0.6mm Vs 0.8mm wire

[excossack]

At the mo i use 0.6 mm wire because thats what came with the welder.
What are the differances in weld between 0.6 and 0.8mm wire.
Is one best for thin sheet and one best thicker metal? or would one wire do both types OK?

 

[Drains]

The thinner the wire, the thinner the steel to weld. It takes fewer amps to melt thinner wire, so it also suits smaller welders. I use a 300A set which goes down to very low amps/volts, and can weld 1mm or thinner steel with 1mm wire, but it's easier with 0.8mil. If you're up in thick steel - say 10mm or more, 1.2mm wire suits.

There are lots of variables, and a lot of transition between the thicknesses. Havn't used .6mm in years!

 

[excossack]

So would 0.8 suffice for thin and thick stuff if I adjust the power settings accordingly?Ive got a reasonable amount of 0.6 left before i need a new reel.
With 0.8mm wire will i get a wider weld? at the mo they are narrow.

 

[Wozzaaah]

John, what steel thickness are you trying to weld? If you're getting a tall, narrow bead then it sounds like you're lacking in power.
When I worked in a garage we only ever used 0.8mm wire.

 

[excossack]

Im not totally sure on what thickness of metal yet.Car panels, thin wall box section.
I shall try altering the power settings and see what gives.
lm doing a college course in Feb so hopefully that will assist me.

 

[gavuk]

Have to agree with wozz,i've only ever used 0.8mm ,we were showing a young lad how to weld yesterday with a sealey 130amp on 1mm plate and had to use the second lowest setting to get a descent weld with 30amps being the lowest.using overlapping spots as describe in the excellent thin sheet tutorial from malcom,lad went away confident he could learn how to weld his car up with some more practise,

 

[excossack]

When the 0.6mm runs out i will try 0.8mm. There is about 1/2 a reel left. I shall use the 0.6 as practice wire

 

[Wozzaaah]

I'd have a reel of both, keep the 0.6 wrapped up in the airing cupboard for when you have some thin stuff to do but use the 0.8 for everyday stuff.

 

[excossack]

Actually that sounds like a plan.!

 

[Wozzaaah]

See, 4000 odd posts, I'd like to think at least a few of them might be helpful .

 

[madkayaker]

the rest are drivil just like mine!