Welding Tips and Tricks

Is there special equipment for tiny welds? Say I'm welding a sheet metal trigger guard onto a stamped AK-47 receiver, and I need a lot of control. Do I just turn down the amps and do my best with my regular torch?

I'm talking about stuff that's like 0.030"-0.050" in thickness.

17 flex 3/32 tungsten. 100 amps max with a foot or hand control.

Same old torch?

Same torch will work. No need for anything special. I've been practicing some .024 stainless lately. All I'm using is a #17 flex head and 3/32" tungsten and it goes just fine.

That’s why the 17 flex is my standard. You can weld foil or sch 120 pipe.

Poland308 wrote:That’s why the 17 flex is my standard. You can weld foil or sch 120 pipe.

And bend it all sorts of ways so you can be as comfortable as possible. Absolutely amazing torch.

Chips O'Toole wrote:
I'm talking about stuff that's like 0.030"-0.050" in thickness.

Hey Chips, haven't seen you here for awhile, good to have you back.

While .030-.050 isn't too thin, you'll do better by paying attention to all the normal prep work such as cleaning the material,
and using chill blocks as (or if) required to ensure a good weld.

LtBadd wrote:
Hey Chips, haven't seen you here for awhile, good to have you back.

Thanks. I moved north from Miami (thank you, God), and I haven't gotten my tool/workshop situation under control yet.