Welder Advice
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Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2007
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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
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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
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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.
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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? .
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