Anybody arc weld floors in??

I have some floor panels to install but all I have is a Miller arc welder/generator. Has anybody welded the floors (thin sheet metal) with an arc welder and had good results. I don't have the money for a MIG or I'd already have one. I can weld big thick stuff all day long but don't have much if any experience with small, thin stuff.

 

yep, 6013 is a good multi-use rod for almost anything. turn down the amps, watch out how hot the panels gets.

 

6013 in small dia. low amperage. Or I always was curious how this would work
http://www.eastwoodco.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=1187&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=1412&iSubCat=1413&iProductID=1187

 

That's interesting! I don't have a MIG welder, and don't forsee getting one, but I have an old Lincoln AC180 arc welder, and that's an interesting option. Click, save.

 

Havent done that one yet.. Nice info though... I bought an in expensive wire feed from harbor freight for under 150.00 ... Havent fell through the floors yet .Seemed to look and work well...

 

yea try your 3/32 ethir 6010 or 6013 7018 works well too. i weld almost everything with an ar welder or tig i dont like migs at all. you can weld thin jyust fine with a stick just get an arc and go like hell,jared

 

I tried using this rod. Eather I had to rusty of metal or I didn't know what I was doing. I just couldn't get it to work right. I saved and bought a Miller 135 with the cover gas. It works much better, easier, and faster.

 

Regarding the Eastwood "Stitch Welder" - I tried one of these a few years ago, and I can't really say if it works or not. Maybe I didn't know how to run it right.

Every once in a while, it would lay down a nice bead without burning through or sticking. But that happens every once in a while anyway when I try welding thin metal with a regular stick welder at low amps. I can't figure out how to do it consistently with the Stich Welder OR by hand! Depends how much coffee I've had, as much as anything.

I guess I'd say the stitcher didn't make a dramatic difference for me, but I'd be very interested to hear if anyone else knows the secret to getting the best out of one.

Pete

 

No personal experience, but it's use is becoming widespread. Pro shops like it. Really good for roof panels, since there's no warping.

 

what's the glue called? sound interesting.

 

It's used alot in Auto Body. It's mainly used on door panals. The skin is glued to the shell then the edge of the skin is bent around the shell frame. I have not used it, but I seen it done. I've only spot welded them on. (Years ago when I worked in the Auto Body industry.)

 

think the 3/32" rod is too big, would use 1/16".

 

I haven't but I have a good friend with a body shop that sees it all the time. He doesn't like it and won't use it unless the customer or insurance company wants him to. But he says he hasn't seen any failures up to this point. It's funny I was just in there week before last and he was using on a classic Mustang to put a quarter panel on at the customer's insistance.

 

Lords product makes the stuff you are talking about . I saw it being used at a trade school a few years ago . It was great stuff .

 

For thin metal use 6013 rods in 5/64 or smaller rod. try a 50 0r 55 amps it will work just fine on 16 guage mild steel.