Generator Welder Combo
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 6,305
Likes: 18
From: Boulder Creek, Ca
Generator Welder Combo
Running 220V to the site is not an option, considering purchasing a Generator/Welder combo for preferably MIG welding.
With regards to welding I do not have a clue what would be my best alternative for primarily welding floor pans, and basically sheet metal repairs/replacement?
Suggestions and comment appreciated.
With regards to welding I do not have a clue what would be my best alternative for primarily welding floor pans, and basically sheet metal repairs/replacement?
Suggestions and comment appreciated.
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 340
Likes: 21
From: Weaverville NC
Hi Dave,
Miller Welding machines are my personal favorite. Contact your nearest welding supply store. The sales rep could steer you to the right machine. Wire welding is not my favorite process. Stick & tig are.
Good luck, Pete
Miller Welding machines are my personal favorite. Contact your nearest welding supply store. The sales rep could steer you to the right machine. Wire welding is not my favorite process. Stick & tig are.
Good luck, Pete
Thread Starter
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 6,305
Likes: 18
From: Boulder Creek, Ca
Pete, I thank U! Years ago I swapped a few of my Ford truck parts for a vintage Lincoln 155 which appears to include the MIG accessories. Appreciate the information I will contact the local Miller distributor and provide the information regarding what is required to operate the Lincoln??
Again, I thank you!!!
Again, I thank you!!!
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 1,174
Likes: 362
From: Anderson, California
Dave,
Having restored a '46 ****** and doing several body panel patches I used .030" wire in a mig machine with pretty respectable results. Do consider purchasing "easy-grind" wire.
If possible, consider .026" if possible using the argon mix shielding gas.
I have a 110v Lincoln mig using flux core wire and .035" wire for outside repairs. Has bad spatter.
Seems .035" is the smallest available for flux-core wire. Too heavy for thin material comfortably.
I bought a 225 Linde mig machine new in '84 just for the ****** restore and ran .030" wire through an .035" liner, which worked, but I should have purchased the .030" liner. I run .035" wire in the 225 machine for all round welding, as I am seldom welding body panels.
Ok, this is a Ford forum, so I will fess up then already. hahahaha
When doing a frame-off build of my '77 F-350 longbed Crew Cab in 1997, I welded up 65 holes in the body, doors, fenders and box. I did use my 225 amp mig machine. Was feeling ready for happy hour after welding up all those holes. _ _ _ _ then realized, _ _ _ the window glass was rolled down into the doors. Yep, so had to purchase new (wrecking yard) tinted glass for all 4-doors !!!!
As much planning as we can do to circumvent "boogers" it is a guarantee of happening. hahahaha
Have fun shopping
Having restored a '46 ****** and doing several body panel patches I used .030" wire in a mig machine with pretty respectable results. Do consider purchasing "easy-grind" wire.
If possible, consider .026" if possible using the argon mix shielding gas.
I have a 110v Lincoln mig using flux core wire and .035" wire for outside repairs. Has bad spatter.
Seems .035" is the smallest available for flux-core wire. Too heavy for thin material comfortably.
I bought a 225 Linde mig machine new in '84 just for the ****** restore and ran .030" wire through an .035" liner, which worked, but I should have purchased the .030" liner. I run .035" wire in the 225 machine for all round welding, as I am seldom welding body panels.
Ok, this is a Ford forum, so I will fess up then already. hahahaha
When doing a frame-off build of my '77 F-350 longbed Crew Cab in 1997, I welded up 65 holes in the body, doors, fenders and box. I did use my 225 amp mig machine. Was feeling ready for happy hour after welding up all those holes. _ _ _ _ then realized, _ _ _ the window glass was rolled down into the doors. Yep, so had to purchase new (wrecking yard) tinted glass for all 4-doors !!!!
As much planning as we can do to circumvent "boogers" it is a guarantee of happening. hahahaha
Have fun shopping
More Turbo
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 643
Likes: 210
From: Grants Pass, Oregon
I realize that a Miller or Lincoln are the referred machines, with good reason... also Esab, but as a novice myself I picked up an Eastwood Elite MP140i. The price was hard to beat and comes with a better warrantee than most at the same price. I am using the .023 wire for my floor patches and sheetmetal repair. It works very well. As a first timer buyer with some skills from many years ago it is a good machine for me. It will do stick and scratch tag as well and aluminum with a spool gun (sold separate). I have had no issues with it and an experienced (and certified) friend of mine tried it and was impressed for the $. It's worth taking a look at, IMO.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 4,474
Likes: 974
From: Tri Cities, TN
Dave
What power source do you have right now?
I came from a family of welders and even though I didn't make my living doing that I did maintain an aircraft certification for many years.
The work you are talking about doing isn't going to require a big fancy machine. If you have 120V / 20amp power, you can run one of these little Lincolns.
You don't want to use flux core wire on sheet metal repair, it will cause all sorts of misery and look like S$$$. You need to use gas shielding, buy or rent a bottle of mixed gas C25= 75% CO2, 25% Argon. The only drawback to using shielding gas is it doesn't work well outdoors if it is really windy.
Also keep in mind if you have to use a generator to run one of these machines and if it has any electronics in it, it will be very sensitive to the input cycles. If you can't maintain a constant 60 cycles it will kill your equipment.
What power source do you have right now?
I came from a family of welders and even though I didn't make my living doing that I did maintain an aircraft certification for many years.
The work you are talking about doing isn't going to require a big fancy machine. If you have 120V / 20amp power, you can run one of these little Lincolns.
You don't want to use flux core wire on sheet metal repair, it will cause all sorts of misery and look like S$$$. You need to use gas shielding, buy or rent a bottle of mixed gas C25= 75% CO2, 25% Argon. The only drawback to using shielding gas is it doesn't work well outdoors if it is really windy.
Also keep in mind if you have to use a generator to run one of these machines and if it has any electronics in it, it will be very sensitive to the input cycles. If you can't maintain a constant 60 cycles it will kill your equipment.
Last edited by Crop Duster; Dec 4, 2021 at 01:12 PM. Reason: Bad link, removed it.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 6,305
Likes: 18
From: Boulder Creek, Ca
Hoping to put the Lincoln to use and based on the electrical plug I assume it will require 220v, at this time I only have access to 120v where I will be welding.
It appears I am faced with the dilemma whether to purchase a generator that can handle the requirement of the Lincoln 155, or purchase a new portable MIG Welder. Finding the combo welder/generator is far too expensive for my needs.
The least expensive option and probly the best option would be to replace the 155, and now a matter of doing the research Lincoln vs Miller regardless of which brand it is going to be a learning experience and likely screw up a few welds.
I have Eastwood power tools purchased years ago and still going strong; however, lately I have been purchasing power tools locally finding it much easier to deal w/ supplier face to face.
.
I can not thank U'alls enough for your sources, information regarding types of material and power required to operate the equipment along with comments and suggestions.
It appears I am faced with the dilemma whether to purchase a generator that can handle the requirement of the Lincoln 155, or purchase a new portable MIG Welder. Finding the combo welder/generator is far too expensive for my needs.
The least expensive option and probly the best option would be to replace the 155, and now a matter of doing the research Lincoln vs Miller regardless of which brand it is going to be a learning experience and likely screw up a few welds.
I have Eastwood power tools purchased years ago and still going strong; however, lately I have been purchasing power tools locally finding it much easier to deal w/ supplier face to face.
.
I can not thank U'alls enough for your sources, information regarding types of material and power required to operate the equipment along with comments and suggestions.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,062
Likes: 78
From: Edmonton, Alberta
Dave: If all you ever intend to weld is sheetmetal on your resto project, a 110V welder will get the job done. Standard wire size in most body shops is 0.023", in the event you want to weld something a bit heavier, step up to 0.030". And again, for bodywork, you'd be using solid wire with shielding gas, flux core is for welding tubing, etc, NOT body panels
And if you keep your eye on Craigslist, etc, look out for a Miller Cricket(70A) or Cricket XL (90A),**With a gas kit !! These machines are getting old enough that there should be some good deals if you happen across one that was used only occasionally by a hobbyist. My first home mig (circa1989) was a Cricket, good little machine, provided you're not trying to weld heavy stuff They will weld with either solid wire, or flux core, but you have to change polarity to switch from one wire to the other. **And the rule of thumb is you need an amp for every thousandth of thickness. (and as always, there are exceptions.
James
And if you keep your eye on Craigslist, etc, look out for a Miller Cricket(70A) or Cricket XL (90A),**With a gas kit !! These machines are getting old enough that there should be some good deals if you happen across one that was used only occasionally by a hobbyist. My first home mig (circa1989) was a Cricket, good little machine, provided you're not trying to weld heavy stuff
They will weld with either solid wire, or flux core, but you have to change polarity to switch from one wire to the other. **And the rule of thumb is you need an amp for every thousandth of thickness. (and as always, there are exceptions.James
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 4,474
Likes: 974
From: Tri Cities, TN
Sorry, that link I posted was no good. I usually check that stuff, but I forgot this time. Here is a better one, I hope. Lincoln K2185-1 Handy Mig Welder Gas or No Gas 115V 88 Amp Welds to 1/8" Steel | eBay
I have an old SP-100 that I got in a trade 30 years ago. It may be a little more powerful than the 2185 but it's basically the same machine. Bullet proof little critter.
I have an old SP-100 that I got in a trade 30 years ago. It may be a little more powerful than the 2185 but it's basically the same machine. Bullet proof little critter.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 6,305
Likes: 18
From: Boulder Creek, Ca
James, I thank you for the comments and suggestions!!
Ran a search and found Lincoln equipment distributors in my area are thru a 3rd party, not an issue as long as the local distributor provides service repair and or returns.
The closest welding supplier in my area is Miller where I recently purchased replacement nozzles and some welding rod spools for the 155 which I do not think will be a problem since it appears majority of the items purchase should fit most MIG welding unit applications.
Crop Duster, the link works for me I thank you, bookmarked for future references.
Been checking local and Ebay sources, considering the cost for a new replacement likely go that route and most importantly with research and inquire determine if local supplier would be a viable option.
I be thankin U's all again, stoked with all the great information and suggestions, hope to purchase replacement w/in the next couple weeks???
Ran a search and found Lincoln equipment distributors in my area are thru a 3rd party, not an issue as long as the local distributor provides service repair and or returns.
The closest welding supplier in my area is Miller where I recently purchased replacement nozzles and some welding rod spools for the 155 which I do not think will be a problem since it appears majority of the items purchase should fit most MIG welding unit applications.
Crop Duster, the link works for me I thank you, bookmarked for future references.
Been checking local and Ebay sources, considering the cost for a new replacement likely go that route and most importantly with research and inquire determine if local supplier would be a viable option.
I be thankin U's all again, stoked with all the great information and suggestions, hope to purchase replacement w/in the next couple weeks???
Thread Starter
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 6,305
Likes: 18
From: Boulder Creek, Ca
Imagine it will take couple days of experimenting to the point I am able to lay a decent weld, Checked a few rental sources and the cost of renting the welder runs around $60/day but does not include the tank.
I be thinkinr. since there a several mobile welder businesses in my area explain what I am trying to do and whether they would make a home visit, check out the 155, provide basic instructions on how to operate it, and any other information he/she can provide based on their experience.
Mentioned I prefer purchasing locally but find local Airgas and Miller suppliers send the equipment out to their service centers.
Tomorrow, Monday I will be making some phone calls.
Thank you for the input!!
I be thinkinr. since there a several mobile welder businesses in my area explain what I am trying to do and whether they would make a home visit, check out the 155, provide basic instructions on how to operate it, and any other information he/she can provide based on their experience.
Mentioned I prefer purchasing locally but find local Airgas and Miller suppliers send the equipment out to their service centers.
Tomorrow, Monday I will be making some phone calls.
Thank you for the input!!
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 458
Likes: 8
From: Utah
I bought an eastwood from a reccomendation from one of my welder friends. It can do 110 as well as 220 if I need to weld thicker material. You might look into one of those combos if you think you might use it a lot. Im sure lincoln, cobart and miller would hvae a similar model. If you are not planning on using it for thicker metals 110 should be great for body panels on our trucks.
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