Arc welder for 2mm steel

[16v205]

Hi,

I've got a bunch of shipping containers, some in great condition but 1 or 2 that need a few patchs in the roof welded where cable cut outs and lighting was fixed to the internal roofs.

I was wondering about buying the parweld or tec-arc arc welder from weldequip but I've no real experience using arc welders. I've ran exactly 2 rods through a cheap aldi one a few years ago to fix a stainless exhaust silencer that had cracked.

Would either of these 2 welders be suitable for use on the 2mm steel roofs? I know it can be tricky to weld thin steel with a arc welder. Reason I want a small welder like this is I'm going to have to climb ladders to get onto the roofs, I can't see me lugging my portamig 185 up a ladder very easily even though I'd prefer to mig it.

Cheers
Rich

 

[cumbriasteve]

Just about any arc set will weld 2mm, the chances of success more to do with the operator than the machine, you should manage fine after a few practice runs if you have welding knowledge.

Have you considered one of the panel adhesives used by the motor trade or does it have to be welded?

 

[16v205]

Thanks for the reply.

I will only weld it really, im not up on these adheisives but i see welding it as being more permanent that way.

Rich

 

[Rudi McAnichal]

For just a few small patches, you might hire a lightweight MIG and use either flux-cored wire or else the dreaded disposables.

Or, could you leave the Portamig on the floor and hire a spool gun?

 

[16v205]

Thanks,

I've looked at hiring stuff like this before, as I'm going to need it possibly a few times a year it will work out better for me to buy it. I'll definitely have a look at those spool guns though, never seen them before. If I can fix one of them onto my portamig that would be spot on.

Cheers
Rich

 

[Lawnmowerboy]

is a 4m torch not enough?

or lift the portamig on a forklift? =)

 

[16v205]

The 4m torch is frustratingly short, I've zapped a few holes on the edges but need to get to the other end of the containers now, it would be about 28feet from hole to ground at the shortest run.

I did have a fully working forklift, but fuel pump has decided to pack up. I parked it up the side of a container and it decided It wouldnt start again. That was months ago, I need to get a hiab in to lift it out as the brakes have seized on it now. My discovery couldn't drag it out to work on.

I think i may grab the parweld and give it a whirl, unless someone knows it definitely won't work?

Cheers for the help
Rich

 

[decepticon]

containers are made from corten weathering steel and should really be repaired with the same materials, though i doubt it would make too much difference unless they were being sent out to sea again.
i would repair with self tapping screws and mastic for ease

 

[Lawnmowerboy]

Are they all corten steel? if not tig might be worth a try? also possible with an inverter stick welder

 

[16v205]

Yep corten steel, I've plated holes in the side with normal mild steel and my mig and its been no problem. Also fitted lock boxes and never had a issue. They all get painted up again, roofs covered with bitumin paint. There not going to see salt

I've got next week off so it'll give me time to practice before I start blowing holes through the roofs.

Which would you guys say is better, the parweld or tec-arc?

Cheers
Rich

 

[p0689109]

As lawnmowerboy the inverter stick welders are tiny and hence light but work as well as, or better than, the regular stick machines. I have a Clarke and its good for the thin stuff.
Regards, Michael T

 

[16v205]

Thanks for the help everyone.

I ordered a tec-arc 165i from weldequip last night.

Cheers,
Rich

 

[16v205]

Just a quick update on this welder.

I'm more than happy with it, the first rod I used I managed to make something that looked like a weld directly ontop of 3mm hollow box section offcuts I was playing with. I ran another few rods through it and it went really well.
Don't get me wrong, my arc welding is far from great but this welder has made it easy enough for me to patch 2mm steel plates over damaged areas of these container roofs with out blowing holes everywhere.

Infact it's so portable and I like it so much I grab it now instead of my mig if I'm just tacking things together.

Cheers
Rich