spot welds?
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,986
Likes: 43
From: maryland
spot welds?
i know they sell a tool to drill out spot welds, but after i clamp my panels together and drill the holes for the plug spot weld, do i need something of a special tip for the welder? whats the steps ansd procedure in welding spot welds?
Senior User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 301
Likes: 1
From: East Texas
spot welds?
1. I always predrill my spot welds on the new panel before installing.
2. Next I remove all paint and any sealers that might effect the welding process.
3. now I place panel on the vehicle and aline/clamp into place.
4. begain placing spot welds around panel.( jump around ).
any air gaps,paint or sealer between panels will cause welding blow out so be sure that the panel is tight.
5. be sure that the spot weld holes are at least 5/16" dia. anything smaller will not make a good spot weld.
6. there is such a thing as a spot welding tip but it's not needed.
I would use .023 wire, .030 is harded to control.
There is also a coating that you can spray on the panels that you ground for spot welds. It protects the metal from rust and won't affect the welding process. I can't remember where I get it tho. I think auto body paint supply has it if not them then the welding supply has it.
over and out
gseeders
2. Next I remove all paint and any sealers that might effect the welding process.
3. now I place panel on the vehicle and aline/clamp into place.
4. begain placing spot welds around panel.( jump around ).
any air gaps,paint or sealer between panels will cause welding blow out so be sure that the panel is tight.
5. be sure that the spot weld holes are at least 5/16" dia. anything smaller will not make a good spot weld.
6. there is such a thing as a spot welding tip but it's not needed.
I would use .023 wire, .030 is harded to control.
There is also a coating that you can spray on the panels that you ground for spot welds. It protects the metal from rust and won't affect the welding process. I can't remember where I get it tho. I think auto body paint supply has it if not them then the welding supply has it.
over and out
gseeders
I'll have the Roast Duck
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 9,622
Likes: 110
From: Northshore, MN
spot welds?
snap-on and mac both have a tool that looks like a pliers with a flat copper end on it with a forked upper part for spot welding between. not needed, as simply timing your hold and release of the welder's trigger is good enough. practice makes perfect though.
I'll have the Roast Duck
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 9,622
Likes: 110
From: Northshore, MN
spot welds?
expensive?...relatively, yes...but anything snap-on or mac can be expensive. My teacher had us use a punch and put about 20 holes in a piece of sheetmetal, and then take another piece of sheet metal underneath and weld the 2 together. looking at the discoloring underneath, would tell how well and consistent the welds were. good luck.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: maryland
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Senior User
Joined: May 2002
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From: East Texas
spot welds?
The coating is called (weld thru primer) it is made by 3M and Norton.
To tell if you are getting good penetration look on the back side of spot weld. There should be heat discoloration and area will be rased and slightly flacking. If you see nothing then you are not getting good penetration.
On your practice piece take a screw driver and try to separate the spot weld, If you can't then you have done okay,If you can practice more.
Important:
again area to be welded must be free of dirt,oil,sealer,paint, ect.
panels must be tightly togather
and always use a 5/16" hole for spot welds. 1/4" holes will not provide a good weld. It may look good but its not going to be a solid weld!
good luck
over and out
gseeders
To tell if you are getting good penetration look on the back side of spot weld. There should be heat discoloration and area will be rased and slightly flacking. If you see nothing then you are not getting good penetration.
On your practice piece take a screw driver and try to separate the spot weld, If you can't then you have done okay,If you can practice more.
Important:
again area to be welded must be free of dirt,oil,sealer,paint, ect.
panels must be tightly togather
and always use a 5/16" hole for spot welds. 1/4" holes will not provide a good weld. It may look good but its not going to be a solid weld!
good luck
over and out
gseeders