Welder

[Mosesatm]

Does anyone know of a reasonably priced (Under $1,000) MIG welder that works well for basic automotive panel welding?

 

[Mustanglvr]

Our nieghbor has a bunch of them. I will enquire about them for you.

 

[rvrtrash]

Mine is made by Lincoln for Sears and is a 120V. that outputs 90 amp. It's wire feed, gas shielded and will do up to 3/16" on a single pass., but I fixed my trailer tongue using 2 passes and it's held up just fine. For most of the stuff on a car, it works out well. I think I paid about $250 for it 4-5 years ago on sale. I'd recommend either a Lincoln or Miller, whatever you decide to get. I've heard mixed reviews on the offshore/offbrand stuff. Hope this helps.

Steve

 

[Mosesatm]

Thanks for the reply, Steve.

 

[admin]

I'd second Steve's comment about going with a name brand.

I have a Lincoln Weld Pak 100 that I've used for 12 years or so. It does fine for my needs, however thin stuff like sheet metal can be tricky. Mine has infinite variable speed, but not infinite voltage (heat) settings. I only have 4 heat settings and sometimes feel like I really need one in between. They cost more, but if you can find one with infinite voltage I think you'll be happier welding thinner stuff.

One more thing, get one with the gas conversion option. Many in the $400+ range are flux core and then have the capability of adding gas. I used mine for 6+ years w/ just the flux core, but once I finally added the gas conversion I never went back. The welds are much cleaner and easier to work with.

 

[Mosesatm]

How about this Lincoln 140?

http://www.weldersource.com/k2471-1.html

 

[rvrtrash]

That looks just like mine only higher amperage. I didn't see my model listed anymore so I'd say go for it. Don't even bother using the flux wire though. Once you've used the gas, nothing else will do.

Steve

 

[admin]

That kit looks pretty good. The voltage is nice and high for a 110v unit, it comes with the gas kit, variable heat settings, etc.

The only time I've put my flux core wire spool back in since getting the gas hookup is when I needed to weld some heavy 1/4" stuff. The flux core penetrates better, but isn't as clean.

 

[Mosesatm]

Thanks guys!