Flux-core wire-feed welding different thicknesses of metal

[s219]

So I plan to practice this tomorrow, but thought I should get some input from folks here.

I have to weld a short 2" piece of 1/8" wall rectangular tube to some 1/4" plate. End of the tube will get welded to the flat of the plate by reaching through the inside of the tube to where it butts against the plate, and place a couple short welds inside where the pieces meet. Strength isn't real critical for this. The welds will basically be wide tacks.

Not sure whether I should set the voltage and wire rate for 1/8" material and know I will have lesser penetration on the 1/4" material, or set for 1/4" material and direct the wire into the 1/4" material then push the puddle up onto the 1/8" tube. Be curious to know what others would do.

thanks,
219

 

[Shield Arc]

I just had to do this for a member over on Welding Web. I took one of my engine drives, and LN-25 wire feeder with .045" NR-212 wire to his house. I had to weld a 1/4" angle iron to .065" galvanized square tube. Flat, vertical, and over head. What I always do is use a J pattern. Keep the long side of the J on the thicker material, and just bounce the curl of the J onto the thin material.

 

[s219]

I just had to do this for a member over on Welding Web. I took one of my engine drives, and LN-25 wire feeder with .045" NR-212 wire to his house. I had to weld a 1/4" angle iron to .065" galvanized square tube. Flat, vertical, and over head. What I always do is use a J pattern. Keep the long side of the J on the thicker material, and just bounce the curl of the J onto the thin material.

Excellent, thanks Shield Arc!