How to weld sheet metal ?

N.RotaryTech · 08-30-2013, 10:11 AM

So I want to learn how to weld sheet metal.
Some of my projects at home require sheet metal welding, including my FB.
I haven't had much experience with this.
The most recent project I worked on is my Chopper BMX bike. \/

That definitely wasn't my best work. That bike is unfinished, still want to do more with it.

I am currently going to school for welding. But at school we are mostly welding on thick metal.

So at home I want to learn how to weld sheet metal.
I have a MIG welder. I think its a "chicago electric 151." It has adjustable WFS with 4 amp settings provided by switches. (Exp. 35, 55, 95, 120 amps) And of course I have a tank with 25/75% gas mix for it.
I also have a "Hobart EZ tig 165i TIG welder with argon tank.

I'm more experienced with my MIG than my TIG. But I figure the TIG is probably more suited to do excellent welds on sheet metal.

The plan for practice is to go to a salvage yard an pick up a trunk lid or hood off a random car, cut it up, weld pieces together.

So dose anyone have any tips/tricks for welding sheet metal with a MIG or TIG?
Amp settings, gas flow rates, spots welds or continuous beads, etc?

08-30-2013, 10:11 AM	#1
N.RotaryTech Home-brew Rotary Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: GooseCreek SC Posts: 552 Rep Power: 18	How to weld sheet metal ? So I want to learn how to weld sheet metal. Some of my projects at home require sheet metal welding, including my FB. I haven't had much experience with this. The most recent project I worked on is my Chopper BMX bike. \/ That definitely wasn't my best work. That bike is unfinished, still want to do more with it. I am currently going to school for welding. But at school we are mostly welding on thick metal. So at home I want to learn how to weld sheet metal. I have a MIG welder. I think its a "chicago electric 151." It has adjustable WFS with 4 amp settings provided by switches. (Exp. 35, 55, 95, 120 amps) And of course I have a tank with 25/75% gas mix for it. I also have a "Hobart EZ tig 165i TIG welder with argon tank. I'm more experienced with my MIG than my TIG. But I figure the TIG is probably more suited to do excellent welds on sheet metal. The plan for practice is to go to a salvage yard an pick up a trunk lid or hood off a random car, cut it up, weld pieces together. So dose anyone have any tips/tricks for welding sheet metal with a MIG or TIG? Amp settings, gas flow rates, spots welds or continuous beads, etc? __________________ '89 RX7 GTU, half-Bridge-port S4/S5 NA, E6K, Full RB exhaust, weekend warrior. '83 RX7, The "this might take awhile" project. '87 RX7 GXL, Rest In Pieces. '98 Subaru Impreza Outback-sport, rx7 rescue vehicle, down for repair. '94 Ford Ranger, daily.