#!! I am finally going to learn to Weld.. need recommendation for a used Welder.. - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

whunter · #31 12-08-2005, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leathermang

What is this deal with automatic feeding of wire...what are you guys doing with your LEFT hands during this time ? WAIT !!! Don't tell me I DON'T WANT TO KNOW !!! LOLOL

A welding hammer, body hammer and/or dolly are in the left hand most times.

There are times when the left hand works the water between spot welds.

I prefer a plasma cutter for heavy metal slicing.

leathermang · #32 12-08-2005, 05:09 PM

All good points, WHunter, but Richard was talking about just getting into welding.. so I would suggest a torch first, mig or stick second... and plasma when he has some big extra cash and his wife is not looking....... LOL

240Demon · #33 12-11-2005, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leathermang

All good points, WHunter, but Richard was talking about just getting into welding.. so I would suggest a torch first, mig or stick second... and plasma when he has some big extra cash and his wife is not looking....... LOL

I will agree with you regarding the use of OA welding to start out, as it is a fine way to learn the properties of metal...however...it isn't really feasable to torch weld most things, as it is like TIG welding, takes forever and looks really nice...so for someone on a budget, as most of us are, I would recommend a MIG...just like everyone else has said...

Monomer · #34 02-20-2006, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boneheaddoctor

in a nutshell certain things work better welded DC vs AC and in a certain polarity while other are better in the other.....

Alluminum is better welded by DC for example...however I am sure you will get a far better explaination than that

first off: bump

You (usually) get 3 settings with a stick welder. DC+, DC-, and AC High Frequency. My shop instructor always said ACHF was the proper setting for alumn, although I've never welded alumn.

-------------------------
Gas welding takes a bit of practice to get a good bead, Mig took me an entire day to learn - its far easier. We got a nice used (bought at an auction) Millermatic MIG, for around $500 (hell, it even came with a 25lb. spool of wire)

Nate · #35 02-21-2006, 12:03 PM

whats a good 220 welder for around 400?

Weldings awesome
~Nate

kmaysob · #36 02-25-2006, 12:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nate

whats a good 220 welder for around 400?

Weldings awesome
~Nate

mig or stick?

alabbasi · #37 05-09-2006, 09:15 AM

Practical Classics is a fantastic magazine. I grew up reading articles from that all the way in 1989 and still subscribe to it even though it's pretty expensive in the US.

I think reading that Mag was one of the reasons why I wasn't put off with all the rust in my 6.9. I figured if someone could spend thousands of dollars resurrecting an Austin Allegro from a pile of rust and turn it into a gleaming $500 dollar car. I could bring back the 6.9.

Body guys are actually pretty cheap in the UK, we just have a lot more rust there too so the work becomes more challanging.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SD Blue

Have you heard of a magazine from the UK called "Practical Classics"? It's available at both Borders and Barnes and Noble booksellers, and probably many more. It is focused on the Do-it-Yourselfer and has great write ups about selecting tools, equipment, etc... The latest issue had an article on MIG welders that was very informative for someone looking at trying welding for the first time, myself included.

Hmmm, wonder why the U.S. can't put out magazines like this.

alabbasi · #38 05-09-2006, 09:23 AM

Actually I had a Muffler guy in Dallas (MAKS MUFFLER on Harry Hines BLVD) who used gas for his muffler work. He's an old boy who had the cleanest shop that I have ever seen.

I could watch him weld all day. Really impressive work and great value if anyone needs exhaust work in the area.

Quote:

Originally Posted by leathermang

I love being able to come in after this many posts and suggest something completely different.

I suggest you get an oxy-acet outfit... buy the tanks and get a medium range cutting and welding outfit in a kit form.. much cheaper when just starting out.. or when replacing tanks and welding outfit which someone stole from you.. don't ask...
Anyway, it took me about $650 to replace everything... tanks, guages, welding tips and cutting torch.

No one that I know would try using any of the above mentioned welders on an exhaust pipe in a car.

deerefanatic · #39 05-17-2006, 11:03 AM

I was looking at a Hobart Handler 140 MIG on Northern Tool & Equipment. My dad thought that it'd do a nicer job for body repairs than a torch. We have an (acient!) marquette AC arc welder as well as a nice craftsman torch (tanks need filling!) already.

You think I ought to try doing body work with the torch for now? I'd love to get right to work on my car, but I don't have the money for a MIG right now, won't for months.........

How does the quality of torch welds turn out? My dad's a really good stick welder, but isn't used to torch welding, just cutting....I on the other hand, have no welding skills. Plus, I might add, my dad is also no good a thin metal welding, heavy stuff is his thing....(He's a farmer.

Nuff said!

)

What think?

Carrameow · #40 05-17-2006, 11:19 AM

I waited until i was 46 to get my welder...but I'm glad I have it because now i dont have to pay others to do it. I dont know much about stick or torch welding, but its great your Dad knows and he can help you out, and welding is welding in any shape or form, as long as the meatl sticks together. after stick welding, arc welding should be a breeze for you........as long as you know stick and arc, it would only benefit you. I have a Mig now, but i wish i could learn stick and torch....

alabbasi · #41 05-17-2006, 11:20 AM

I did torch welding when I was a kid at school. It needs serious skills (that I never had). I am going to limit all my welding to areas that are not visible (like panel work).

With all welding, when your welding panels you need to be super careful so as not to warp the panels. I have seen experienced body guys warp a wheel arch repair. I am thinking of using glue to repair my panel work so that I can avoid this.

deerefanatic · #42 05-17-2006, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carrameow

I waited until i was 46 to get my welder...but I'm glad I have it because now i dont have to pay others to do it. I dont know much about stick or torch welding, but its great your Dad knows and he can help you out, and welding is welding in any shape or form, as long as the meatl sticks together. after stick welding, arc welding should be a breeze for you........as long as you know stick and arc, it would only benefit you. I have a Mig now, but i wish i could learn stick and torch....

I have NO welding experience. My dad is the stick welder.........

phidauex · #43 05-17-2006, 02:18 PM

MIG is the way to fly for a first welder. Its a bit more expensive, but man, its easy, and predictable. Plus, it doesn't heat the metal up as much so its good for thin stuff. You just set the feed rate and current up according to the suggested settings for your material, then point, and shoot.

On my first day learning to MIG weld, I made this:

I haven't yet taken the MIG to my dear 300TD, but I'm going to have to, pretty soon...

peace,
sam

deerefanatic · #44 05-18-2006, 08:13 AM

I see your point. I have an OLLLLDDDD book by the Linde Oxygen Company all about Oxy-Acet welding. Their first exercise is moving a weld puddle around on a piece of sheet metal WITH NO WELDING ROD!

Then, they show you how to join two sheets using very little rod at all! Amazing! BUT, it does heat up the area pretty bad.........

Saving pennys....BUT.... My business needs faster internet (Sat Dish) and the pro-level set-up will run me about $1800 with me installing it! (I'm a trained Satellite internet installer) so I'm going to be short of cash for a welder for a while!

But, thankfully my business is at my home, so I get to enjoy that Sat internet personally too!