Alan]

Hi All:

Thanks for the reply Rick. :awesomework:

What do you mean by whip it ? Like, literally strike the rod against the surface of the material being welded?

Appreciate the advice!

Alan

You would be best off to use some 3/32 6013.....Don't "drag" it, whip it.... This kind of welding is not easy so if it's the first time you've tried it don't get your hopes too high.

 

[Binder]

Hi All:

Thanks for the reply Rick. :awesomework:

What do you mean by whip it ? Like, literally strike the rod against the surface of the material being welded?

Appreciate the advice!

Alan

A whip is a motion you make with the rod when welding. Rather than just holding the rod steady or "weaving" it like you may do with a wire feed you whip the rod or move it in and out of the puddle. It's a slower controlled motion that will greatly help control the heat in the weld with the light gage materials.......
Do you have the option to use a wire feed or at least tack it together then weld it off with a wire feed? A wire feed would make things way easier on you.

 

[ain'tstuckjustresting]

Coat hangers and a torch.............................Old skool :awesomework:

 

[Alan]

Thanks Rick for the clarification!

I just might have to borrow a wire feed MIG for this project! :;

Regards,

Alan

A whip is a motion you make with the rod when welding. Rather than just holding the rod steady or "weaving" it like you may do with a wire feed you whip the rod or move it in and out of the puddle. It's a slower controlled motion that will greatly help control the heat in the weld with the light gage materials.......
Do you have the option to use a wire feed or at least tack it together then weld it off with a wire feed? A wire feed would make things way easier on you.

 

[Binder]

Thanks Rick for the clarification!

I just might have to borrow a wire feed MIG for this project! :;

Regards,

Alan

Good call!:awesomework: