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Help Me Buy A Welder

  • Thread starter Thread starter jcgafford
  • Start date Start date Aug 23, 2015

jcgafford

10 Year Member
Jan 7, 2012
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104
Adrian, MI
Aug 23, 2015
#1
  • Aug 23, 2015
  • #1
Need to patch a couple spots of sheet metal in my foxbody. I have stick welded quite a bit and have used a couple wire welders in the past but currently do not own a welder. Looking for advice on what i need to get by welding sheet metal in just a few spots. Can i get away with a 100 v flux core wire setup or do i need gas? Advice please.
 
S

Stang D

Member
Jan 23, 2006
122
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Quad Cities, Iowa
Aug 23, 2015
#2
  • Aug 23, 2015
  • #2
If you can swing the cost, you will be happier in the long run if you buy a real MIG welder that uses shielding gas.
 

jcgafford

10 Year Member
Jan 7, 2012
1,114
95
104
Adrian, MI
Aug 23, 2015
#3
  • Aug 23, 2015
  • #3
I realize that. Literally have not needed a welder ever till this problem popped up. It will gather dust after the sheet metal repairs.
 
S

Stang D

Member
Jan 23, 2006
122
6
18
Quad Cities, Iowa
Aug 23, 2015
#4
  • Aug 23, 2015
  • #4
Then buy the cheapest welder you can find. If you make a mess you can fix it. I use my MIG in spurts, but get my moneys worth out of it.
 

Gearbanger 101

Straight Outta Locash
20+ Year Stangneter
Aug 10, 2002
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Ontario, Canada
Aug 23, 2015
#5
  • Aug 23, 2015
  • #5
Bought this baby a couple of months back. Welds with gas, or flux core. Awesome welder for anything from light body work, up to moderate heavy steel.

MIG-Pak® 140 Welder
 

jcgafford

10 Year Member
Jan 7, 2012
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Adrian, MI
Aug 23, 2015
#6
  • Aug 23, 2015
  • #6
Gearbanger 101 said:
Bought this baby a couple of months back. Welds with gas, or flux core. Awesome welder for anything from light body work, up to moderate heavy steel.

MIG-Pak® 140 Welder
Click to expand...
Have you used it with the unshielded flux core on body panels?
 

Gearbanger 101

Straight Outta Locash
20+ Year Stangneter
Aug 10, 2002
9,457
1,377
234
Ontario, Canada
Aug 23, 2015
#7
  • Aug 23, 2015
  • #7
jcgafford said:
Have you used it with the unshielded flux core on body panels?
Click to expand...

I have used both gas and flux core....both work equally well. Its a matter of preference IMO. I used to like welding with nothing but gas in the past, but I ran out one time and had to start using the flux core wire. Now I'm better with it, than I was with the gas.

You'll have to set the temp and wise speed up as per recommendation to start, then adjust as necessary. Also, don't forget to reverse the polarity on the welder when switching from gas to flux core. Very important.

I usually use .030-.035 for most stuff.....although I'm sure a .025 wire with a little less heat would be better for body work. I usually just make sure to space out my welds properly and don't get the area too hot. Lincoln Electric Innershield NR-211 Flux-Cored Welding Wire — 1-Lb. Spool, 0.030in. Dia., Model# ED031448 | Welding Sticks Wire| Northern Tool + Equipment
 

jcgafford

10 Year Member
Jan 7, 2012
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Adrian, MI
Aug 24, 2015
#8
  • Aug 24, 2015
  • #8
Good to know. Gonna pick up a flux wire welder this week
 
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