AC/DC Thunderbolt and welding 2" & 3" thin wall tubing.

[BilljustBill]

It's been about 8 years since I picked up my welding rods....

I'm about to start a 10' x 52' framework for a solar panel ground array. Lower posts start at 5' above the ground and the rear tubing posts are 10'. The angle the framework facing South is 32 degrees. The vertical legs are 3" primed tubing and the cross members will be 2" tubing. It's thin wall tubing.

I've welded with the thin and 1/4" thick wall tubing when I added a 12 x 30' addition to my workshop. But your help with what rods to use, heat settings, and tips on welding this thin tubing would sure help me get started on the right foot.

Thanks for your help,
Bill

[Sberry]

I like 6011, the current is low for a larger electrode.

[raferguson]

6013 is about the lowest penetration rod, and generally recommended for sheet metal, so you might start with 3/32" 6013 rod. You will need to keep the rod moving to avoid burn through. They make smaller diameter rod, if you cannot get 3/32 rod to work for you.

You said thinwall, but you did not say how thin. In my mind, any time the rod diameter is greater than the material thickness, you are setting yourself up for problems. 3/32 is smaller than 1/8 inch, of course, but larger than 14 gauge.

Richard

It's been about 8 years since I picked up my welding rods....

I'm about to start a 10' x 52' framework for a solar panel ground array. Lower posts start at 5' above the ground and the rear tubing posts are 10'. The angle the framework facing South is 32 degrees. The vertical legs are 3" primed tubing and the cross members will be 2" tubing. It's thin wall tubing.

I've welded with the thin and 1/4" thick wall tubing when I added a 12 x 30' addition to my workshop. But your help with what rods to use, heat settings, and tips on welding this thin tubing would sure help me get started on the right foot.

Thanks for your help,
Bill

[Tryagn5]

It's been about 8 years since I picked up my welding rods....

I'm about to start a 10' x 52' framework for a solar panel ground array. Lower posts start at 5' above the ground and the rear tubing posts are 10'. The angle the framework facing South is 32 degrees. The vertical legs are 3" primed tubing and the cross members will be 2" tubing. It's thin wall tubing.

I've welded with the thin and 1/4" thick wall tubing when I added a 12 x 30' addition to my workshop. But your help with what rods to use, heat settings, and tips on welding this thin tubing would sure help me get started on the right foot.

Thanks for your help,
Bill

6010 3/32 55-65 amps downhill. Thunderbolt might not like 6010. Then switch to 6013. Same voltage. This is for 1/8 or thinner material. Goodluck.
Kevin

[BilljustBill]

It's been about 8 years since I picked up my welding rods....

I'm about to start a 10' x 52' framework for a solar panel ground array. Lower posts start at 5' above the ground and the rear tubing posts are 10'. The angle the framework facing South is 32 degrees. The vertical legs are 3" primed tubing and the cross members will be 2" tubing. It's thin wall tubing.

I've welded with the thin and 1/4" thick wall tubing when I added a 12 x 30' addition to my workshop. But your help with what rods to use, heat settings, and tips on welding this thin tubing would sure help me get started on the right foot.

Thanks for your help,
Bill

Guys,

Thank you for the starter information. It's "standard" 2"x2" tubing; 16 ga. about .065 thick.

So, start with a pound of 3/32" 6011 rods and see how things go?

Thanks for the help.

[JSFAB]

I see you have AC/DC. Most of the rods mentioned will run + or -. Run them DC, negative electrode for less penetration.