22 Gauge tank failure

[INTP_ty]

About to go to the store to get sheet metal for a tank. 22 gauge ended up a failure. Hard to tack. I have a piece of 11 gauge but this stuff is like 1/8” HEAVY!!

20 gauge I assume will be too thin. Same with 18 (maybe)

16 gauge?


Are there any welders on this forum?

 

[Frankenstein]

What kind of welder are you using?

 

[INTP_ty]

What kind of welder are you using?

Was a wire feed.

He sent me a snap of a mug he just picked up

 

[Timbone]

20 gauge steel will make a fine tank BUT you need the skills!

TIG welding would be the best approach. You could do it MIG for sure but you need good shielding gas coverage. Don’t even try to Flux Core weld it!

 

[Frankenstein]

Using low amps right? You have to select a medium sort of feed and keep the arc moving slow, don't try to get directly in the gap to start, hit the edge and make a small loop into the joint so you feed the bead into it, along for a moment, and off. Or drag up the joint for moment but be sure to give the loop or wave to keep enough heat on both parts. If you pause for a second and then continue before the bead stops glowing you can build a weld up on thin stuff without it falling through or burning.