The first thing you should do is get some gas and solid wire. The flux core
stuff is great for dirty/rusty metal, but you'll probably never be happy
with the results you get on sheet metal.
Assuming this is like an SP100 or similar, you should be able to cut the
power down enough to just about weld aluminum foil (that may be a slight
exageration '-). Really though, 18 ga. is actually pretty "thick" by sheet
metal standards and you should have no trouble. Maybe you should have your
friend you got it from come over and give you some pointers.
Good luck!
<dnw>
1972 Midget
1998 Safari
1999 9-3
1964 (Me)
I enjoy long walks. Especially when they are taken by people who annoy me.
----- Original Message -----
From "Glen Byrns" <grbyrns at ucdavis.edu>
To: <spridgets@autox.team.net>
Sent: Tuesday, March 12, 2002 12:53 PM
Subject: got a new welder
> A friend gave me a great deal on his Lincoln wire-welder when he upgraded
> for 'mo' power to weld large corral pipes. I've been out in the garage
for
> the last couple of nights welding everything to everything just to
practice.
>
> For the welders out there, a question:
> Even at the lowest power setting it seems to be a bit 'hot' for the thin
> sheet metal our cars are made of. I'm using the .035 flux core wire with
no
> inert gas. Is there a way to decrease the power? Someone suggested a
long
> extension cord (of appropriate rating) would work like a ballast wire in
an
> ignition circuit. My goal is to make a nice edge weld of two sheets of
> 18ga. without it becomming a jagged drippy mess. I know practice is part
of
> it, but a bit less power would help I think. Thoughts?
>
> Regards,
> Glen Byrns
> '59 bugeye
> '59 Morris Traveller (Winifred)
/// unsubscribe/change address requests to majordomo@autox.team.net or try
/// http://www.team.net/mailman/listinfo
/// Archives at http://www.team.net/archive/spridgets
|