73-87chevytrucks.com
73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Body, Glass & Paint => Topic started by: got2haul on March 01, 2009, 04:09:15 pm
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Easy-grind welding wire: anyone used it? Where can you get it? (I'm refering to MIG wire.)
Secondly, what is the gauge of the body's sheetmetal?
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never heard of that before.. we use .23 wire it grinds down pretty easy. I know if you are useing flux core wire its harder to grind the welds.
The thickness of the metal I'm not sure I do know its thicker than new cars
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sheetmetal is generally 19gauge.
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That what i was thinking to cuz i think on new cars its like 22 gauge
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If you find it, let me know. All MIG wire that I know about is harder than the gates of Hades.
Here is a really good tip for grinding down those welds, however. Go to wherever you buy your grinding wheels and find you some thick (1/8 or thicker, 3/16 is best) 3" grinding wheels for your die grinder. Use the edge of the grinding wheel to grind down the weld. This way you don't get into the base metal and you don't waste effort grinding anything but the weld.
Once you try this method, you'll never grind welds any other way. I usually set one up with a straight die grinder and one with a 90 degree grinder. Then I can get at pretty much everything, no matter where it is. If you want them shiny, you can finish them off with a flap wheel.
CAUTION - Wear a full face shield and gloves when doing this in case the wheel breaks!! Hearing protection is also recommended.
Good luck!
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Here is a really good tip for grinding down those welds, however. Go to wherever you buy your grinding wheels and find you some thick (1/8 or thicker, 3/16 is best) 3" grinding wheels for your die grinder. Use the edge of the grinding wheel to grind down the weld. This way you don't get into the base metal and you don't waste effort grinding anything but the weld.
Thanks for that tip. I've got some new grinding wheels that are about 3/16" thick, so I'll give it a try -- makes sense.
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I found some information on this type of wire. It can be purchased from welding supply stores. This wire comes in a variety of sizes and content. Be sure you're buying wire for welding carbon steel.
"Spoolarc Easy Grind is a fully deoxidized wire designed to weld over moderate levels of rust and paint as are commonly encountered in auto body repair work. Easy Grind produces welds that easily exceed the tensile requirements of ER70S class wires. Easy Grind is produced in small diameters and are appropriate for the low current welding machines commonly used in body shops."
ESAB (the manufacturer) Spoolarc Easy Grind (product name). This is how it's listed on their website: .023" ER70S-6 EsabŪ SpoolarcŪ 86 Carbon Steel MIG Welding Wire 11# Spool
"Deoxidized wire, weld over moderate rust and paint, easy to grind, welds exceed tensile requirements of ER70S class. Appropriate for low current welding common in body shops."
ESAB Spoolarc Easy Grind .023 $47.30 11/lb spool.
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Darn. I've got one of the small Hobart Mig's and it won't handle 11# spools. Let me know how it works out for you. I'm going to look around for it in smaller spools.
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Good deal
Thanks Got2haul
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CAUTION - Wear a full face shield and gloves when doing this in case the wheel breaks!! Hearing protection is also recommended.
Good luck!
Another tip- don't shoot the sparks at glass or bodywork. The sparks will melt into both and ruin them!!