Thin metal Arc Welding.

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Here is a practice weld I did today.  I would've done more but my time was cut short for a cookout.  I don't normally get to weld too much. I was thinking of selling my Multimatic 200 so the only way I'd do that is if I could weld fairly thin metal with my Esab.  Now, I haven't set up TIG, and that could very well help me more but I used what I had.Here is what I did:Metal Thickness - 18 gauge Machine - Esab 161lts MiniarcAmps - 40Rod - Hobart 6013 1/16th110v HookupFront back and profile pics
Reply:From my experience you didn't even need to turn it down to 40A, you could have done just fine at around 100A. You just have to move a tiny bit quicker.
Reply:That's good to know!  This thin gauge stuff has been an experience that's for sure...especially for someone without experience.
Reply:100 amps with 1/16" rod?  He's already moving quite fast from the arrow marks in the bead, I think if he went much faster he'd out run the puddle.Not too bad, but try to do that again with a but joint and you may have issues. With the penetration I see you may have issues with the edges burning away. Lap joints probably won't be that big a deal, but working with open edges and you may have some burn thru issues.I doubt you will better the performance of the MM200 on thin sheet by using stick. Tig would be a different matter, but all that rust on the material would give tig fits..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Originally Posted by DSW100 amps with 1/16" rod?  He's already moving quite fast from the arrow marks in the bead, I think if he went much faster he'd out run the puddle.Not too bad, but try to do that again with a but joint and you may have issues. With the penetration I see you may have issues with the edges burning away. Lap joints probably won't be that big a deal, but working with open edges and you may have some burn thru issues.I doubt you will better the performance of the MM200 on thin sheet by using stick. Tig would be a different matter, but all that rust on the material would give tig fits.
Reply:I could tell that it wouldn't take much more to burn through, and yes I was a little fast from what I thought it was supposed to be.I wouldn't Stick weld with the MM200 on this thin of material because I could obviously use MIG.  I was thinking of selling my MM200 but if I do I lose the ability to do thin material with MIG...I'd have to use stick or TIG.I was interested in knowing whether or not this could be a productive option.
Reply:I've seen a few guys who can pull off welds on thin sheet with 6010/11, but I just haven't gotten the knack yet, and honestly don't need to. Mig is way easier.Personally I wouldn't dump the mig. I find a use for all my machines, mig, tig and stick. Each has it's own area where it shines. Some overlap slightly, but one machine really won't replace the other in many cases. Stick I usually use on heavy material, and occasionally on material down to 1/8" possibly less if I have no other option when it's windy and I can't use my mig outdoors. Tig is mostly stainless and alum. Mig does everything from thin sheet up thru 1/4" given a choice and even thicker if I can run the XMT and feeder..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:That's really a pretty good job.  That's some thin stuff!Don (DDA52) does beautiful work on thin gauge with 5p.  I saw it in the flesh"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Was this DC+ or DC- polarity?"USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:Originally Posted by farmersammThat's really a pretty good job.  That's some thin stuff!Don (DDA52) does beautiful work on thin gauge with 5p.  I saw it in the flesh
Reply:This was DCEP