Sheet metal MIG Welding 101

[@mopar4don]

I agree with Phil, this is one of the best explanations on sheet metal "dot" welding. Thanks Robert!

[@bonniedust3452]

Finally, a good video after watching more than a dozen bad ones. Thanks!

[@pearsallsmith64]

This was fantastic! I’ve rebuilt several Jeeps and have run a TON of wire over the years. I wish I’d seen this video when I started. Learned a couple of things I’ve been doing wrong all along! Good stuff!!!

[@ericdolan2130]

Burn and learn baby, burn and learn.. Time under the hood. Robert gave some great advice. We certify welders for several VoTechs and High Schools here in New Jersey, so we TELL them how we want it done so there is a uniform and consistent base for all. They can modify and develop their own strategies and techniques once they are out on their own.

[@brianguest561]

Robert is awesome learned more in 20 min than any other source

[@AutoRestoMod]

Glad to hear that!

[@biglakehotrods381]

That was a very good lesson on welding. I really liked this Episode! I’ve got a ton of work left on my project, and I’ll take this with me and make me less of a grinder and more of a welder!

[@bdavidbsr]

This was great! I wish I had seen it yesterday.

[@kf4ung]

I liked the idea of the dollying between each, but the cutting wheel was new to me. I'll give it a shot. Thanks

[@SixRoundsStudio]

One of the best explanations I have seen. Also makes a great case for the patients necessary for craft and craftsmanship.

[@amiamso]

Thank You Robert! That was some of the best "welding 101" information I've seen out there. I especially appreciate you taking the time to explain the WHY part of the equation. Jeff, Great content and video as always and Logan you're going to wind-up giving Jeff and I welding lessons, Good job. keep it up!

[@ronh5491]

Have followed Robert from day one. Even on a bad day you can learn from him!

[@gabereeves8234]

Good stuff,I weld heaver metal 3/8,1/4, no problems. The thin steel still learning the tricks of the trade. Thanks

[@AutoRestoMod]

You are welcome

[@richardniblack6408]

great guest spot. Clearly skilled but even better, great at explaining it to novices. Now I need to go and check out my welder because my welds were looking like yours.

[@nickacoutin2505]

Just learned all kind of things about this and I don’t do sheet metal work but someday I will .

[@ethanmilgram2327]

Great tutorial. Clean metal, patience, practice and a methodical approach. Thanks, Gary

[@randysrestoration]

Robert is a good friend of mine what he does with metal is nothing short of incredible! A couple years back I was starting to restore a 1955 Wards scooter my dad bought for us in 1964 & a person stole one of the fenders to use metal for a patch in something of his. After a very long and exhaustive search with no luck finding another fender Robert said to send him the other fender as front and rear were the same. With that he made an EXACT match from a flat piece of metal and send it back to me! If you do not subscribe to his channel you should!

[@mccartneypaintandcustom9602]

Thanks for the kind words Randy. If anyone wants to see Randy's fender "build", take a look here: facebook.com/McCartneyPaintAndCustom/media_set?set=a.317667641959137&type=3

[@AutoRestoMod]

Robert's work always floors me. I was honored to have him cone down and bust through the rocker (even though that wasn't what he was here for. AND you do some amazing things in your own right Randy!

[@randysrestoration]

Autorestomod Manic Mechanic Gasoline Media thanks Jeff! Sure wish I had a video crew or even one helper! Lots of content but too much to do to spend time uploading as no clue how to edit.

[@randysrestoration]

McCartney Paint and Custom having scooter since 1964 I wanted to have it going so my girls could ride it when they were 7. Not sure where time went but oldest Grandaughter is going on 3. I better start soon to have it done in 4 yrs.

[@mccartneypaintandcustom9602]

@@randysrestoration Better put those trucks on standby and take care of the granddaughter!!

[@Thecraig909]

Nice work man!

[@tracybakken213]

Now I need to get out and practice! Good information 👍

[@dominiqueeaster9249]

Thank you for this video! This has helped me out. It has really good information. I’m building a mustang for the first time and I have never welded before I started this build. I kept wondering why I kept having issues and it was my heat settings and wire speed. When you start out you think if you turn up the heat you are more likely to blow through. Thank you, great video!

[@tomfowler9577]

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is very helpful. I have received verbal instruction of exactly what was shown here today. For me... Getting to see it helps me a great deal!

[@AutoRestoMod]

Glad it helped!

[@carbonlarge]

Brilliant info, I'm off to practice with thin steel now....... thank you

[@AutoRestoMod]

You are very welcome

[@neadie1000]

I learned from this lesson. I just welded a quarter skin, not trusting my skill level I used a lap joint. I didn’t realize that two layers of metal would greatly add to the heat retention. Yea I have shrinkage. The next panel I welded I butt welded with much better results. My new quote “a proud weld is nothing to be proud of”.

[@mccartneypaintandcustom9602]

Norlin, the biggest issue with lap joints is the likelihood of ghost lines greatly increases, showing exactly where the repair was made....through the paint and filler both.. Watch this video, this wagon tailgate was repaired using a flange seam at the bottom: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXjLd3ici9armJI

[@slcathey7848]

Thanks for the knowledge.

[@RealWorldGarage]

Now I know why I’m not a body guy!!! I did learn something though. I have a good bit of welding to do on my project, so it will come in handy.

[@danielcampbell9220]

Best explanation I have ever seen and I'm 44!

[@AutoRestoMod]

Glad! We plan to have Robert down again in the future.

[@dbriggs1689]

Great advice! No disagreements here.

[@AutoRestoMod]

Glad for that!

[@captainwyattoutdoors1636]

Excellent tutorial on dot welding. I really enjoyed this!

[@AutoRestoMod]

So glad!

[@juveraposo3169]

great info , learned about the gaps closing in and how to adress it

[@AutoRestoMod]

Glad it helped.

[@poncho6784]

Best damn instructions on the web for a hobbyist. THANK YOU! I've got my floor Pam's ordered and feel more confident to tackle the job

[@AutoRestoMod]

Glad to hear it!

[@JP-vs1ys]

Great welding tips. This guy just changed how I handle some of these issues. I definitely jump around because that's how I was taught. Not anymore. And the patience to do it this way, with the grinding....wow. I really need to take this approach to heart. It will improve my welding for sure. thanks.

[@AutoRestoMod]

Right on

[@tactrain]

Great video. I am new to welding and wish I had found this last week . Hoping my boot floor stays attached

[@ronbelldvm]

Thank you!! I thoroughly enjoyed the tips and tricks and hope it will help my welds, too. I really think it will help me out, as I replace pretty much all the sheet metal on my old Mustang.

[@walkerr.woodle8444]

I learn something every time I watch your videos.

[@AutoRestoMod]

Thanks! That is our goal.

[@stuartkorte1642]

Great video. Simple but very informative. I follow Robert on GJ so I know the quality he produces. Thanks for sharing

[@AutoRestoMod]

Thanks for watching! Robert is amazing. Wish he lived closer, we would do way more stuff with him (like give him his own show stuff).

[@oacumulador]

Now you are talking!! That's what we wanna see! Great

[@djoham]

This was a fantastic video. I never thought to grind down the welds between dots but now that I've seen the video it makes perfect sense. Sadly, my car is stuck with lots of "Robert's 25 years ago welds" but thanks to this video I now know how to do better next time 😁

[@mccartneypaintandcustom9602]

David, we all start somewhere. Recognizing the room for improvement is the first step..

[@AutoRestoMod]

Glad it helped

[@IowaMercMan]

I have followed Robert’s channel, and his metalworking threads on H.A.M.B., for years. You are learning from a master, make the most of it!

[@AutoRestoMod]

Robert is a HUGE help and I soak up his stuff every time he posts! So much talent there.

[@rogerlabbee6625]

Great video. The weld grinding is perfect for cleaning weld dots.

[@AutoRestoMod]

It sure is

[@capricechild92]

I just learned something new today. Thank you. Can't wait to go try proper welding.

[@johnkorotki7861]

Very informative! Thank you!

[@AutoRestoMod]

You are very welcome.

[@ezzaei]

I have this problem but been using a 20 odd yrold Clark en90 mig I find min2 setting is too low and max 1 is too hot 🤦 just bought a new welder but I think too powerful 🤣🤣 gonna have a go when there's light and dry. Superb video 👍👍

[@leonardgilbreath9004]

This is a great video I never thought about using stainless steel cut off wheels when doing stich welds on my panels I'll be doing it now on thumbs up 👍.

[@stevesimpson773]

Nice skill set Robert.

[@mccartneypaintandcustom9602]

Thanks Steve!

[@buchanansleeve7427]

Great lesson i have to tack in a trunk panel soon was very informative. Ty so much!

[@clevelandmaker386]

I learned something new today!.......great video... I don't have the money or resources to weld myself, so it's good to at least see it thank you Sir .... for giving all motorheads a lesson that we can use someday!

[@AutoRestoMod]

No Starliner comment?! Sir, you are slipping!

[@clevelandmaker386]

@@AutoRestoMod no...im a motorhead first and foremost!...like I said...sometimes you shut your gob and listen....you might learn something!

[@Duaneoca]

Great episode! Thanks so much for the detailed information!

[@rogerlabbee6625]

Outstanding explanation. Wish the initial heat settings and any adjustments were shown.

[@AutoRestoMod]

That is hard to show, since the gauge of metal will change the heat settings and wire feed speed. Best to test on similar metals until it is right.

[@mccartneypaintandcustom9602]

Roger, I rarely give out heat settings as not everyone has the same welder, and I find a persons technique may vary slightly where even settings for the same machine may be slightly different. I find it more important to get your heat settings adjusted for a full penetration weld, then fine tune in adjusting the wire speed. All this should be done on practice pieces of the same thickness, and keep in mind a burn through is still full penetration. Adjust the wire speed faster for those burn throughs, as it is occurring because not enough filler material is going in for said heat applied.

[@daniellachance9730]

Awesome video! Sharing it!

[@AutoRestoMod]

Than ks!

[@Beobout6]

Glad I watched this. Thank you.

[@waynesmith3293]

very well explained

[@AutoRestoMod]

Thank you

[@johnnybravo6047]

One of the best stitch welding videos I’ve seen. Thanks for explaining the science behind it!

[@AutoRestoMod]

Wow, thanks!

[@jimbobscully7024]

Thanks that was a really helpful and informative video. Keep them coming, from across the pond 🇬🇧

[@AutoRestoMod]

Thanks, will do!

[@richardgraiff9995]

very good info great video. thanks for the tips. The grinding tips was priceless. Thanks you guys

[@rodneylittle2542]

Thanks for the great tutorial, it should be very helpful for future projects.

[@trkinwithmikey]

Thank you Robert and Jeff more tools I need!

[@timcounts7355]

I do appreciate your help I'm still learning to that helps thank you

[@AutoRestoMod]

We plan on having Robert back in for some welding on the wagon and Ranchero soon.

[@Cyberblank]

Wow, thank you so much for this. I'm teaching myself welding to "restore" a family Volkswagen this summer and this is exactly what I needed. Robert's advice is fantastic.

[@AutoRestoMod]

Glad it helped

[@lilcurtisdavidson4724]

Ive got the exact same snap on welding helmet! Looks good on you and in action, never seen anyone else use one before. You got a subscriber!

[@AutoRestoMod]

Thanks 👍

[@hoon-depot]

Great video. I didn't expect this much. Very well explained

[@AutoRestoMod]

Robert is very good at this stuff.

[@josepimentel6973]

Thank you soo much, really learned many things, great show. Repear it with other hints. Your friend has lots of experience and what most of us lack, patience!

[@a.l9313]

This was very helpful. I had been wondering why the welds were individual versus a bead ( metal shrinkage), and the grinding you propose, while tedious, makes more sense. 👍

[@AutoRestoMod]

Glad it helped

[@billjones5178]

One final comment. I recently upgraded my older dirty, cheap auto flash helment to a high quality auto flash helment and Wow, my welds improved immediately! I set my varifocus glasses on the table and use a 2.5 lens insert (cheap) and not only can I see detail much better, but I don’t get dizzy by looking through wrong part of multifocal glasses. I believe this is relate to as it immediately improved looks and comfort in my welding. Less grinding, less misses. Get a good clean, clear auto flash helment. Don’t just go cheap on this!

[@AutoRestoMod]

I use readers only because Cam, Logan and I share one helmet. If it were just me I'd have the 2.5s too.

[@daveglick5152]

thank you. very good info. cheers

[@AutoRestoMod]

Glad it helped

[@ElrodsGarage]

Excellent tips on welding right there. Thanks a bunch!

[@AutoRestoMod]

You bet!

[@chuckdoudna3239]

Very beneficial information. Thank you for this very enlightening episode.

[@AutoRestoMod]

Our pleasure!

[@rogsmith66]

Great help video

[@AutoRestoMod]

Glad it helped

[@DragPakMerc]

Good stuff! Thanks Robert.

[@raycruz9445]

great information for us beginners, love ur videos. building up my confidence for my 1st restoration on my 63 Pontiac Catalina

[@rayreiter7609]

GREAT tutorial on sheet metal welding...would like to see more on welder setup, for sheet metal. Thank you

[@AutoRestoMod]

We are planning on having Robert back down again but his schedule is pretty crazy.

[@carguytroy]

Can't believe I missed this video when it came out. Figured I'd comment anyway. That was great! Watched I don't know how many welding videos and this is the best, simplest explanation I've seen. I Would love to see him back and show a bit of TIG. Thanks!!

[@AutoRestoMod]

Glad you enjoyed it! We planned on having him back in 2020, but things happened...

[@nated7229]

Nice, will help my welding for sure.

[@AutoRestoMod]

Yes it will

[@jaisonbadillo5139]

The best mig 101 video. THANK YOU Robert!

[@AutoRestoMod]

We are wanting to get Robert down here to do more welding.

[@flagger1x]

Nice style!

[@AutoRestoMod]

Thanks

[@mannymayer9250]

Wonderful tutorial. Thank you. I’ve been trying to weld 18ga stainless and have had problems with burn through or cold welds. Very helpful.

[@AutoRestoMod]

Glad it helped

[@dfrford]

Great Information, Thank you.

[@dawa8746]

Really appreciated the knowledge. I'm getting ready to try an work on a Sprinter roof (lap joint and panel rust) and this is just the sort of tutorial I needed.

[@AutoRestoMod]

Glad it helped!

[@johnparrish9215]

What do you do if you can't get to the back side of the panel to planish???

[@mccartneypaintandcustom9602]

John, in the instance where you are welding in a replacement "patch", I have heard many people say to use as little of the patch as you can, with no other "instruction". I would respectfully suggest the more proper method would be to look for an area for the weld seam that provides better access for planishing (even if it takes two people), and secondly look for an area that has a higher crown or is about an inch away from a body crease, as these features are more resistant to as much of the weld distortion you see in a low crown (flatter) area. You will still get distortion, just not as pronounced. Next, if you are welding a "patch" on one end of a panel such as a rocker panel, a vertical weld seam will invariably result in the weld pulling inward into a valley. Looking at the cross section of your weld, as an arc (the weld line) shrinks (because we can't access for planishing) the arc forms a flatter arc, or more closer to a straight line. If you absolutely need to settle on a one-ended patch, I would recommend cutting an access hole in the inner rocker, and rewelding that back in after planishing the outer rocker. Likely the best option is to remove the panel altogether, and replace in it's entirety. Rockers are normally held in place with spot welds, so if we can replace the entire panel and use spot welds or plug welds to install, the panel is not going to show the same weld distortion (shrinking) that you get from a weld seam. For areas like wheel opening repairs, I would suggest going higher on the panel where you can access the rear side, or remove the outer wheel well first, or have even added long handles/rod to a dolly for extended reach.

[@johnparrish9215]

@@mccartneypaintandcustom9602 Thank You, that gives me some options.

[@michaelhelle7469]

That was very educational! I'm new to welding but from other videos I've watched, this made sense and the results on the scrap piece looked great

[@AutoRestoMod]

Glad it was helpful!

[@cameronempey8350]

This was simple and to the point to understand :)

[@NordicDan]

I wish I had a Tig setup in my shop, but I do have my Mig and a fresh cylinder of C25, so I'll have to use that to weld in a patch in my old Toyota's tailgate. Been watching a ton of videos with tips and advice for Mig welding sheet metal and this a ton of good information for a sheet metal amateur like me.

[@AutoRestoMod]

This is probably one of the better videos we've done on welding in ages, comma I'm hoping to get Robert back down to do some more stuff with us he's pretty impressive.

[@JSCB-365]

I need to do a little practice before I go back to my project. I have been fumbling with Thin Sheetmetal, I have the thin wire and the lowest setting, Just need to get that wire feed rate set right.

[@stephenhotzjustdriveit]

Going to rewatch with the boys.

[@davepeeters6518]

Great informative video, what are the specs or links for the grinding wheel?

[@mccartneypaintandcustom9602]

Find any quality brand (Sait, Metalux, etc) that is rated for stainless steel. It should be printed on the disc.

[@chrismitchell45]

Excellent explanation and demonstration.

[@AutoRestoMod]

Glad it was helpful!

[@glenrude2218]

Terrific Vid Jeff. Just getting started on my own welding journey and picked a lot of helpful tips !

[@AutoRestoMod]

This is one of my favorite videos we've done.

[@ripburroughs]

Great information, I’m also curious as to dressing welds on the back side of the floor pans. Scribing for the cut can be tricky to acquire even seams to weld too. This lesson opened my eyes to various conditions that affect the results. Robert explained heat and buckle clearly, before seeing his straight line method I would have jumped up ,down all around. Keep the videos coming Jeff, your series is top notch!

[@AutoRestoMod]

We plan to have Robert back in soon. The pandomnimic slowed us up on that front for nearly two years.

[@desbell255]

Very helpfully thanks boys

[@AutoRestoMod]

Our pleasure!

[@erwinallen2309]

Im not a welder but would like to be one. Great video!!

[@raulgaribay6819]

Just learned something. Thanks 😊

[@AutoRestoMod]

So glad!

[@rc5629]

Nice show guys !!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥✌️

[@AutoRestoMod]

Appreciate it!!

[@freedomofspeech2238]

Well explained. Thanks for the time for making and posting these videos, much appreciated !

[@AutoRestoMod]

We are glad to. Hope to get Robert back down to pass on more wisdom!

[@taxicamel]

Yes, one the absolute best videos, particularly for someone who has never MIG welded thin metal. A lot of talking at the beginning which is probably best to skip over ...because people do NOT need to hear any "stories". You can go straight to the 6:00 minute mark, where ROBERT McCARTNEY starts the "HOW TO" ...and from there on, EVERYTHING is a solid, good lesson......up to the 17:00 minute mark ....and shut it off ....because the "host" just talks far too much.

[@AutoRestoMod]

Thanks for your considered opinion...the "host" is the whole reason ROBERT MCCARTNEY is on MY show.

[@billjones5178]

2 questions? 1. What if we flooded back side of weld with gas at time of weld? Any benefit? 2. You Plash hammer last spot to prevent cross over of metal, what if we left a tiny but predictable amount of open crack taper (1/32”) ahead of present spot weld? Would this greatly reduce overlap shrinkage, and thusly hammering? I don’t know, just asking . Great video by the way

[@AutoRestoMod]

A lot of times in welding up panels, you will not have the ability to have a predictable gap. But I can see what you are saying. I'd try it and see. I find that in welding, like so many things there are about 70 zillion ways to do this.

[@mccartneypaintandcustom9602]

No need for gas on the back side with mild steel. Ideally our weld joint should be as tight as possible. Any gap left allows the panels to pull together more as the shrink occurs as there’s nothing to stop said movement. In a low crown panel like a mid 50’s hood or roof skin, this allowed movement would result in a low area. Given the crown of the panel is the strength and support, any low area or disruption in that support will likely lead to oil cans in the panel. By trimming the patch with an absolutely tight joint, we limit the panels movement to shrinking alone. Leaving a gap will allow the joint to progressively get tighter as the shrinking continues to pull the panels closer and closer together. The better we can keep things consistent throughout, the easier our job of planishing to remove the shrink effects, the easier it is to maintain the crown/structural support of the panel.

[@ronclewell799]

Everyone has to start somewhere

[@terrywiley2449]

Good video

[@jorgemercatali9319]

Great video very well explained really I have to weld the bottom of the fuel tank of my motorcycle so I don't have acces to the other side to strech the welds by hammer & dolly so how would the this done I appeciate all the info best regards

[@fredrikbystrom7380]

I'm a university student I have to do some MIG welding on some sheet steel today. This was helpful!

[@AutoRestoMod]

Glad!

[@ronaldjones1223]

Great info. I found I was skipping around too far between welds, trying to keep heat down. Also wasn’t planishing.

[@AutoRestoMod]

He has great tips.

[@kgroombr]

Google safety reading glasses. They are relatively cheap and make a big difference in working on things that are close up. I got a pack of three for about $20.

[@zaraak323i]

This is very helpful, I need to replace my trunk floor. Thanks heaps. Btw, Castrol is the best motor oil! I don't care what all y'all say! LOL

[@AutoRestoMod]