The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop grinding welds

,Hello,
What' s the preferred method when welding panels, ? Weld one series then grind or weld a couple of series then grind? Or? Thanks for any in- put.


Joe

I think the only real rule I try to follow is Keep it Cool...

MP&C has some good info on it if you look up his posts there's good info to scope.

I weld a series, grind (lightly, careful not to remove any panel metal), planish out the welds and then repeat.

Post #7 in this thread discusses it....

55-Wagon-Progress


Basically using a 3" x 1/16 cutoff wheel, perpendicular to the weld, and move it back and forth to act as a grinder. The minimal contact patch will keep any post-welding heat buildup down to a minimum, and unlike flap discs or other large grinding devices, you have a better, less obstructed view of what you are doing. So less chance of thinning out the panel alongside the weld. Grind the weld as flat as possible, keeping it just above panel surface to allow for planishing. I then use an 80 grit roloc to sand? the remainder flush with the panel.
As far as planishing, some will prefer to weld the complete pass ( dot welds) before grinding or planishing, others will weld dots in skipped intervals, grind and planish, then repeat. I would say it this weld is in the vicinity of a panel crease, that crease will tend to hold the panel shape and the grinding and planishing afterward is an option. With welding through the center of a low crown panel (ie door skin) grinding and planishing after each weld dot is recommended as a low crown panel is quick to lose shape from shrinking, and the planishing will help to keep that in check..

Thanks for the advise. Seems I'm doing it somewhat correctly as I've been dotting two to three times with cool down between each session and so on and then grind off any excess just above the panels.. Still not sure if my planishing skills are up to snuff but I am trying, lol

Sorry to sound stupid but what does "planishing" mean?
I will be tackling this later this spring.
John

I have Block Planes, Joiner Planer, and a thickness Planer but when I want to smooth out welds they don't work so well... SO I get out an appropriate BFH and Dolly and Planish the sucker down closer to where I want it...

Ah, got ya. I'm pretty sure I have the BFH.
Thanks.

Then your set, head down to the shore and get a nice selection of rounded rocks of various contours for dolly's and your good to go