How to Spot Weld Steel

Welding projects can come in many shapes and sizes. Preparation is the key to a successfully welded project. Before you dive in and start welding something, make sure to have a plan of how you are going to position each piece you plan to weld. Once you have the plan of what you are going to weld, you need to tack weld or spot weld the pieces together before you weld an entire seam. It is necessary to spot weld pieces together first because a piece of metal can warp if you just start welding from one end to another. Follow these steps.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Protective eyewear
• Leather gloves
• Long clothing
• Welding helmet
• Clamps

1. Position the first pieces of what you are going to weld next to each other on a level surface.

2. Clamp the pieces together if possible.

3. Clamp the grounding clamp from the welder onto the piece to be welded. Read the welders operators manual and adjust the welder to the specific voltage necessary to weld the type of metal you are welding.

4. Put on your protective eyewear, leather gloves, long clothing and a welding helmet. Turn on the welder.

5. Position the welder handle over an end of the piecs you are welding together. Pull down your helmet and pull the welder handle trigger and weave back and forth for a centimeter (the standard spot weld size). Keep the arc just above the piece of metal. Repeat this on the other end of the seam and finally in the center of the seam you are welding.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear protective eyewear, leather gloves, long clothing and a welding helmet.