[lintmann]

I was wondering if anyone is proficient in welding sheet metal overhead with a MIG? I need to weld in a few patches and as luck would have it, I'll have to do it upside down. I'm pretty new with the MIG but have horizontal welding pretty much figured out with fairly nice flat welds and full penetration.

I have a Lincoln 140 and I'm using .023" wire and an argon CO2 mix. Any set-up procedures or tips are appreciated. Thanks!

[JSchmitz]

Overhead is no problem. Just don't overdo it with the amps. The big thing is wearing protective clothing (PPE) so you don't get burned. You could rig up some test pieces to practice first.

[Cammer-6]

yes test pieces and practice,practice,practice,followed by more....

slow and steady
getting in a hurry will net in a big glob falling on you.

[VCho455]

X2. The unspoken benefit of practicing overhead is conditioning your muscles to holding the gun and your head up as you weld. Sounds easy to hold your head up but with a hood on and your neck twisted to see it becomes more difficult.

If your looking at a bunch of overhead welding find some Ab exercises to do everyday the week before you start the project will help your body to get ready. Welding is mostly muscle memory.

Once your able to hold your body and tools in position AND be steady your welding will improve.

[Cammer-6]

Originally Posted by VCho455

X2. The unspoken benefit of practicing overhead is conditioning your muscles to holding the gun and your head up as you weld. Sounds easy to hold your head up but with a hood on and your neck twisted to see it becomes more difficult.

If your looking at a bunch of overhead welding find some Ab exercises to do everyday the week before you start the project will help your body to get ready. Welding is mostly muscle memory.

Once your able to hold your body and tools in position AND be steady your welding will improve.

That reminds me of welding cert.
I wanted to certify for tight quarters ,confined space welding(one more notch in the gun).
A welder buddy said dont.
"Do you see that guy over there cussing and throwing stuff,getting cramps
and acting like a monkey in a small box?"
My buddy had his cert and kept it to himself.

[242177P]

Car tilter might be nice? The concept of rolling
a car onto it's side still kinda creeps me out, but
they have proven themselves.

[Tempest]

when doing sheet metal, (above or below) just do tack welds, 1 dot at a time.
NO BEADS

[400 4spd.]

You will want to increase your wire speed slightly.

[lintmann]

That's all sound advice so from where I am now, I should be okay with turning my wire speed back up to where I had it when I first started learning and do some practice runs. Thanks guy, much appreciated.