Is Computer case metal OK to practice on

[Harry Worth]

Now I've I've got my welder I'm looking for metal to practice on. Notice my magnets stick to my computer case quite nicely so I guess it's steel - The panels are nice and flat for practising butt welds. It doesn't seem to rust like my old classic car though - is the metal galvanised or protected in some way that prevents the metal being useful for practising on? Of course is it just too thin?

 

[Chris Stevens]

No its not good to practice on, as its too thin, and may well be zintec coated which will mean this needs to be cleaned off first. If you have an el cheapo MIG set and have not done any welding before, then things wont be that easy for you anyway, so best idea would be to go along to a sheet metal workshop, and ask if they have any 2mm MS offcuts you can have cheaply for welding practice...........most will probably give you them FOC.

 

[Blackjack]

FOC = Free Of Charge.

Which you may, or may not, already know....

 

[Chickenjohn]

If you are desperate for sheet steel to use, you would be better off with metal from the case of an old fridge or washing machine. These seem to be about 1mm thick and appear to be painted with white enamel and not zinc coated.

grind off the coating before welding though!

 

[steviec_lj]

Most computer cases are galv'd, as I found out today...mmm lovely smell and quite a shower of sparks too.

You've got to learn somewhere though, but as above, I'd suggest getting something a little more suited to your needs. If you're going to be welding car bodies (which is a PITA!) then look at 1.2mm mild steel, or pop down to a local breakers and get some old panels to try out.

If you're going to be welding thicker stuff, then get that.

There's absolutely no point in learning to weld 4mm steel if all you're going to be doing is car body repair on 1 - 2mm steel.

 

[BChild]

Most computer cases are galv'd, as I found out today...mmm lovely smell and quite a shower of sparks too.

You've got to learn somewhere though, but as above, I'd suggest getting something a little more suited to your needs. If you're going to be welding car bodies (which is a PITA!) then look at 1.2mm mild steel, or pop down to a local breakers and get some old panels to try out.

If you're going to be welding thicker stuff, then get that.

There's absolutely no point in learning to weld 4mm steel if all you're going to be doing is car body repair on 1 - 2mm steel.

Understand the comments but I started practicing on 20 gauge steel and didn't find it easy at all - having some 2 mm steel to practice laying beads onto without blowing holes all the time was much better - as you get the technique sussed then drop down in thickness and refine your technique on thinner stuff