Welding Tin Cans...

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Hi...  I'm one of those old guys that believes that practice is the best way to learn something; so I've been practicing on Tin Cans in the hope that I can learn how to weld sheet metal at some point down the road.  (Don't have any scrap sheet metal to practice on just now.)  I took a bunch of cans, and tack-welded them end to end using 3/32" 6013 rods at 30/40 AMPS with my Lincoln 225/125 AC/DC welder.    The cans held together well when I took the entire column and beat it against my Railroad Baseplate Work Bench; so I guess I did something right; but I'd like to know if any experts/old timers out there have any advice on a better rod, etc.  I did have several spots where the arc burnt through the cans; but for the most part, the job came out pretty well had I wanted to make myself a smoke stack.  Thank You !  Ed VA
Reply:When you say "tin cans" I presume you are referring to food cans - canned vegetables, soup, dog food, etc.   We all call 'em "tin cans" because a century ago or more they were made from tin.  Today most are steel except for aluminum beverage cans.  Most are plastic coated inside and out except for those in which the contents are especially acidic like sliced or diced pinapple.  Those cans are galvanized inside.  In either case you will get best results if you clean the coatings off the inside and outside of the metal before welding.With the thin metal you will also get best results to use GMAW or preferred GTAW processes.Can you post some photos?-MondoMember, AWSLincoln ProMIG 140Lincoln AC TombstoneCraftsman Lathe 12 x 24 c1935Atlas MFC Horizontal MillCraftsman Commercial Lathe 12 x 36 c1970- - - I'll just keep on keepin' on.
Reply:Hi Mondo; and Thanks for your quick reply.  I can't post any pix due to my camera having been... "Lost" by my grandaughter.  Sorry !  I didn't clean anything off these cans; but there was a pretty good mix of all types.  All I have to work with is my Lincoln, and a small Clarke 95E Crackerbox welder that isn't much good except for lighting the coal in my forge.  What is GMAW and GTAW by the way ???  Thanks !  Ed VA
Reply:Originally Posted by edv7028  What is GMAW and GTAW by the way ???
Reply:A smoke stack??!! What is it going to be used on?As already said a MIG unit would be best for welding those together. You'll find that the cans you described make a lousy smoke stack. Sure it will work for awhile but you'll find that they will rust out within a year especially at the weld points.If your looking for some good metal to practice your stick welding on drive around on trash day and see if anyone is throwing our some steel bed frames. Its great steel to practice your stick on. You'll also find that the steel also makes good framework for work/welding carts.Co-Own CNC shop:Miller :1251 plasma cutter, MaxStar 700 TIG/Stick, & XMT 456 Multiprocess Welder.&  2 Hypertherm HPR260's Plasma CutterSorry I had a bad stroke but now I am back.
Reply:Hi Specter...  (Gunships from Vietnam days ???)  Anyway, I done rebar, T-Posts, and Railroad Baseplates because they're free/cheap; but wanted to practice on something thin and light, therefore the tin cans.  I've made a Tractor Beer/Tool Carrier, Back Porch Frame, Forge Stand, and Tool Box stand all out of Rebar, and T-Posts.  I've also made my Work Bench out of Railroad Baseplates.  Thanks for all the advice you guys have given me; but I still need to get more practice on something thin & light.  The smokestack will be used on a Barrel Heater/Stove for use under my work awning in the winter; and possibly over the forge.  It's okay if it has to be replaced every few months or so because the cans are always in the trash here.  Thanks !  Ed VA
Reply:If you haven't already, give it a go DCEN with the DC side of the machine.  It seems to have less of a tendancy to burn thru.AND GO LIKE HELL.  LIKE SOMEONE WAS COMIN' AFTER YOU WITH A GUNAnd maybe a pretty wide wash bead to keep the heat away from the thin edgesNow ya got me thinkin' I might dig some dog food cans out of the trashI have a feeling I'll wind up makin' em look like swiss cheese"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Hi FarmerSamm...  It's not really fun, because it takes a really light touch to keep from burning through the tin; but practice makes perfect, so I've got a LONG Way to go !  Have fun !  Oh yeah... I was using DC+ on this practice run; and it worked pretty well.  Regards, & Happy New Year !  Ed VA
Reply:Hey ED,  I got the cans  Found some old 5/64 6013 to try with.  I'm gonna let it warm up a little more outside first.SWISS CHEESE BY AFTERNOON"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:forgot the pics Attached Images"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:ED, YOU'RE AN ANIMAL  How do you do it??I never had such a disappointing experience in my life.  There ain't enough of my can to take a picture ofThe only thing that worked was a fast drag at 30amps DCEN, but if you missed starting the arc it was all over.  Either side of the lid ring and it was all over.I need more cans.  I need more cansEdit... And screw that wash crap, you have to stay on the lid ringLast edited by farmersamm; 01-05-2009 at 02:53 PM."Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:FarmerSam,What did you spill on that Keyboard??  I am amazed it still works!  By the way I think we got the same table!  (I would give you some more Dog food cans but my stupid little rat dogs won't eat anything but fast food from the fridge!!!  My newest one now thinks he owns the shop too!  came out, jumped on the welding table and peed on my scrap aluminum  (what is a guy to do)TimA rich man is not the one who has the most but instead one who needs theleast. Retired IUEC local 19AK Bush pilot,  Chaplain  CMA Chapt 26victor torchesMiller110v migDynasty 200dx (new in Dec 08)Hypertherm PM-45MM-252 (new 2/09)
Reply:Hi FarmerSamm...  ME ??? An animal ???  I wouldn't even THINK about eating Canned Tamales !  He-he  Even when I was in Vietnam, I only ate a minimum of those I cooked for Christmas Dinner in an old Ritz Can.  As I mentioned... I only "Tack Welded" my cans in about 6 to 8 spots around the perimeter, and it wasn't easy in the beginning.  I did manage to hold an arc for about 3 to 5 seconds though without burning through the rims.  I had those Hobart 3/32" 6013's and set my Lincoln 225/125 AC/DC on 30 to 40 Amps... Lowest Possible Range.  Maybe it's the machine !    Even when i tried my old Clarke 95E down around 20 to 30 Amps, it would stick most of the time, or burn a hole through anything I touched with the rods.  Hey... I'm retired !  I have all the time in the world to mess around with these silly little projects of mine so long as the weather permits; and the family isn't asking me to BBQ or take them somewhere.  Keep at it Farmer.  If nothing else, it just provides an outlet for any cussing you might feel like letting out !  He-he  Regards,   Ed VA  P.S.  That IS a "Used" looking keyboard you have there Farmer.  I'm guessing that you do your welding right in front of it !  He-he
Reply:edv7028, see if you can find some 1/16" 6013, and give it a shot on DCEN
Reply:I'm gonna do this if it kills me"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Hey Farmer...  Remember your sign-off phrase.... Any day above ground is a good day !  Don't over stress yourself !  He-he  Ed VA
Reply:Originally Posted by UltrachopMy newest one now thinks he owns the shop too!  came out, jumped on the welding table and peed on my scrap aluminum  (what is a guy to do)Tim
Reply:Pedigree and Tamales, that had to be one he11 of a supper. Kinda like chili??
Reply:It's up to y'all to figure who ate which"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Originally Posted by farmersammIt's up to y'all to figure who ate which
Reply:That nose knows the good stuffHe ate the dog food Attached Images"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:My newest one now thinks he owns the shop too! came out, jumped on the welding table and peed on my scrap aluminum (what is a guy to do)
Reply:As long as he doesn't crap on my ground lead and pee on my Harley tire, I will keep him around!  Friends still are amazed that I like this little fur ball?Back to welding,  I think I will weld up a dog dish holder that won't tip over?  Better yet if I just weld all the cans together in a circle they won't tip, right farmersamm? Attached ImagesA rich man is not the one who has the most but instead one who needs theleast. Retired IUEC local 19AK Bush pilot,  Chaplain  CMA Chapt 26victor torchesMiller110v migDynasty 200dx (new in Dec 08)Hypertherm PM-45MM-252 (new 2/09)
Reply:Hi UltraChop...  Gee Man, I remember when every movie with a Harley in it had the owner with some kind of snake wrapped around his neck, and the guy or girl was a vicious, killer or everything that walked or moved on earth.  With that little white poock on your bike, I've lost my childhood illusions !  He-he  Nice looking little tamale filling though !  You should have at least put in a couple of "Grr's" here and there in your post !  He-he  Regards,   Ed VA
Reply:Ed,You must be thinking of the girls I hung out with before I got married to the sweetie I have been with for the last 31 years?  She wanted me to get another German Shepard----GRRRRRRRRRRTimA rich man is not the one who has the most but instead one who needs theleast. Retired IUEC local 19AK Bush pilot,  Chaplain  CMA Chapt 26victor torchesMiller110v migDynasty 200dx (new in Dec 08)Hypertherm PM-45MM-252 (new 2/09)Cool looking little dog.  Looks pretty smart"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:You guys got me laughin,I gotta try some with my wire welder and see what kind of mess I get.I think my beagle thinks it's a cat,it took off with an empty tuna can.pro-level dumpster diver                                     Hobart 125EZ
Reply:I tried with my little Hobart, and literally shot holes in the can.  The damn wire made contact, arced, burnt the can, then fed inside the can.  Lowest setting, slowest wire feed.  Flux coreI'm too embarrassed to post a pic, that's how bad it was"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:It's rumored that flux core runs hotter, has better penetration, and is a bad choice for sheetmetal. And this is why we're both single.  So, since Denrep has done most of the experimentation, it's time for you to buy a bottle and some .023 and report back. My contribution to the thread: this is my 16ga overhead fillet with 1/16" filler. For the most part it was laywire and two or three restarts. I tried to take another, better pic; but the frikkin' camera batteries are dead, again. Edit: Process is TIG Attached ImagesLast edited by Craig in Denver; 01-07-2009 at 01:49 AM.9-11-2001......We Will Never ForgetRetired desk jockey. Hobby weldor with a little training. Craftsman O/A---Flat, Vert, Ovhd, Horz. Miller Syncrowave 250
Reply:Hi UltraChop...  Your "Little Sweetie" didn't happen to make you say that, did she ???  Mine would have !  She's still wanting me to surrender my "Man Card".  He-heAfter 26 years, I thought I had patience.  I doff my hat to you !FARMERSAMM...  How many cans have you got welded together now ???  The stress hasn't got to you yet, has it ??? CRAIG IN DENVER... Nice looking job; but I can't make out what it is.  Please tell us more.SAY... What ever happened to Denrep ???STEVENATOR...  I like that phrase of yours... "Pro-Level Dumpster Diver" !  Good One !  Have a Great Day !  Ed VALast edited by edv7028; 01-07-2009 at 08:54 AM.
Reply:Ed,For my wife to put up for me even another 5 minutes makes her amazing!  Craig,  Nice Overhead weld!  I haven't tried overhead tig yet,  (how did you set up the coupon to do the weld??TimA rich man is not the one who has the most but instead one who needs theleast. Retired IUEC local 19AK Bush pilot,  Chaplain  CMA Chapt 26victor torchesMiller110v migDynasty 200dx (new in Dec 08)Hypertherm PM-45MM-252 (new 2/09)
Reply:Ed:It's just a test coupon. It's two pieces of 1 1/2" x 6" (16ga) welded together at 90* in the overhead position. I cropped the photo to make it smaller.Tim:We have a nifty post with clamps in class that we can setup any position. Cute little fur ball. 9-11-2001......We Will Never ForgetRetired desk jockey. Hobby weldor with a little training. Craftsman O/A---Flat, Vert, Ovhd, Horz. Miller Syncrowave 250
Reply:Craig-  Looks niceThinnest stuff I've fooled with using the flux core is 14ga.  Seems to hold it's own pretty well.  I use .030 wire, and stick my tongue out the left side of my mouth"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:I've found praying doesn't help.  If I tried the tongue thing, I'd probably bite myself. 9-11-2001......We Will Never ForgetRetired desk jockey. Hobby weldor with a little training. Craftsman O/A---Flat, Vert, Ovhd, Horz. Miller Syncrowave 250
Reply:Flux core penetrates better then solid wire,  I just HATE THE ##$$^ SPATTER ON ME. so I refuse to do more then the bottom of a 3" piece (LOL)Craig,  I wish I could say thet CC class  I went to last night gave me the same excitement that you seem to get from the ones you are taking.  I am sure it is fine for beginners and I could always learn more about Mig from the practice I would get there,  (HOWEVER)  they don't plan on getting into tig until at least 3/4 through the quarter and the instructor isn't really a Tig welder so I think I am going to drop off.  (I will continue to practice at home on my machine and LOOK FOR A LOCAL Tig welder that would like to make some extra money "TUTORING" me in the process either at his location or mine.CRAIG, can you take a snapshot of the fixture at the school??Thanks,TimA rich man is not the one who has the most but instead one who needs theleast. Retired IUEC local 19AK Bush pilot,  Chaplain  CMA Chapt 26victor torchesMiller110v migDynasty 200dx (new in Dec 08)Hypertherm PM-45MM-252 (new 2/09)
Reply:Hi Craig In Denver...  When you say "Overhead", do you actually have to material to be welded up over your head where you're looking at it from the bottom ???  If not, please tell me more.  FARMERSAMM... Hey Farmer... are you still out there ???  How's it coming with those cans ?  When I initiated this post, I was hoping for some input on how to weld sheet metal, (Cans in this case).  Is there a better electrode to use than 6013 with my Lincoln 225/125 AC/DC ???    I guess MIG & TIG are preferred by those folks that have them; but all I have are my stick welders... so far.  At least we got some humor going between us all; and I hope for more too.  Regards,   Ed VA
Reply:Hey EdOnly able to save one can a day.  Just dog food cans mostly.  Don't eat much canned foodCouple more days and it's back to ^%$*@#$!"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:I apologize for the quality of the pics. If I hadn't murdered my Nikon they'd be good.............but I did. Someday I hope to be as good with my Canon. Ed, yes, welding overhead, aiming UP. We wear full leathers, for the inevitable drip or spark. Pic 3 tries to show it. 6013 is a good choice for you IMHO. But I'm not a stick weldor yet. I agree that the humor is fun, a couple of guys here are lunatics (a good thing ). I'm so proud of myself for not naming names. Tim, here's how we position our welds. The reason I'm having so much fun, I don't have to 'get anywhere'. There are times when I'm cussing and open butt welds are more difficult that I'd hoped. The top side looks great, but fusing the backside edge with a nice 'wedding band' is a PITA. It isn't the instructor I have to please, it's ME. Pic 4 is vertical up.Pic 1 and 2 are reversed, the  horizontal bar is usually on my right. But the light was better with it on the left. Attached ImagesLast edited by Craig in Denver; 01-08-2009 at 11:53 PM.9-11-2001......We Will Never ForgetRetired desk jockey. Hobby weldor with a little training. Craftsman O/A---Flat, Vert, Ovhd, Horz. Miller Syncrowave 250
Reply:Craig,Thanks for sending me the pictures!  I usually destroy a digital camera at least once a year!just got a new Canon 990IS---great camera, should last a couple more months!!When I have more time I will likely get to a class as well (for the same reason as you suggest)  they have nice cutting tools and both,l their metal and gas--I am having a blast learning and thanks to you and the rest of the guys the learning (intelectual) part (can't spell for ##*t has been really fun as well.(should have bought a tig machine a long time ago (probably not, the kids would have starved)TimA rich man is not the one who has the most but instead one who needs theleast. Retired IUEC local 19AK Bush pilot,  Chaplain  CMA Chapt 26victor torchesMiller110v migDynasty 200dx (new in Dec 08)Hypertherm PM-45MM-252 (new 2/09)
Reply:Hi FarmerSamm...  With my budget, I'm going to have lots of Cat Food Cans soon; and I don't mean for the cat !  He-he  As it is, I have canned beans, canned peas, canned chili, canned menudo, canned peaches/pineapples, etc.  Gee... even my beer is canned !  Craig In Denver... Thanks for the advice/help/pix.  Are those copper colored rods in the last pic electrodes ?  Why are they copper colored ?  Are they Copper Clad Carbon Gouging Electrodes ?  When I tack-welded my shed frame, I had to do some welding overhead, just never thought about it being difficult.  Heck... all I had on were Jeans and a T-Shirt.  Those drops and sparks were... "bothersome"; but the really were a PITA when they got below my beltline !  He-he  No wonder I can't find my "tool" some of the time !  He-he  He's SCARED !!!  Regards,   Ed VAP.S.  RailRoad BasePlates & Bench Dogs...  I found out that T-Posts, when cut & ground down, make really good & tight-fitting Bench Dogs for my RailRoad BasePlate Work Bench.  It takes hardly any time at all with my grinder to cut & grind them; and I can make plenty of them at all heights because they're CHEAP/FREE.  Another thing I'm working on is 1.0" Rebar Ground down to fit the 3/4" square holes in the baseplates.  I'm planning to drill & tap the top end so I can use a 1/4-20 or 3/8-16 bolt for varying the height.  One last project is using some old Wheel Bolts off my old Chevy Surban.  All I have to do there is grind down the head to 3/4" to fit the square holes.    Does anyone get the idea that I have too much time on my hands here ???  He-he  I'm thinking of cutting a slot in one plate for my circular & reciprocating saws.  Maybe even my chainsaw.    I know... I know.  As my wife says all the time... "I'm Crazy !"  Regards,   Ed VA
Reply:38 year old Linde buzz box and 1/16 6013I showed mine now show yoursUltrachop, what's Foo Foo doing on your Harley?A butterfly without wings, is just an ugly bug
Reply:M/M,My little Maltese/puddle cross looks like he could be a twin to yours??  His name came from the day after we brought him home and he jumped up on my (Harley pillow)  I was hoping he would like to ride with me but I guess he doesn't like "loud pipes" (yet)He is stubborn as H-e-** Kind of like his owner,  If he wasn't so darn cute I would have hit him with 100 amps to slow him down!  (his latest is to go outside and eat rabbit crap instead of doing his business!(nice job on the tin cans!)  I will have to try that as soon as I finish my Alpo---wife has me on a all meat diet!!!TimA rich man is not the one who has the most but instead one who needs theleast. Retired IUEC local 19AK Bush pilot,  Chaplain  CMA Chapt 26victor torchesMiller110v migDynasty 200dx (new in Dec 08)Hypertherm PM-45MM-252 (new 2/09)
Reply:Mag MechGREAT !!!!!!I couldn't keep the heat out of the thinner area of the can.  I'm glad someone finally got around to gettin' it done"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Gee!! All these pics of folks welding cans. I can say I haven't tried that but I do sheet metal welding on cars and trucks with my Century 135GL MIG. Yeah it can be tricky getting a nice straight long bead and fitment. I do that on straight panel welding. On panels that require bends and curves I might use a combo of MIG and brazing. In those cases I usually tack weld with the mig to hold the piece on the panel then use the brazing torch to form and weld the rest of the body panel onto the car or truck ( especially when doing  a full rear quarter panel where there are lots of bends & curves)TomCo-Own CNC shop:Miller :1251 plasma cutter, MaxStar 700 TIG/Stick, & XMT 456 Multiprocess Welder.&  2 Hypertherm HPR260's Plasma CutterSorry I had a bad stroke but now I am back.
Reply:Originally Posted by farmersammMag MechGREAT !!!!!!I couldn't keep the heat out of the thinner area of the can.  I'm glad someone finally got around to gettin' it done
Reply:Ed:That's a copper coating to protect from rust. Bare mild steel rod won't last long in some areas due to humidity. MIG wire is also coated because a roll may be on a welder for years in a home welder.9-11-2001......We Will Never ForgetRetired desk jockey. Hobby weldor with a little training. Craftsman O/A---Flat, Vert, Ovhd, Horz. Miller Syncrowave 250
Reply:Magmek,Ah, honest too!!   What breed is your little firball?  Must say the older I get the more I like little dogs, especially a lot easier to deal with when/if we ever get to travel.!!!Oh  by the way you guys caused me to make a mess in my shop, as I dumped out some tin cans so I can try to weld a few of them! TimA rich man is not the one who has the most but instead one who needs theleast. Retired IUEC local 19AK Bush pilot,  Chaplain  CMA Chapt 26victor torchesMiller110v migDynasty 200dx (new in Dec 08)Hypertherm PM-45MM-252 (new 2/09)
Reply:I used to weld tin cans with a torch and silver solder.
Reply:UltrachopFoo Foo is one of two Maltese that Elaine rescued from the big sleep. Seems they have overbite genes that are not allowed in the gene pool. That was actually her puppy picture, she is all grown up now.After my last post, I realized that I don't have any 1/16 rod.  Went out to the shop to check and they were 3/32 6013. tried agaon while out there.When I get to the big city I'm gong to get some 1/16 rod.  I believe this may actually be doable. MagmekLast edited by Magnetic Mechanic; 01-09-2009 at 05:07 PM.Reason: for got nameA butterfly without wings, is just an ugly bug
Reply:Originally Posted by newkid1I used to weld tin cans with a torch and silver solder.