Welder Advice
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
Welder Advice
Hey,
Was hoping for some advice.
I've been looking to buy a welder, never owned one, actually never used one. I've been coming up with a list to justify purchase to my wife. I need to put new floor pans in my 79 F150, but she doesn't want to hear about truck projects (a bit of a sore subject). Anyway I have other reasons for it as well.
Problem is I don't know what I need. "MY" main focus for one is working on the truck, so what's a good inexpensive recommendation?
Also, I came across a Napa 83-312 ARC welder on Craigslist for $50. Will that do the job?
Thanks.
Was hoping for some advice.
I've been looking to buy a welder, never owned one, actually never used one. I've been coming up with a list to justify purchase to my wife. I need to put new floor pans in my 79 F150, but she doesn't want to hear about truck projects (a bit of a sore subject). Anyway I have other reasons for it as well.
Problem is I don't know what I need. "MY" main focus for one is working on the truck, so what's a good inexpensive recommendation?
Also, I came across a Napa 83-312 ARC welder on Craigslist for $50. Will that do the job?
Thanks.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 525
Likes: 1
A ark welder is going to burn right through 18/16 gauge sheet metal. Not to say you cant do it but if you have never welded before you are going to make yourself a mess. Get yourself a wire feed and some scrap, Old fender, hood and play around with it. Mark A, Just curious why do say "You don't want to use flux core wire doing body work" ? I have many times before and a Miller with gas and never had a problem but splatter with the flux over the Miller with gas Have you thought about gluing them in? .
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 10,101
Likes: 40
From: Pa
For best results on sheetmetal you will want a MIG welder with .023"-.025" wire and uses a shielding gas.(Like 75/25) I would go with a Miller, Hobart or Lincoln welder myself. Something in the 140-180 amp range will work well for sheetmetal.
New User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
I use a Lincoln Power Mig 215 and I love it. Works good for sheet metal but awesome on heavier stuff. Used it for bumpers and Roll cage and leaves a really pretty weld (and I'm no pro!)
It's a little more expensive, but at least you wont grow out of it and will tackle pretty well anything. Plus you can add an aluminum spool gun for like $200
Got mine used for $900 with tank and some extras. And I'm in Canada, seen them alot cheaper in the states
It's a little more expensive, but at least you wont grow out of it and will tackle pretty well anything. Plus you can add an aluminum spool gun for like $200
Got mine used for $900 with tank and some extras. And I'm in Canada, seen them alot cheaper in the states
New User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
I use a Lincoln Power Mig 215 and I love it. Works good for sheet metal but awesome on heavier stuff. Used it for bumpers and Roll cage and leaves a really pretty weld (and I'm no pro!)
It's a little more expensive, but at least you wont grow out of it and will tackle pretty well anything. Plus you can add an aluminum spool gun for like $200
Got mine used for $800 with tank and some extras.
It's a little more expensive, but at least you wont grow out of it and will tackle pretty well anything. Plus you can add an aluminum spool gun for like $200
Got mine used for $800 with tank and some extras.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,922
Likes: 152
A ark welder is going to burn right through 18/16 gauge sheet metal. Not to say you cant do it but if you have never welded before you are going to make yourself a mess. Get yourself a wire feed and some scrap, Old fender, hood and play around with it. Mark A, Just curious why do say "You don't want to use flux core wire doing body work" ? I have many times before and a Miller with gas and never had a problem but splatter with the flux over the Miller with gas Have you thought about gluing them in? .
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
humphrey169
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
553
Apr 16, 2026 02:02 PM
blk450er
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
11
Feb 29, 2016 03:33 PM
Justin16
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
30
Jan 24, 2012 08:22 AM
