Yes, the All state and spoolarc easy grind wire is the same, just different distribution chain AFAIK. Just be sure it is made by ESAB, and says easy grind on the spool. In my lessons on the Ford Forum, I have a link to an online seller of both size spools. Do get a spool of the 0.023 diameter at least, the difference in use over common wire is dramatic.
You really can't slow the wire feed down so there is not enough filler and blow holes. If the wire feed is that slow, the arc will break until enough wire comes out to short out and start the arc again. When that happens, the breaking and remaking arc makes the weld sound like popping popcorn rather than a steady bacon frying sound.
When I weld sheet metal I back the welds with a copper "spatula" I made from a 12- 14" length of 3/4" copper water pipe. (see your local plumber or metal recycle yard if you don't want to buy a long length, But I've made several different length and shaped ones, so you can use any leftovers.) I split one end of the pipe down the side for ~ 5", pried it open with screwdriver and pliers until I could use a hammer on a anvil or dolly to flatten it into a spatula shape. The rest of the length can be used as a handle, or a wood dowel can be inserted as a heat barrier handle. Make several with the spatula part different sizes and shapes and angles to fit solid against the back of the panel directly behind the weld point. A piece of 1/8" or thicker aluminum can also used as a heat sink backer if you don't have copper available.
My next lesson will be making butt welds with 16 ga sheet (and maybe a couple other common welds) and I expect the one after that will be specific technique differences in welding lighter gauge metal.
Last edited by Chuck_inDurham; 06/24/2012 12:20 AM.
