welding advice
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 292
Likes: 6
From: Florida
welding advice
I found on my local craigslist a 110v flux core mig welder with an auto darkening helmet for $100. Is a flux core good for body work? If not, can it be converted to work with shield gas? I learned how to mig weld at a previous job, but it was 220v, used shield gas, the master mechanic had it setup(the same thickness and type of steel was always used) and that was 10 years ago. Need help ASAP
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,804
Likes: 5
From: Southern California
I personally wouldn't use that. I use a Lincoln 220 with the shield gas. Not much splatter and does a really nice weld. Looks clean and works great. Flux core stuff ive never had luck with or heard anyone who has and doing body work at my girlfriends dads collision shop ( one of the biggest in California) they wont use anything but 220's with the shield gas. That's just me but from everyone ive talked to who are pro welders they have told me 220 or nothing.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 83
From: NorCal
Flux core is messy IMO and better suited for frame and farm work.
MIG is the only way to go with body panels. Others may disagree and that's OK.
A welder in my opinion is one of those tools where it's better to invest in quality than to just "get by" even though it appears to be a good deal.
MIG is the only way to go with body panels. Others may disagree and that's OK.
A welder in my opinion is one of those tools where it's better to invest in quality than to just "get by" even though it appears to be a good deal.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,804
Likes: 5
From: Southern California
Flux core is messy IMO and better suited for frame and farm work.
MIG is the only way to go with body panels. Others may disagree and that's OK.
A welder in my opinion is one of those tools where it's better to invest in quality than to just "get by" even though it appears to be a good deal.
MIG is the only way to go with body panels. Others may disagree and that's OK.
A welder in my opinion is one of those tools where it's better to invest in quality than to just "get by" even though it appears to be a good deal.
Boom ^ well said HIO
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 83
From: NorCal
If you're gonna buy one welder.. get a 220v MIG.
I started with a Miller 140AS. Great machine and awesomely perfect for body panels and floor pans.
However, I found myself working on bigger and thicker projects so upgraded to a Miller 211AS. It's bad azz. Love it... it automatically switches btwn 120v and 220v
The **nice** thing is switching btwn lightweight and heavy duty work only requires firing up the other machine cuz the 140 has 0.23 wire and the 211 has 0.30 wire. Pzzzzzzzt!
I started with a Miller 140AS. Great machine and awesomely perfect for body panels and floor pans.
However, I found myself working on bigger and thicker projects so upgraded to a Miller 211AS. It's bad azz. Love it... it automatically switches btwn 120v and 220v
The **nice** thing is switching btwn lightweight and heavy duty work only requires firing up the other machine cuz the 140 has 0.23 wire and the 211 has 0.30 wire. Pzzzzzzzt!
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 83
From: NorCal
If a 110v on CL, I've seen what seem to be little used 140s go for $500. New 140s are around $750. The Hobart Handler 140 is a nice machine at around $525 new.
Stick with MIGs from Hobart, Miller, and Lincoln. Matco and Snap-On are good too but generally "over-priced" compared to what ya get. .. Avoid Chicago Electric, Craftsman, and Century.
220v MIGs vary widely but bank on spending at least $1,100.
If the cost creates hesitance, just remember that a body shop charges from $70 to $120 per hour. A welder will pay for itself over a very short time. Plus you get to make custom parts that no one else has and adapt parts, like Amp Research steps for example, that are not even spec'ed for these rigs.
Good luck on your decision.
Stick with MIGs from Hobart, Miller, and Lincoln. Matco and Snap-On are good too but generally "over-priced" compared to what ya get. .. Avoid Chicago Electric, Craftsman, and Century.
220v MIGs vary widely but bank on spending at least $1,100.
If the cost creates hesitance, just remember that a body shop charges from $70 to $120 per hour. A welder will pay for itself over a very short time. Plus you get to make custom parts that no one else has and adapt parts, like Amp Research steps for example, that are not even spec'ed for these rigs.
Good luck on your decision.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,038
Likes: 4
From: South west Idaho
I never liked the flux core and converted mine to use Argon shield gas. Not a hard thing to do and makes a cleaner weld , no stinky smoke either ._
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Cranky Old Guy
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,562
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From: Raphine, Virginia
Price of a good welder only "seems" high. Once you consider how much you would pay to have the work done, convenience, and other money spent on these vehicles, it's well worth it. This hobby is not cheap.
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