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The Uxcell mild steel welding plate set is a 12 pack of 2 x 2 inch squares made from 11-gauge low carbon steel, which is about 0.12 inch thick. They are small practice and test pieces for MIG, TIG and stick welding, and also useful as small patches, shims and fixtures.
They suit beginners who want cheap steel for running beads, testing machine settings and practicing tack welds. They are not a good fit for anyone expecting full-size practice coupons for bend tests or structural joints. This guide is based on the Amazon listing, not testing.
At a Glance
| Item | Detail (per the Amazon listing) |
|---|---|
| Product | Uxcell 2×2 inch mild steel welding plates |
| Pack | 12 plates |
| Size | 2 x 2 in each |
| Material / thickness | Low carbon (mild) steel, 11 gauge (about 0.12 in / 3 mm) |
| Processes named | MIG, TIG and stick |
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What These Plates Are Good For
Eleven gauge steel is roughly 3 mm thick. That is thick enough to run a decent bead on without blowing through, but thin enough that a small hobby machine can handle it. It is a good thickness for learning how heat, travel speed and stick-out affect penetration.
A 2 x 2 inch square is a small surface, so you can run a couple of short beads, practice a tack or weld two squares into a corner or lap joint. Twelve pieces gives you enough to experiment with different settings.
Good uses:
- Dial in amperage and wire speed before welding the real project.
- Practice tacks, stitches and stringer beads.
- Make small brackets, patches or spacers.
- Try your first fillet by tacking two squares into an L.
How to Check They Fit Your Needs
- Check thickness against your machine. 11 gauge is fine for most MIG and stick hobby machines. Small flux-core or 120 V machines may need good technique and sometimes multiple passes on thicker steel.
- Check size. 2 x 2 inches is tiny. If you want to practice long beads or butt-weld coupons, you will need larger plates or the coupon kits we review.
- Plan surface prep. Mill scale, oil or rust on the surface will cause porosity. Clean to bright metal with a flap disc or wire wheel before welding.
- Check the edges. Cut edges may have burrs. File them lightly so the pieces sit square.
View Uxcell Welding Plates on Amazon →
Pros and Limitations
Pros
- Consistent thickness across the pack.
- Works with MIG, TIG and stick on mild steel.
- Small size keeps the cost of mistakes low.
- Easy to store, easy to clamp.
Limitations
- Small area, so only short practice passes.
- Heat builds quickly on a 2 inch square, so work in short bursts and let the plate cool.
- Mild steel only. These are not stainless or aluminum practice plates.
- Some prep is needed to get good welds.
Safe Practice Tips
- Hold small plates with locking pliers or clamps so you do not burn your hands. Do not hold them with a bare glove.
- Let a hot plate cool before picking it up, or quench it only when it is safe to do so (quenching can harden the weld).
- Wear a proper welding helmet, leather gloves and long sleeves.
- Keep a metal bucket for hot pieces and keep flammables away.
- Ventilate. Even mild steel produces fume.
Alternatives and Related Guides
- Welding coupons – larger test pieces for practice
- 18-piece welding coupons practice kit – a bigger practice set
- Welding practice kit – another beginner kit
- Welding table clamps – hold small plates safely
Frequently Asked Questions
What gauge is 11 gauge steel?
Eleven gauge mild steel is about 0.12 inch or 3 mm thick. It is common for brackets and small frames, and it works for MIG, TIG and stick practice on hobby machines, provided you set heat to match.
Can I use these plates for TIG welding?
Yes, mild steel can be TIG welded. Clean the surface well because oil and mill scale cause contamination, and use a suitable filler such as ER70S-2 or ER70S-6, depending on your setup and the manufacturer guide.
Are they big enough for practice?
Two by two inches is enough for short beads, tacks and a few small joints, but not for long runs or bend tests. For bigger practice, use larger coupons or sheets.
Do I need to clean them before welding?
Yes. Remove oil, rust and mill scale with a grinder or wire wheel and wipe with a degreaser. Clean steel gives better arc stability and fewer pores in the bead.
Bottom Line
These Uxcell squares are a low-cost way to practice, test settings and make small parts in 11-gauge mild steel. Remember the size limit, clean the surface well, and handle hot plates with proper tools.
See Uxcell Welding Plates on Amazon →
