welding method

[les]

Advice on welding method if possible, please. I've cut out and replaced the metal in the picture below as the panel was dented and as a consequence stretched, causing it to 'ping' in and out when touched. The panel is now flat and stable, and as that's the way I want it to stay, is there an optimum welding sequence I should adopt to achieve this?

[Alec]

Hello Les,

it's always difficult to weld flatish panels as the metal is so loose. Just do small lengths and let them cool, alternating from side to side. Planishing each weld can reduce the shrinkage, but don't overdo it or you can end up as badly off as when you started/

Alec

[mogbob]

Alec's aadvice is spot on.
A flat bar of brass ( not so cheap these days, if you have to pay it ) clamped behind the welding area will act as a heat sink and cut down distortion.
Note ..I said cut down , not elminate..so follow Alec's advice, move about.The same can be said for "dressing down the welds with the angle grinder afterwards.

Bob

[les]

Thank you both for your timely posts ( I'm about to start today) the advice will be followed, I think I have some brass bar.