Hi guys, I decided it's time for me to buy a welder and start welding my own stuff. Taking it down to shops to get stuff welded is getting pretty pricey.

I have never welded a thing in my life before. Sure I've watched people do it and it seems pretty easy. However I'm very good with fixing cars, so I think I'll catch on quickly.

I just need your advice on what kind of welder to purchase. I will be using it mostly to weld in patch panels for rusted out floor boards and fenders (I restore old cars quite often). Also I will use it to fix some gaps my Bronco has near the drip rails. Just general welding!! I won't be welding any aluminum.

Also I would like any other tips you guys can give me when it comes to welding techniques/ tips learned the hard way!!

I really apprecaite all of your help!!!

 

For light work, I'd recommend a mig welder. Here's a site that'll answer a lot of your questions regarding what model and size you should use. BTW if you do a search on this welding site specifically on what you'll be welding, you won't have to read the rest of the non-related stuff.
http://www.hobartwelders.com/talk/

 

There are a lot of subjects here that can be found with the search function (now that it is working better) with all kinds of tips on welding techniques for patch panels and welding equipment. There is also a lot of info in the bodywork forum related to welding and finishing patch panels so they don't look "patched", -kind of an important consideration. .

The Hobart site is excellent also.

 

a good mig will do the job. I'm a certified welder. I recently bought a welder from this place and it works bitchin. I'm sure you won't be welding anything more than 1/4 inch. These are the cheapest I've seen. Plus, they have free shipping. The sp-135t would work the best. Although, a 125 would also work. There's really not a difference, besides just the numbers. The only reason the made a 135 was because miller came out with one. They have to compete somehow

http://www.welders-direct.com/merchant2/merchant.mv

 

I always reccomend staying away from the 120V units. 240 isnt that much more and the input is so much better fed. Novice welder, HH175 by Hobart. Run 030 wire and c25 gas. The stepped volage ranges are going to save you a lot of grief over variable. Half the problems we see from small machines are from poor input power and trying to weld too thick material with them. The 175 will give you a fighting chance.

 

thinmk you've gotten enough "get a mig" answers so here the simplest things i've learned in a year or so while starting welding.

SAFETY FIRST as with any other garage work. your best freinds are your helmet,
clothes that cover full skin (a white shirt alone does not cut it arc light will tan you through that)
GLOVES, i use thinner gloves for mig and then switch to huge hunky gloves for stick, its a feel thing.


DO NOT wear sneakers while welding. if i had my camera here i would take pics of the two burnt toes and webbing on my foot from when slag shoot through my sneakers. my boots however can slow down and roll of most any slag.

do not wear shirts/jackets/overalls with open pockets, guess what you will find yourself jumping around the garage cursing and stripping off your clothes when a pocket gets a nice peice of slag in it that burns through and into your skin.

wear safety glasses under your helmet. theres plenty of room, and slag likes to pop and fly in the darndest places, you'll see it fly into your helmet outta the corner of your eye while your watching your puddle.

if you are gonna mig i would suggest leaving two handy tools with your welder and helmet. one pair of pliers, for changing tips and clipping wire. and one clean wire brush for cleaning your in use tip and one dirt brush for cleaning your weld area. remember a mig doesnt laugh at rust and most dirt like a stick will.

i think thats more than enough. nothing special that ya wont get from a welding manual, this forumn or anyone elese who welds. personally though DONT WEAR SNEAKERS. my burnt toes made me type that again.

 

THANKS! That's what I was looking for.