Weld thickness

[The Buddah]

Hello,

When the advert for a welder specifies will weld upto 5mm does this mean that the metal is 2 x 2.5mm placed ontop of each other and welded, or that it will weld 5mm metal placed end to end?
Do welders struggle to weld at the maximum limit or do they do as it says on the tin....lol.

To all the people who get fed up with the same old newbie questions.

Thank you.

Mike.

 

[FranV8]

Normally it means it will deal with welding 5mm thick material, so yes, two 5mm plates end to end (I.e. Butt weld) would be fine.

Best to cross check these claims with the maximum current the welder will do and the accepted norm current for the type of weld and material you will be doing. When I say type of weld I mean joint, I.e. Lap vs fillet vs butt etc. Etc.

Hth

 

[The Buddah]

Hi Franv8,

Thank you, not sure what type of joins i'll be doing yet but looking to learn and repair my off roader as and when i can weld profficiently enough.
The first step is to purchase a welder.
See my other thread and what advice i have been given.

Mike.

 

[Mr J Morton]

Forgive the typos I'm responding via my phone. The stated max thicknesses are optomistic at best on hobby welders. See this link, http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/clarke-90.htm. 5mm is probably more like 4mm with prep. However on more expensive kit the stated info may be more accurate.
hope that helps
Jonnym