This is the second try trying to weld these angled strips to the car. I am just trying test pieces now but still getting the same crappy weld which just pulls apart.

First try I think the metal had too much Zinc so I bought some more today which just said Lamine (which I assume is zinc or similar coated). I ground the surface off and used a hole punch to try spot welds. I even enlarged the hole to 6mm but still the same result.

Photos below show the weld from above and below on both peeves of metal, snapped apart though.

No penetration, could be too few amps, or just crap on the surface, I've never heard of lamine bit if its got a coating of something then that's probably it.

Try to turn up your wire speed, and next time use Zincor plate or similar. This is electrolytic zinc plated, and easy to weld, anything with more zinc on it will give give crappy welds.

I turned the amps up to near full blast and it is better. But this is thin gauge about 1.5mm each piece. I will give it ago as it is belt and braces for the floor panel, this is just to strengthen the edge a little.

cheers
Ian

Lamine means : Sheet , so I guess it is not zincor plated

Please show us your welding station.. Is 220 or 380 volt..

1.5mm is real thick. A2cv. Is about 0.6mm or less. First try to make some seam welding lets say 50mm long. Do you have a good welding mask so you can see what you are accually doing???

Simple no enough amps, the weld looks clean just not penetrating, Going up to an 8mm hole might help even more so you are puddle welding from the back sheet that you are having trouble penetrating.

I think that is it - will take a photo of the rig int he morning and go for an 8mm hole too. My normal welding is normally OK just I tried with this Zinc stuff and it was bad then went to this normal stuff and lost confidence. Will go again in the morning.

Cheers

IAn

A bigger hole makes sense, start the weld in the middle and establish a decent weld pool then work your way out to the outside of the hole.

2 ways to get a good "spot weld"

1 big hole start the arc in the middle of the lower panel and spiral out till you catch the outer edge of top sheet

2 ramp up the amps to about 100a and turn the wire speed right down - point it at the smaller hole till you get a nice fluid puddle

both sheets must be spotlessly clean, no paint, zinc including weld thru primers residues of waxoyle, oil, underseal etc. Clamped tight and it helps to hammer it flat while its still glowing