welding sheet metal - question Options

[njccmd2002]

first of all let me clarify, my welding skills are the same as me flying the space shuttle.

Although im not stupid...

First of all ill star by saying that im using a crappy harbor freight mig welder....

Yes i know.

My question is why when i weld sheet metal, when the borders are clean of rust, and good separation between sheets, the welder melts and makes holes.

I have it in the min setting and slowest speed.

The only way i found i can do it is by creating a mountain of slag, which is a pain to go back and grind.

for example....

i have grinded the bottom here...



here is a closeup...




and here is the back...




I know im not an expert, but this welder sucks ass.. Period, no good settings, all good to make sparkle, but it welds like crap.

What should i do...

A. Should I go for a TIG welder...

B. Or a better mig, i mean, are all migs going to give me this crappy buildup...


I HATE GRINDING......

please advise...

[epocsirhc]

I'm a big tig welding fan, but even I would use a mig welder in your situation. At home I use a 220V Miller, and I've done exhausts, new floor pans, Subaru crank pulley holders, etc.

The learning curve on a tig welder is very steep compared to mig imo. Also you have to figure the cost to purchase and operate the machine. How would you weld in that situation with your filler rod in one hand, torch in the other and modulate the foot pedal or run on lift arc.