>From: "W. Ray Gibbons" <gibbons@northpole.med.uvm.edu>
>Subject: Re: How to weld
>>Marcus Tooze asks differences between welding methods, and what is best
>>for general panel replacement.
>Ray Gibbons sez -
>My vote for the one single all round best welding method for the semi-skilled
>is MIG (metal inert gas). . . . .
>Biggest drawback is that welds often stand proud of the surface, requiring
>lots of grinding if you want things flush. The weld bead is hard, so
>grinding isn't easy.
>Ray Gibbons
I concur with Ray that MIG is the only way to go on thin work like body
panels. TIG welders might disagree but TIG is generally not pratical for the
hobbiest, too complicated and too expensive.
To avoid the grinding mentioned by Ray, I do the following:
1. Overlap the panels to be welded together by about 3/8".
2. If the panel is an exterior body panel, then a flange should be created
on the inner (side of the overlap) panel using a flanging tool such as those
sold by Eastwood.
3. Drill a 1/4" hole about every 1" on this flange (inner panel only).
4. Clamp the two panel pieces together (best way - cleco clamps).
5. With the MIG, fill the 1/4' holes.
| <------- Inner panel
|
\
\
| |
Outer panel -> | | <---- Drill 1/4" holes in inner panel only
| |
|
|
This simulates spot welding except it is much stronger and leaves the mess
on the inside of the finished panel.
Olin Kane
--
|