I have an old Volvo 245 that I need to get back on road. (They are starting to gain value!)At some point I need the rockers and front floor pans replaced and ALSO the bottom edge of windshield. A retired friend who has limited welding experience (but has done it) has offered to do it (I'm surprised!)if I come up with a MIG welder. I also know a guy who has done welding on car sheet metal - he works when motivated by hunger or boredom or interest - otherwise no go. Now, should either person come through, I may need to buy a welder good enough to do the job but cheap enough to afford.I think Harbor Freight but any thoughts as to specific models? Thanks!
MIG Welder?
- Thread starter bmwjohn
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I have done a lot of work with the cheap MIG welders and although the low duty cycle (20%) can get frustrating at times, they have worked well for the type of work you have in mind.
But, in my experience, Don't get a Flux welder, go the extra mile and get a real MIG with Gas.
But, in my experience, Don't get a Flux welder, go the extra mile and get a real MIG with Gas.
Look for a used Lincoln or Miller on CL. Gas of course. And be aware the name brands like Lincoln at the HD, etc are a lower grade than the ones you get at a welding supply house.
Originally Posted By: eljefino
"They" say the HF welders are okay-ish, if you can handle them jamming up, etc. But get real wire from a welding store, not from HF! And of course, gas.
I have used several 10# rolls of HF wire and find no problems with it. The first roll was given to me as I was using Lincoln(foriegn made) before that. Most all wire these days come from Asia or other out of country locations. I use only Miller welders(tig, stick, mig)but for your job where a 20% duty cycle will work. I would go for it. Buying the mix gas(40# culinder) with solid core wire( .023) will give you the best weld.
"They" say the HF welders are okay-ish, if you can handle them jamming up, etc. But get real wire from a welding store, not from HF! And of course, gas.
I have used several 10# rolls of HF wire and find no problems with it. The first roll was given to me as I was using Lincoln(foriegn made) before that. Most all wire these days come from Asia or other out of country locations. I use only Miller welders(tig, stick, mig)but for your job where a 20% duty cycle will work. I would go for it. Buying the mix gas(40# culinder) with solid core wire( .023) will give you the best weld.
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+1 I weld mostly sheet metal doing body work and rust repair 0.23 with mix gas works great, work slow and keep the heat to a minimum to prevent distortion.
A panel flanger really helps get a nice clean fit, if you do it right you wont need much filler at all.
A panel flanger really helps get a nice clean fit, if you do it right you wont need much filler at all.
Once you start to add up the price for everything, it would probably be cheaper to have it done.
With that said, Century makes a decent US made welder. A low duty cycle isn't that big of a deal especially for somebody who is just getting started.
With that said, Century makes a decent US made welder. A low duty cycle isn't that big of a deal especially for somebody who is just getting started.
+ 1 on the Century. I have used HF welders in the past and to say they are a 20% duty cycle is a stretch. I have a 20% duty cycle lincoln 115V that will weld double or triple the time a HF welder will with out cycling off to cool down.
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