Welding Sheet Metal Made Easy! Safely weld sheet metal as thin as 22 gauge. Thanks to a reduction diode that reduces output by half, and lets you use AC arc welders set to 80 amps or less. All circuits have a 100% duty cycle. The arc is self-starting, so there is less chance of the rod sticking. Once you strike the arc, lay the rod on the metal and let the machine do the work. The resulting bead is smooth and even - the slag comes off in large pieces. The 5 foot power cord attches to the electrode holder on any AC output arc welder. Use standard arc welding rods up to 3/32in. and weld up to 18 gauge steel.