Leading a Car Body
Introduction
Leading is a process of joining two pieces of metal together by melting and flowing a filler metal into the joint. It is commonly used to repair car bodies, as it can be used to fill in holes, gaps, and other imperfections. In particular, it is commonly used for sheet metal work, such as replacing rusted out sections of body panels.
Types of Leading
There are two main types of leading:
* Gas leading uses a torch to melt the filler metal.
* Electric leading uses an electric arc to melt the filler metal.
Gas leading is the more common type, as it is less expensive and easier to learn. However, electric leading is more precise and can be used to create stronger welds.
Equipment
The following equipment is required for leading:
* A welding torch or electric arc welder
* Filler metal (lead, solder, or brazing alloy)
* Flux (a chemical compound that helps the filler metal flow)
* A hammer and dolly
* A body file
* Safety glasses
Safety Precautions
Leading can be a hazardous activity, so it is important to take the following safety precautions:
* Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from sparks and molten metal.
* Wear gloves to protect your hands from burns.
* Use a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling harmful fumes.
* Keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of a fire.
Procedure
The following steps describe the general procedure for leading a car body:
1. Prepare the joint. Clean the joint area of all dirt, grease, and paint. If the joint is large, you may need to bevel the edges to create a V-shape.
2. Apply flux to the joint. Flux helps the filler metal flow and prevents oxidation.
3. Heat the joint. Heat the joint with the welding torch or electric arc until the metal is molten.
4. Apply filler metal to the joint. Feed the filler metal into the joint until it is filled.
5. Hammer and dolly the joint. Use a hammer and dolly to shape the filler metal and create a smooth joint.
6. File the joint. File the joint to remove any excess filler metal and create a smooth surface.
Tips
The following tips can help you to lead a car body successfully:
* Use the correct type of filler metal for the job.
* Use a flux that is compatible with the filler metal.
* Heat the joint evenly to prevent warping.
* Hammer and dolly the joint lightly to avoid creating cold welds.
* File the joint carefully to avoid damaging the metal.
Conclusion
Leading is a useful skill that can be used to repair car bodies and other metal objects. It is a relatively simple process to learn, but it requires patience and practice to master. By following the safety precautions and tips outlined in this article, you can safely and effectively lead a car body.
