welding advice needed!!!

[wahlie]

Gents,
I figure why not go all out on my '67 stepside... [I've decided that i'm going to learn how to weld. I'm one that likes to push myself and learn new things. My question is what types of welders are you guys using. Migs/Tigs/???? I'm doing all of my research and plan on taking a class at abco(a local joint that sells welders) I don't plan on going too crazy but for replacing rocker panels and other things...

Thanks,
Chris

[PanelDeland]

For the hobbyist a MIG is probably the way to go for bodywork.TIG is definitely the most challenging and makes very clean welds but costs much more to set up.Do a search on Miller and maybe Lincoln welders and see if the info they give helps you determine what's best for you and what you want to do.

[nds1968]

There is a sticky for this question http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=146163

[jim zag]

Buy yourself a NICE MIG welder and PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!!!!

[deweychop]

Originally Posted by jim zag

Buy yourself a NICE MIG welder and PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!!!!

AMEN to that brutha

[wahlie]

cool. read through that entire sticky on welding... looks like i'll go with a mig... possibly a lincoln... not sure yet... thanks guys.

[tkeduk8r]

MIG is definetly going to be the way to go, I am an industrial tech teacher and have worked professionally as a welder in industry for three years..... Make sure the welder can use both .023" wire and .035" wire.... I also spend a little extra cash and pick up a Miller, Lincoln, or ESAB unit with at least 140 amps. I have been forced to use some of the cheaper units at school and they have not held up very well. It becomes difficult to learn to weld when your welder makes things that much more difficult. I would also stay away from a gas-less welding system and opt for a small tank of CO2 (cheaper) or a 75%Argon 25%CO2 mixture (preferred). Any welding jobber worth their salt can be of assistance with that. Both Miller and Lincoln have some great online resources for the beginner and I recommend looking at them wholeheartedly. If you have a list of part numbers I would be happy to take a peek at them and make any recommendations. I would not be out to waste your money. Good luck and Ill hep out any way I can...
--Mike

[wahlie]

Mike,
thanks for the tips. I'm scouring through all sorts of resources online... That's why I'd rather get 1st hand advice from guys that are doing it.... I'm going to look at a few lincoln's and see what I come up with.

-Chris

[cdowns]

adult education courses/

[wahlie]

yup. just called a place local to me in CT. they are booked solid for weekend courses through september.

[heidesign]

I use a tig, or oxy fuel with 00-#2 tip. The welds are softer,and can be dollied without cracking.

Works well.

If your just wanting to mig.

.023 wire is perfect for mig sheetmetal , .035-.045 for frames and structural.

BH

[heidesign]

http://www.allmetalshaping.com/showthread.php?t=253

Just incase you may be interested.

Torch welding sheet metal discussion.

BH

[1971 GMC SHORTY]

Get a Miller I have a Miller 140, and a Lincon 185 and a Lincon Ranger in my Work Truck. like the Miller better started welding at 12 years old. Got a free Snap On Auto darking helmet real lite....

[Ackattack]

I have a miller 180 mig and it works great.

Also, for body work they make an "easy grind" wire. (don't use it for structural stuff)

[wahlie]

ok here's a question.... if I buy from lowe's or home depot vs. a welding joint.... i know that the welding place is commercial grade where lowe's isn't. Is there a big difference for someone like me that won't be using this thing everyday?

[dfwright]

Is the Hobart 140 not a good choice?

[JimmyFloyd]

I was looking at the Hobart 140 before I found my Miller 135. Looked to be a decent machine and of good quality from the people I talked to. I went with the miller for the name and extra (was used vs new of the 140) and because I have a friend who has one and showed me the basics on it. That being said, I've only ever welded 2 pieces of metal for practice as I just got this one a week or so ago.

[deweychop]

Originally Posted by wahlie

ok here's a question.... if I buy from lowe's or home depot vs. a welding joint.... i know that the welding place is commercial grade where lowe's isn't. Is there a big difference for someone like me that won't be using this thing everyday?

Support.

If your buying from a welding outfitter, they will usually answer all the questions you may have, give you tips, and get you started in the right direction. They probably won't like supporting someone elses machine.

Support from Lowes or Home Depot is great if you're putting up a deck, fixing your toilet, or adding a nice herb garden. J/K
They MIGHT be able to answer the most general of questions depending on who they are, and what they have done in the past when it comes to welders and welding.

[cdowns]

i completely agree with above/ plus they maybe can hook you up with tech classes and seminars from the manufacture as well as other classes you may not know about and they're a good source of knowledge for local supplies of materials// many times they have deals available on trade ins and factory reconditioned machines// they normallyy have racks full off cool gizmo accessory stuff too

another thing for schools you might want to check with some local racetracks if they know of summer welding classes// thompson speedway stafford springs waterford theres lots of fab shops building cars for these tracks//the welders have to come from somewhere

[Kabwe]

I have a Hobart 180 and I love it. The Hobart welders are owned by Millers, they even come with a Miller gun. The Hobart is a nice machine, but Miller is the top dog. The only other welder I would want over my Hobart would be a Millers, just to say I have one.lol Because my Hobart does everything I need it to do.

[heidesign]

I too would go to a welding supply store, or two, or three. Ask to talk to the tech, that repairs them. Ask them of all the units in the under 160volt range that are least in the shop for repairs.

Then what are his top choice for the $$$.

Thats what I would do, if I di not know any better.

Plus, you'll know who your talking to if you ever do need a repair.

Be honest and let them know your a part timer, and don't need a 60-100% duty cycle machine.

Bill

[mark 68]

bought my lincon from home depot . It was one of those package deals. The best price i could find. But a welding equipment dealer will be more useful with his knowledge of the equipment.. Be sure to be honest with yourself on how much are you going to use it and what type of work you will seriously use it for. No need in buying a high price tig if you are going to fill in holes and do some mild fab work..

[chevroletrucks]

I bought my lincoln 125hd at Home Depot as well, great welder. I use gas and did wire a dedicated 20 amp circuit just for the welder and I do notice a big difference. We have the same welder at work and I dont think it cracks as nice as mine does on a dedicated circuit. As far as using it everyday, we use ours at work everyday from exhaust to sheetmetal to fabricating. Its never let us down yet, No its not a $5,000.00 welder its a $400.00 welder but it'll throw down a row of coins as nice as a more expensive model.

[mbgmike]

You can't go wrong buying a Miller for your first welder. If you buy it at a Home improvement store or a welding supply the same model is the same model. The welding stores will help you even if you don't purchase it their. We do. Sometimes they will sell the exact same welder for the same price on sale. Sometimes they have great deals on better welders. Most welding shops don't really care where you bought it.

Not Related to Subject: You hear people say OLD SCHOOL or NEW SCHOOL?

The New school welders have it easier today. Only when doing pipeline welding when they say "We are old schooling this Project" Then the New School or Old school guys better not have a failed weld. If they do they are fired and will never be hired back. It means a 100% passed job. Today they will allow the new school pipeliners One failed weld. Life was tougher back then for welders. Usually

[fishingjred73]

I just bought a Hobart Handler 210 a month ago. It's the biggest portable machine available, so far so good!