Welding sheet metal.

admin

Hi all, First let me start off by saying I am a somewhat experienced welder, definatley not a pro. I have been welding with arc and wire for bout 25 years.  I recently bought a Hobart Handler 180 wire for my garage. I know this question has came up before, (I read all of them) but none seem to apply to my situation. My problem is seeing where I am welding on SHEET METAL ONLY. I have my lens turned down to 7 but still with this thin metal (20 Ga) it is almost impossible to see the seam.  This is clean shiny metal. I know someone is going to say practice, and it definatley won't hurt, but before you reply try welding this stuff. There is a world of difference between welding thick and thin materials. TIA, Burner
Reply:i  would try to use a magic marker used on one side of the sheet it can't hurt but may help see one side of the stuffsince it will be burnt off anywaynever know i'd try it
Reply:Try getting some magnifying reading glasses.  They seem to help with the finer stuff.
Reply:run soap stone along the seam .It won't effect the weld and will allow you to see the joint
Reply:If its flat maybe you can lay a guide bar or something next to the seam so you can tell where your at. Like a guide for a cutting torch.
Reply:you want to weld the thick to the thin...set up a "fence" to run the mig torch along..  straightedge along the weld path..untill you get used to it......zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:Do you have a good shop light?  I often use a 500W halogen to see what I'm welding, above and beyond the overhead lights.  Just don't have it right behind your hood.
Reply:Wireburner, you gotta be able to see, its a combination of everything. good lighting, reading glasses or a cheater lens if you need it and the lens in your hood have to be spotless.hope this helpsBruce Nothing like setting yourself on fire, to warm you up on a cold day.A craftsman is someone that does a better job than anyone else thinks is necessary.