My First Weld!

[Uncle Buck]

Picked up a Lincoln 140 and decided to give it a try today on some 16 gauge I had.

My goal is to be able to weld patch panels in 18 - 20 gauge so mastering spot tacks and butt welding in thin stuff is first up. I’ll learn to run a bead later when working on thicker material.

Did a bunch of spot welds and then put down a bunch of tacks to butt weld my test pieces together.

In the area I did some grinding it looks like one piece of metal again.

More practice needed but not too bad for day 1.

AC55610D-4FB9-4F2F-BE3B-E0C4F9D64475.jpeg

[RedSN]

How was it?

I love welding, but don’t do enough.

[Uncle Buck]

How was it?

I love welding, but don’t do enough.

I was as nervous as a hooker in church but became comfortable and was having fun.

[5.4MarkVIII]

Awesome.

People take it for granted but welding thin stuff isnt easy.

Judging by pictures is hard but looks like a great start.

I’d suggest a little more heat (or a slower wire speed so the edges of your spots are smoother into the base metal.
And make sure the root of your spots are a little closer together.

Are you looking to be welding patch panels for cars?

[Uncle Buck]

Thanks for the tips. Yes that’s the goal once I get the hang of it.

[5.4MarkVIII]

Thanks for the tips. Yes that’s the goal once I get the hang of it.

Patch panels don’t have to be a straight butt weld.
Sometimes that’s the only option but look into a seam tool like this

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/mal-pf1ev

For long straight patches it helps keep the metal straight and eliminates the chance of burning threw.

Keep practicing but mix it up. Do some butts and some overlaps. Even some T welds the different angles will help you figure out tip positions and how they can change the weld

Once you get better. Then start practicing vertical and upside down. It’s never the same on the car as it is on the bench.

Check the backs of your panels to make sure you have the penetration.


When you finally get to welding patches the two most important things are temp control and corners
Jump around with your spot welds to stop any one part from getting hot and never cut a patch with a corner, give your patches a radius instead of corners. Corners will give you a high spot and then Week spot if you grind them down too far.

Any questions just ask. But mostly have fun it’s a great skill to learn.

[Spock]

It takes a lot of practice but the #1 rule is to have a clean metal surface.
Any contamination of the Parent metal will result in a Bird Shit weld

[RedSN]

It’s never the same on the car as it is on the bench.

I second that, LOL.

Picked up one of those tools from PA, except it attaches to an air-chisel. Also picked up some of these clamps…
https://www.princessauto.com/en/4-pc...t/PA0008393878

[ZR]

^ Lots of solid advice.

[Ponyryd]

Looks good to me-especially for your first time, well done.
Remember when welding panels to allow a small gap-about the thickness of your welding wire-do not butt them up tight as the penetration won’t be as good, with a gap your weld is filling in both sides, much more solid.
I’d also advise against lap-welding for panels if possible, only because when lap-welding you will leave a very vulnerable area for rust to start and spread-that’s why butt-welding is the preferred method.