Page 1 of 1

Is this start stop technique for thin sheet metal valid?

Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2020 4:00 pm
by ultrafastidious
Hello guys,

I've been looking at stick welding thin sheet metal videos and found a couple videos that produce good looking results.
However I'm not sure if the technique used (start stop) will produce a strong weld. Wouldn't there be a risk of slag inclusion and cold weld with the method?

Here are the videos btw:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFIZFYjaOog
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9V69IouG6SA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=va6QeNsqErU

Re: Is this start stop technique for thin sheet metal valid?

Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2020 2:42 am
by weldin mike 27
It's not ideal, but it definitely works. The fellow in the video is still pretty skilled. Just because it's not the best process doesn't mean it is easy. As for slag inclusion, the slag melts out of the way quickly, it's very fluid with stainless. Cold laps aren't an issue with stick welding because you have to get it hot enough to melt the core wire. Therefore the pool is well fused.

Re: Is this start stop technique for thin sheet metal valid?

Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2020 1:45 pm
by MinnesotaDave
It's a valid method for thin stuff. I've done it on thin farm sheet metal with 3/32" 6011.

I just overlapping tack-tack it together, grind a little to make sure it's clean, then weld it better as needed.

I wouldn't do this on anything structural naturally, just for thin stuff where needed.

Re: Is this start stop technique for thin sheet metal valid?

Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2020 6:04 pm
by tweake
ultrafastidious wrote:Hello guys,

I've been looking at stick welding thin sheet metal videos and found a couple videos that produce good looking results.
However I'm not sure if the technique used (start stop) will produce a strong weld. Wouldn't there be a risk of slag inclusion and cold weld with the method?

Here are the videos btw:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFIZFYjaOog
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9V69IouG6SA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=va6QeNsqErU
with any rutile electrode doing a start stop (tack tack) technique risks slag inclusions.
for the size material they are using i don't think its required.
with the 6013 getting the right 6013 helps a lot. you want the sheet metal version. also you run it on electrode negative.
then you can simply do normal drag technique.
a lot of thin walled tubing is that thickness.
another trick is to do it downhill and run fast enough to keep ahead of the slag. you end up with a very thin weld.