How To Weld 18 Gauge Sheet Metal

For thinner gauge sheet metal like 18 or 20 gauge we suggest 023 6mm wire in your mig welder.

How to weld 18 gauge sheet metal.

It is recommended that a welder should use 023 or 024 inch wire for light gauge sheet metal work. This sheet was 18 gauge. Most of the light gauge sheet metal work will require the use of 023 or 24 inch while if you have a sheet metal having a gauge of more than 18 gauge then a 030 inch wire would be the most ideal. However if you are dealing with materials that are 18 gauge or thicker one should be able to use 030 inch welding wire.

As a rule when mig welding sheet metal never use a body filler metal that is thicker than the base metal. When the material is 18 gauge and thicker you may be able to use a 030 inch wire. While replacing body panels overheating and warping thin sheet metal is common. Continue the same way along the sides of the piece of sheet metal.

Then tack between the two previous tacks. Avoid warping the sheet metal. Tack in a few places apart from each other and wait until the panel is cool to the touch. Place the welding tip wire at the gap and tack weld several small spots spacing them evenly apart.

It s recommended to use a 023 or 024 inch wire for most light gauge sheet metal work. Holding the tip too far from the surface will cause the wire to have to come out too far to touch the metal. If i get a hold of some thinner stuff i ll test. To weld mild steel choose an american welding society classification wire such as er70s 6 which has a weld puddle that wets out nicely.

Can the harbor freight hf 125 flux core welder do sheet metal. Say if you are welding an 18 gauge stainless steel sheet that is 2 2 feet in size to repair the side of your tank start by creating a weld that is 1inch long then skip 6 inches and then create a 1 inch long weld.