Okay how tough is it to get set up for welding?

Topic: Okay how tough is it to get set up for welding? (Read 2117 times) previous topic - next topic

Okay how tough is it to get set up for welding?

June 01, 2007, 05:35:43 PM

Been considering different methods for sticking patch panels to my car and what it seems to come down to is that nothing better than a weld. So I'm thinking about trying to teach myself. I'll probably only ever use it on panels, would an arc welder like the one below work for that? I don't know that much about different types of welders.

http://www.canadiantire.ca/browse/product_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1408474396672983&bmUID=1180733466360&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524443277423&assortment=primary&fromSearch=true

Okay how tough is it to get set up for welding?

Reply #1 – June 01, 2007, 06:22:24 PM

Where are these patch panels going? If they are structural then weld them. You can buy fast drying adhesive for metal patches. We use it alot at the shop I work at. Called Fusor, has an hour or so dry time and is strong as hell. Welding warps sheet metal when too hot. Crest makes a bunch of these products.

Okay how tough is it to get set up for welding?

Reply #2 – June 01, 2007, 06:36:12 PM

All the repairs I have to make are in the lower half of the quarter panels.

Okay how tough is it to get set up for welding?

Reply #3 – June 01, 2007, 09:12:39 PM

I would not use a stick welder for sheet metal. I would go with a small mig/flux core welder. Especially if you have never used a welder before.

Something like this.

Okay how tough is it to get set up for welding?

Reply #4 – June 01, 2007, 10:23:49 PM

This is the one I have. I'm happy with it, but being a gasless (flux core) welder it spatters like hell. If you're looking for pretty welds, get a gas-type welder. I have an older Lincoln MIG welder that takes gas that somebody gave me, but I've yet to look at it (or see if it even works).

Sum_Weirdo: Are you in Canada? Princess Auto likely has much better prices that CTC.

Okay how tough is it to get set up for welding?

Reply #5 – June 01, 2007, 11:00:26 PM

Well that's a thought, I forgot about Princess Auto. Thanks for the tips.

Okay how tough is it to get set up for welding?

Reply #6 – June 01, 2007, 11:08:26 PM

This is the welder I have. Actually mine is the Handler 180 I have had it for 2 years now. It works great. Though the house I am living in now doesn't have any 230VAC outlets so it stays at my dads house. I want to get a small 115VAC mig welder to use at home.

Okay how tough is it to get set up for welding?

Reply #7 – June 02, 2007, 07:13:02 AM

For $119 you can get a Harbor Freight Chicago 90 amp that works pretty good, I am an amatuer and it seems to be doing the job.

Okay how tough is it to get set up for welding?

Reply #8 – June 02, 2007, 09:52:57 AM

Get the mig and practice. That is all you need. My buddy has a mig(gas type) and I can make really nice welds with it. Way eazyier than a stick welder. Also see if you can find some of the Fencing stuff to keep the heat from spreading as much. Also if you use some of the Anti-splatted gel that helps reduce splatter alot.

Okay how tough is it to get set up for welding?

Reply #9 – June 02, 2007, 11:01:39 AM

Sum weirdo

If you use either the flux core or gas shielded migs, you need to basically spot weld around the panel. What I mean is to weld like a 1/2" at a time at one spot then move to a space on the opposite side of the panel. That'll help keep the heat down so you don't warp the area your working in. Good luck and of course........ post pics of your progress :D

John

P.S. Also, with whatever unit you decide to use, get the smallest diameter wire available for that machine. I have a Miller 175 and I have both .023 and .035 wire sizes.

Okay how tough is it to get set up for welding?

Reply #10 – June 02, 2007, 12:36:09 PM

i dont have patience (born that way) for all the guess work and so forth with welding, so when i go to WGTC im ganna finish my automotive classes i didnt get to finish at NTI and im ganna take "metal joining" but i dont plan on being amature. i really feel like welding could be a good career for me. (sorry to hyjack the thread) if i were in class instead of just "in seat" i'd let you know what i had learned already.

Okay how tough is it to get set up for welding?

Reply #11 – June 04, 2007, 03:19:31 PM

Didn't notice this thread was still going. Someone should fix the notifications email. Anyway thanks for the good tips and advice guys. When I inevitably weld my boot to the side of the car I'll take a snapshot and smile.