Clean all surface debris from the metal with a stainless steel brush. Use a degreaser to remove oils and grease on the surface.
Strike an arc by striking the electrode against the thin metal. Pull the electrode back to the arc length recommended by the manufacturer and allow a welding puddle to form.
Direct the arc at the middle of the welding puddle thereby enabling the puddle to shield the base metal from the arc's main penetration.
Travel in a straight line using the fastest possible speed that will maintain a good bead profile. Avoid whipping or weaving the torch as this may cause warping.
Use a skip welding technique to further minimize welding by creating small welds spaced at regular intervals over the length of the metal. After traversing the length of the metal once, create a second set of welds at regular distance intervals from the first set. Continue welding in this manner until you achieve the integrity that you desire. If at any point the metal starts to warp or pull to one side, increase the distance between welds, weld on alternate sides of the joint, or weld at the beginning, middle and end of the piece, then repeat welds.
Dissipate heat from the weld area by placing the area in contact with a backing bar made of a metal such as copper or aluminum. These metals will best dissipate heat.
Ensure a tight fit between the metal pieces that you are welding. If the parts fail to touch by even 1/16-inch, you will have a gap that cannot absorb heat, potentially resulting in burn-through.
Avoid overwelding. For instance, a 1/16-inch long plate being welded to a 1/8-inch long plate needs only a 1/16-inch wide weld. Follow your manufacturer's instructions for specific welding directives. Excessively wide welds reduce filler material and shielding gas. Wide welds may also affect the temper of the welded metal, increase welding time and reduce welding speed.