How To Mig Weld Automotive Sheet Metal

I keep blowing through my thin sheet.

How to mig weld automotive sheet metal.

The main reason to use a smaller diameter wire is that it takes less heat for melting and hence the metal around the weld is not heated to a very great extent. For mig welding sheet metal it is often recommended to use an electrode wire of the smallest diameter to prevent burn through and warping. Ditch a 1 8 inch tungsten electrode for something much smaller like 1 16 inch tungsten. When welding a long bead on sheet metal you ll put excessive heat into the panel and run the risk of the puddle falling through the panel.

The best two electrodes for welding auto body sheet metal is either ceriated tungsten or thoriated tungsten. While replacing body panels overheating and warping thin sheet metal is common. Because it will have you a lot more control over the whole process and it is more forgiving in case you do anything wrong. Then tack between the two previous tacks.

Tack in a few places apart from each other and wait until the panel is cool to the touch. Short quick welds when welding sheet metal with a mig welder you do not want to try and run one long bead like when you re welding heavier metal. Sheet metal warps easily and also can burn through easily. Avoid warping the sheet metal.