Which welder-looking for info
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
Likes: 22
From: The Big, Oregon
Not really, the smallest welding rods you can get are 1/16". You really need a MIG with .023 wire to weld that thin stuff, you can get away with larger wire depending on what you're doing, but the less heat you have to put into it the better.
Cranky Old Guy
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,562
Likes: 6
From: Raphine, Virginia
Will they work? Yes. Pretty, no. Most have very limited settings and parts hard to find(Chinese made). Body panels are a series of spot welds spread out carefully not to over heat and warp the metal. Fine for exhaust pipes. I would by a used gas equipped welder off Craigslist before buying a new flux core only welder. I started with a Lincoln WeldPac 100 and upgraded it to gas. Then bit the bullet and purchased a MillerMatic 211. I always advise purchasing a Hobart Handler 140 for a first welder. I've seen used ones nearly new for $300. Just have to shop around. 18 gauge metal is common with 16 gauge occasionally in floor pans. Newer vehicles and replacement panels are lucky to even be 20 gauge metal. Good luck with your decision
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
Likes: 22
From: The Big, Oregon
I think functional flux core welders are a myth. I weld, that's my thing and I have been doing it for over ten years, and I can barely get a decent weld out of a flux core machine. I've run plenty of dual shield, that's like flux core with gas added, but you have to run that hellaciously hot, and the wire isn't much bigger than the stuff those little buzz boxes say to use.
A good used mig machine would be a much better way to go.
A good used mig machine would be a much better way to go.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 788
Likes: 1
From: Hendersonville, TN
I think functional flux core welders are a myth. I weld, that's my thing and I have been doing it for over ten years, and I can barely get a decent weld out of a flux core machine. I've run plenty of dual shield, that's like flux core with gas added, but you have to run that hellaciously hot, and the wire isn't much bigger than the stuff those little buzz boxes say to use.
A good used mig machine would be a much better way to go.
A good used mig machine would be a much better way to go.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,220
Likes: 26
There are good threads on how to buy used gas cylinders on the Hobart, Miller, and Weldingweb forums.
I get all mine that way since the purpose of owning a cylinder is to have one for exchange. Doing my homework was worth it as now I have more cylinders than I need, but it's insanely convenient to have duplicates and they don't depreciate.
MIG mixed gas, argon, CO2 (great for powering pneumatic tools on salvage yard runs and hanging a brass air chuck off a regulator was way cheaper than buying a fancy Power Tank) nitrogen (bought cylinders from an HVAC tech and am gradually exchanging them for other gases as I use them up), oxygen and acetylene are great to have handy.
Those forums are also goldmines of info on buying the best MIG for a given use.
Small MIGs are often best bought new and the Hobarts have many happy users. Lots of pros own smaller MIGs because they are portable (if you can't get a big MIG to the work you can't do the work) and they are particularly useful for auto body.
I get all mine that way since the purpose of owning a cylinder is to have one for exchange. Doing my homework was worth it as now I have more cylinders than I need, but it's insanely convenient to have duplicates and they don't depreciate.
MIG mixed gas, argon, CO2 (great for powering pneumatic tools on salvage yard runs and hanging a brass air chuck off a regulator was way cheaper than buying a fancy Power Tank) nitrogen (bought cylinders from an HVAC tech and am gradually exchanging them for other gases as I use them up), oxygen and acetylene are great to have handy.
Those forums are also goldmines of info on buying the best MIG for a given use.
Small MIGs are often best bought new and the Hobarts have many happy users. Lots of pros own smaller MIGs because they are portable (if you can't get a big MIG to the work you can't do the work) and they are particularly useful for auto body.
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