Mig welder wire thickness question

[toro455]

I'm new to the welding scene and just bought a Handler 140 for mostly thin gauge metal welding for automotive restoration projects. Before I start welding anything on my car, I'm asking a bunch of questions and already took a MIG welding class.

My question is what is the best size wire to use for mostly sheet metal welding ? .23, .30 or .35. ? I guess I need to know to get the right wire shield size and tip to go with the wire. My welder doesn't currently have a gun attached so I have to buy that to. I was hoping to get some good advice before purchasing anything further.

Anyone with automotive type welding experience have any suggestions ? Just looking for what most people have in their welders to do this sheet metal type welding.

Thanks, Mike

[gnewby]

For sheet metal I would suggest going with .23 using 75/25. You may also need to use a backer piece behind the metal to prevent burnthrough.

[Blacksmith]

Ditto the .023, with a .023 tip, C-25 (75/25) gas and also skip or stitch weld; a series of dots of weld material applied in a cross pattern similar to tightening lug nuts to avoid overheating and distorting the thin metal.

[aametalmaster]

.023 Sil Bronze would be the cats meow. I use it a lot for sheetmetal...Bob
http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/brazing.htm

[toro455]

Sounds like everyone is agreeing with the .23 wire for the sheet metal application. Thanks for your advice, it is much appreciated !

Gnewby - when you mention "backer piece" are you referring to something other than the sheet metal I would be welding on ?

Aametalmaster - thanks for the very specific information and website !

Any other suggestions for something other than .23 wire ?

Thanks, Mike

[aametalmaster]

Gnewby - when you mention "backer piece" are you referring to something other than the sheet metal I would be welding on

Thanks, Mike

Copper bar works great for that. Even smashed flat copper water pipe just weld right over it...Bob

[brucer]

.023 for sheetmetal usually i just get er70s-6.. esab also has a .023 spoolarc easy grind that is suppose to grind easier and be more malleable for hammer working, but i would not use it for any type of structural type welding, sheetmetal only..

i would also keep a roll of .030 handy for larger stuff. i like lincoln L56 or hobart and harris er70s-6.. the hobart and harris wire seems to be more available in my area... i also want to try some hobart hb28...

i dont like forney wire, i got 2 bad rolls of that a few years ago and it sucked, i'll never buy another roll of forney wire..


i have a piece of brass that i use for a backer also. you put it behind the pieces your welding, it absorbs heat to lessen warping and the weld doesnt stick to it..

[toro455]

Excellent advice ! I'm going to the Welding Supply store a few miles away from home on Friday to look around and ask some more questions, without sounding like a total idiot. I need to buy a welding cart, gun with liner, wire, ground clamp, helmet and bottle to complete my welding package and start practicing on scrap until I feel more confident.

I bought my Handler 140 used and plugged it in and the fan runs when turned on. Looks like brand new to me but was missing some of the above parts.

Brucer - what is er70s-6 ? Is that just mild steel wire or something else ? I think I will start by using the .30 mild steel wire for practice welding as it will probably be cheaper. I'll buy some of the silicone bronze wire as suggested by aametalmaster for sheet metal. Does that sound right with you ?

[brucer]

Excellent advice ! I'm going to the Welding Supply store a few miles away from home on Friday to look around and ask some more questions, without sounding like a total idiot. I need to buy a welding cart, gun with liner, wire, ground clamp, helmet and bottle to complete my welding package and start practicing on scrap until I feel more confident.

I bought my Handler 140 used and plugged it in and the fan runs when turned on. Looks like brand new to me but was missing some of the above parts.

Brucer - what is er70s-6 ? Is that just mild steel wire or something else ? I think I will start by using the .30 mild steel wire for practice welding as it will probably be cheaper. I'll buy some of the silicone bronze wire as suggested by aametalmaster for sheet metal. Does that sound right with you ?

er70s-6 is a grade of solid carbon steel welding wire for general fabrication and such... your wire size wont matter with the pricing, its been a long time since i bought any .024 wire but they sell wire by the pound, wire size didnt matter when i looked yesterday, at least between .030 and .035 wire it didnt matter...

[xdhd350]

i have a piece of brass that i use for a backer also. you put it behind the pieces your welding, it absorbs heat to lessen warping and the weld doesnt stick to it..

Good idea. I now have a use for that old brass kick plate I took off my front door.