Wire for Autobody Work

admin

Need recommendations on wire for auto body work.I am aware of ESAB easy grind and Harris twenty gage.  Any practical experience with these out there?I am currently training students on 3/16 and above mild steel with ER70S-6.. This wire is fairly hard and when we try and grind it flush on sheet metal (18g) a lot of heat builds up (panel distortion) and the surrounding sheet metal wears away faster than the weld bead.Is a -2 wire a better choice.What do folks use?Thanks, Jim
Reply:Jim,I suprised you haven't gotten any feedback on this subject.I don't know beans about auto body, but can appreciate what you're talking about.It's interesting that ESAB and Harris have special products, presumably giving a softer, easier to grind, weld.How about a silicon bonze, like Everdur.I've heard this type of material is used with MIG in autobody work.I've used it with TIG on sheet products.Let us know what you come up with.
Reply:I'm with Pulser on the Silicon Bronze.I use it all of the time on sheet metal for Hotrods and race cars.But I use TIG for my sheet metal work, never tried SB with a MIG.- Paulhttp://all-a-cart.comWelding Cart Kits and accessories
Reply:Thanks for the input.  I too am surprised that I didn't get more response.We brazed a lot of panels with oxyfuel when I was taking the auto body in the '70's.  There are(were) some problems associated with the process. Never thought to try it with a GTAW torch.I will check with the local body shops and our welding suppliers.  I need to visit with them anyway.Thanks,Jim