32 replies to this topic

[Hendred]

One thing I would say is that if you have a good run of strong weld, then a small hole, don't go trying to fill it 'properly'  - ie it is tempting to try to fill the hole to the same standard as the rest, which usually doesn't work and ends up making it worse.  If the rest of the welding is sufficient and strong, then content yourself with just filling the hole so it isn't a hole anymore. I find that very short pulses - like Carlos said, just sparking it - should build it up quite successfully. You can add little tiny bits of weld at different points around the hole until you have filled it.Yes 

Yes thats what I have, lines of good welds but a few holes.

[Hendred]

 

 

Are you butt welding or lap welding. If you are butt welding the you may have too large a gap. If you are over lapping then it sounds like the wire speed may need to be increased slightly.

If the old metal is clean and not thinned down from paint removal ( what did you use to clean up the area???) then it welding technique at fault and not the metal.

I used a cutting disc on a grinder (flat onto metal) to clean the paint off could this have thinned the metal???, I am butt welding with no gap surprisingly, got the cutting spot on.

 

 

Yup, probably a bit harsh

 

Ah ha, wire brush on a drill better?

[sonikk4]

Yes a wire cup would be better. Most min panels are only 0,9mm thick so does not take a lot to thin them. Now regards to no gap, this is a bad thing on thin metal as the edges will pucker up with welding. It's best to have a small gap to allow for expansion. This way you should get a nice flat finish once the weld has been ground back.

It you are using Intergrips to hold things together then this gap is pretty ideal.

[Hendred]

Just been out to garage to the freezer and noticed my welder has been turned up!  I bet it is the wire feed pipe when I am holding the gun has knocked the settings.  That explains the holes.

 

Although I wont be grinding paint off again if it thins the metal!  

 

What is the best action for taking the paint off??

 

Thanks for all your replies

John

[Hendred]

Yes a wire cup would be better. Most min panels are only 0,9mm thick so does not take a lot to thin them. Now regards to no gap, this is a bad thing on thin metal as the edges will pucker up with welding. It's best to have a small gap to allow for expansion. This way you should get a nice flat finish once the weld has been ground back.

It you are using Intergrips to hold things together then this gap is pretty ideal.

Ok thanks Sonikk I will leave a very small gap in future.

[sonikk4]

A twisted wire cup on your grinder will be perfect.

[Hendred]

A twisted wire cup on your grinder will be perfect.

Ok thanks

[gazza82]

Or a nylon-type one which is harsh on the paint but not the metal.

[evansisgreat]

Strip and clean discs are the best thing I've used and they work fast if you've got a lot to clean.

[Ben_O]

Personally i would avoid using a twisted wire wheel when cleaning up edges as they are quite aggressive. I use Filament brushes to clean my edges back. Quite cheap on eBay and last really well.

 

Just my personal preference though

[Hendred]

Personally i would avoid using a twisted wire wheel when cleaning up edges as they are quite aggressive. I use Filament brushes to clean my edges back. Quite cheap on eBay and last really well.

 

Just my personal preference though

 

 

Which filament atachment Ben?, didn't you say the flat one ealier on your project thread?  Do you have a link or pic of the one you are referring to??

[Ben_O]

 

Personally i would avoid using a twisted wire wheel when cleaning up edges as they are quite aggressive. I use Filament brushes to clean my edges back. Quite cheap on eBay and last really well.

 

Just my personal preference though

 

 

Which filament atachment Ben?, didn't you say the flat one ealier on your project thread?  Do you have a link or pic of the one you are referring to??

 

This is my favourite one

 

http://www.ebay.co.u...=item27c84efa57

[Hendred]

Cheers Ben

[gazza82]

I've got a couple of those and one wuth several groups of "tufts" and a bit wider. ToolStation or ScrewFix I think ..

[Hendred]

I've got a couple of those and one wuth several groups of "tufts" and a bit wider. ToolStation or ScrewFix I think ..

Ok thanks I'll have a look