How To Mig Weld Automotive Sheet Metal

Short quick welds when welding sheet metal with a mig welder you do not want to try and run one long bead like when you re welding heavier metal.

How to mig weld automotive sheet metal.

The best two electrodes for welding auto body sheet metal is either ceriated tungsten or thoriated tungsten. For mig welding sheet metal it is often recommended to use an electrode wire of the smallest diameter to prevent burn through and warping. A better technique is to move around the weld seam doing short quick stitch welds that you eventually connect all together. Tack in a few places apart from each other and wait until the panel is cool to the touch.

Ditch a 1 8 inch tungsten electrode for something much smaller like 1 16 inch tungsten. Then tack between the two previous tacks. Because it will have you a lot more control over the whole process and it is more forgiving in case you do anything wrong. Avoid warping the sheet metal.

While replacing body panels overheating and warping thin sheet metal is common. I keep blowing through my thin sheet. When welding a long bead on sheet metal you ll put excessive heat into the panel and run the risk of the puddle falling through the panel. Andy gives helpful insights and tips to mig weld thin sheet metal.