Would the 135's such as the Lincoln work on the old truck frames or is that too thick (sorry Im not good at estimating thikness). I have a 54 F100 to be exact and I will need to do some frame work. I would like to get one unit that can handle both body and frame if possible with out getting more that I will need.

Thanks.

 

A 135 is barely enough. but enough I think if you look at the chart that is usually inside the door on these machines, you will see that it welds up to 3/16" metal. Most frames are only about 1/8" thick. I would not try to splice a complete frame rail but I would weld up a rusted out body mounting or replace a small section of frame.

JD

 

I'd like to get a welder but I'm clueless on how to weld. Any good books or videos?

Needing to do some exhaust welding and 'stuff', nothing too extreme.

 

I bought a book, "Welding Essentials Questions and Answers" by Galvery and Marlow, and it was very informative. Mostly though i just picked up some metal and practiced until i was good enough. A good welder makes all the difference when learning. I was having a little trouble with my father-in-laws welder but was able to quickly get better with my lincoln 140.

 

Those small hobby welders (135/140 amp) are good for welding 24 gauge to 3/16" MAX and that its with the right conditions and 20% duty cycle not 3/8".

Miller just came out with the Millermatic 140, it has infinite adjustments listed at $789.

Look at those 20% duty cycles on these small welders, nothing near the normal rating of 60% duty cycle.

I have a neighbor who built a cheapo low buck streetrod with his Miller 172, proud as can be as his welds were smoothed with bondo then the steering box mounting plate broke off and he saved it without crashing.
Even with this bigger (172) welder it was a cold bird crap weld that failed, he was self taught with bad habits. What can I say as he was 72 at the time.

Dragged his mess over to my driveway, cleaned up, beveled and burned in with penetration with the Miller 251.

Bottom line don't screw around with 120 volt home hobby welders, buy the best you can afford once in 230 volt than twice it's cheaper in the long run. Better to have more amps than not enough.
Big Mig machines like the 251 go down to 30 amps, just as low as small machines.

Learn to weld, take classes.
Learn to run hot without undercutting.

Go to the----Miller Welds Forum----under Ask Andy, a lot of
professional welders there to answer your questions.

I stopped at welder #10 and 11 with with different brands,
now have a Miller Synchrowave 350 Tig and a
Miller Millermatic 251 w/30A spoolmatic gun Mig.
THE POWERS OF BLUE