Can you weld galvanised steel?

Post by **Dean** » Mon Dec 08, 2008 9:52 pm

I was going to pop down a metal merchants next week to pick up some off cuts of 1.5mm steel. Their website says they do it either galvanised or normal. I'm doing a bit of chassis leg and sill work.

So for extra rust protection can I weld galvanised steel if I were to buy some?

Post by **les** » Mon Dec 08, 2008 9:54 pm

You will need to remove the galvanising where you weld. I also think the fumes are not nice!

Post by **Dean** » Mon Dec 08, 2008 9:56 pm

Thanks Les, I have my toxic mask now..

Post by **les** » Mon Dec 08, 2008 10:04 pm

It's worth remembering that a galvanised panel may need some treatment before painting, if you don't intend painting over the surfaced at least consider painting the welded areas that aren't protected. Happy welding!

Post by **bigginger** » Mon Dec 08, 2008 10:05 pm

beware - I don't think that'll be much help, unless it's air fed

Post by **rayofleamington** » Mon Dec 08, 2008 10:34 pm

I've managed to get black metal paint to stick to galv, but it doesn't stick well at all! If it's being used for anything more than a small patch it's good to use an etch primer.
However if it's much more than a small patch on a chassis leg, maybe you should consider replacing the leg? Usually the inner strengthener at the eyebolt is rotten on the inside before patches are needed and this will make it very weak.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Tue Dec 09, 2008 7:43 pm

As long as it's a REAL toxic mask, not just a dust mask - and has it been fit-tested on you - and of course - no beards allowed!

Post by **jonathon** » Tue Dec 09, 2008 8:26 pm

Beards !!!, you must mean additional filtration device here BM

Post by **bmcecosse** » Tue Dec 09, 2008 8:47 pm

Beard (even heavy day growth) will not allow a 'fit-test' pass.

Post by **Dean** » Tue Dec 09, 2008 9:30 pm

Cheers for the help guys...

I'm going normal steel, then when welded I'll get some lovely zinc primer onto it!!

My mask is an FFP3 face mask, it did say toxic fumes etc on it. It most certainly isn't an air fed one.

Ray, I may replace the whole or part of the leg one day, not just yet though. This little repair may see it through for a few more years. It'll be the first time I've welded on a car so, I'll keep it simple for now.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Tue Dec 09, 2008 9:35 pm

FF P3 is just a dust mask! Finest dust granted - but not suitable for any toxic fume.

Post by **les** » Tue Dec 09, 2008 10:07 pm

Beard (even heavy day growth) will not allow a 'fit-test' pass.

What if you've got acne?

Post by **jonathon** » Tue Dec 09, 2008 10:19 pm

Is that what you use for 'spot' welds

sorry I'm on my way...............

Post by **les** » Tue Dec 09, 2008 10:23 pm

Keep going!!

Post by **Dean** » Wed Dec 10, 2008 8:15 am

Les... trying to 'squeeze' some more out of him are you? God that was awful!

Post by **Alec** » Wed Dec 10, 2008 5:52 pm

Hello Dean,

I see you have gone for plain mild steel, it will be just as effective as using galvanised as by removing the galvanising where you are going to weld means there is no point whatsoever in using galvanised steel.

As a point of interest, if the metal is cleaned of galvanising where you are welding there will be no fumes and no hazard. Welders say that if they do happen to inhale fumes from galvanising the thing to do is to drink plenty of milk to help minimise the effect.

Alec

Post by **bmcecosse** » Wed Dec 10, 2008 7:07 pm

I think that was just an excuse to get free milk at work!

Post by **Dean** » Wed Dec 10, 2008 7:11 pm

So that was the reason Thatcher stopped the milk! It coincided with the end of compulsory galvanised steel welding in primary school.

Post by **les** » Wed Dec 10, 2008 8:28 pm

My mask is an FFP3 face mask, it did say toxic fumes etc on it.

pus, I mean plus, it should only be used within the shelf life period.

Post by **rayofleamington** » Wed Dec 10, 2008 9:08 pm

it should only be used within the shelf life period

yes - otherwise it smells bad and goes lumpy.