How to Connect Sheet Metal

Take the welding wire spool and load it into the ARC welding machine. The loading procedures for a welding machine differ depending on the company that produced the machine so check the machine's manual for detailed instructions.

Set the amperage on the ARC welding machine to the proper setting. The setting will vary depending on how thick the sheet metal you are using is and what type of metal material it was made from. You need to consult the manual for the amperage setting chart that will tell you what to set the amperage at.

Take the pieces of sheet metal you want to connect and place them together in the manner in which you want them connected. Use clamps to secure the sheet metal pieces in place.

Clean the edges of the sheet metal pieces with a wire brush. To have a smooth weld when connecting your sheet metal pieces you need to make sure the surface is clean. The wire brush will get rid of any dirt or debris on the metal.

Place the tip of the ARC welding machine torch about 1/8 inch away from the area that is between both sheets of metal. This area is known as the seam. Press the trigger located on the torch and then move it up and down the seam area in a circle motion. This will begin the welding process.

Weld the entire seam area of the two sheet metal pieces. Let go of the torch's trigger when your weld is complete.