Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[47Jag]

I need to weld some 2mm plates together and am wondering if metal this thick can be MIG welded? I see Lidl are selling a couple of stick type welders. One is the regular style but the other is an Inverter Welder. Does anyone have experience of this type of welder. Is it preferable to the old style stick welders.
Advice please.

Art

[MikeEdwards]

I guess it depends on the MIG welder. 2mm isn't all that big, I think I'd probably just about get away with that on my 90A MIG, but probably only if I didn't run it at the far end of an extension cable. I've welded quite a bit of 16SWG, which is 1.6mm, on the extension lead, so a decent 130A or more would probably kill it.

[D4B]

I have just repaired part of a Kubota Tractor cutting deck with my little Clarke 135 Mig Welder, that part must have been 5mm thick. No poblem on Max setting!

[47Jag]

Thanks boys,

My welder is a Migmate 120 so it should be OK. As well as stepping up the current do I give it extra gas too? I can only weld from one side, so I need good penetration. Ooh err, what I just said

Art

[Penguin45]

I take it that this is a butt weld? Don't turn the gas up as the increased flow will have a cooling effect. You will almost certainly have to up the wire speed though. At 2mm thick you might want to bevel the edges slightly to create a trough. This will help with full penetration.

P45.
_________________
'67 Wolseley MkI 18/85, '70 Austin MkII 1800 The Landcrab Forum.

[D4B]

Yes I bevelled the edges, and increased the wire speed, but gas was
just as normal.

[Clactonguy]

ideally a test piece ought to be tried. would have no hesitation suing my MiG welder on that thickness as I tend to burn through anything thinner than 1-1.2mm
much depends on power of. welder .rod speed etc .I never use gas!

[colwyn500]

[consul 57]

i bought the lidl inverter welder, nice bit of kit for the price, easy to use.
i welded some 2mm thick steel with it no problem.