hey everyone. i have been trying to build my floor/toeboard panels. i have a limited amount of tools but tons of 16 gauge steel. i cant readily(cheaply) find a sheetmetal brake that will bend 16 ga. i decided to weld my bends and i think it will work but would like some opinions. the pics show the front and back of the weld. one side is steel filler (er70s2) and the other is silicon bronze (sib). i am using dc- tig and 1/16 thoriated tungsten and 100% argon at 10cfm. the silicon bronze flows a little easier but i think the steel gets better penetration. both of the HAZ are about the same. i appreciate any input. anyone ever done panels this way? thanks- Robert
Looking fine to me. A TIG is slow going but it is the best at keeping the heat localized. Either filler rod should be OK since these panels are in a low stress area and the bead covers alot of surface by going the whole length of the panel. Standard factory sheet metal was 19 gauge so your 16 gauge welded is way stronger than the factory with brake formed angles.
