Mig welding thin steel

mitchash · Apr 7, 2021

I have a Hobart 210MVP that I really like! I’m rebuilding a vintage dirt bike muffler that is around 18 gauge steel. I have already cut it open and made the repairs. Now I’m in the process of welding everything back together. My problem is I keep burning through every once in awhile. I have made several adjustments with little luck. I was managing, doing short welds when I ran out of wire .023”. Anyone have any advice before I get back to it. I’m on voltage setting 2 and wire speed between 24-28. That seemed to work the best. What’s a good gas setting? I’m running around 20 cfh. The only thing I haven’t tried was plugging it into 120v outlet. Thanks

AWSubie · Apr 7, 2021

If you will be doing a lot of thin gauge work in the future, invest in TIG. Or just keep on keeping on with what ur doing but try some aluminum heat sinks near the weld ( of course success will be limited when trying to close up a cylinder shaped object like a muffler).

flyerdan · Apr 7, 2021

If you're holding the nozzle so it's pointing straight down into the weld, lean it to one side at least 45 degrees and try dragging short zaps. Having a wet rag handy to douse it with to keep the heat buildup in check helps too.

5030 · Apr 7, 2021

TIG....

ruffdog · Apr 7, 2021

If you push the nozzle vs drag, it wont burn through as easy.

mx1alex · Apr 7, 2021

Short quick zaps instead of trying to run one long bead.

mitchash · Apr 7, 2021

I do have a tig welder, it’s a multiprocess welder, plasma cutter. I tried using the tig on it awhile ago and didn’t have much luck. I need to take a welding course on it or something. I haven’t used a tig welder since the late 80s early 90s.