Getting Started - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

cerebus · 05-12-2009, 11:28 AM

I read a few build threads and they were amazing, so I think I'm going to bite the bullet and attempt some minor sheet metal work myself. I took a welding class in school so I have some basic concepts. So....

- What equipment am I looking at for start up costs?
- What kind of welder should I get? Mig / Tig and why?
- What kind of sheet metal do you buy and where from?
- Any other tips or tricks?

-I will probably use a cut off wheel for most of the removal

Skirkpat · 05-12-2009, 11:50 AM

Tig is the best, it also is the hardest, and most expensive, if you want to do it perfect, start with the best....

That said, almost all do-it yourselfers, including me will use a Mig. Get a gas shielding set-up, not the flux core...you can get by with a small machine, but it limits what you can work on in the future. I have a Millermatic 210, it is much larger than what I need, but I never will run short on power.

You will need at least a 4 1/2 angle grinder, a good air comressor, and a D/A sander. clamps, the list goes on. you will have 1500 on up in decent equipment.

cerebus · 05-12-2009, 01:25 PM

Where do you guys get your sheet metal and what gauge / thickness?

Sinister · 05-12-2009, 01:32 PM

Not to sound like a smart a$$, I get my sheet metal at a metal place. look in the Yellow Pages or Google for your location. I use 18 or 20 gauge.

05-12-2009, 11:28 AM	#1
cerebus Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Saskatoon Posts: 100	Getting Started I read a few build threads and they were amazing, so I think I'm going to bite the bullet and attempt some minor sheet metal work myself. I took a welding class in school so I have some basic concepts. So.... - What equipment am I looking at for start up costs? - What kind of welder should I get? Mig / Tig and why? - What kind of sheet metal do you buy and where from? - Any other tips or tricks? -I will probably use a cut off wheel for most of the removal __________________ -- Tall, Dark and Handsome... Or so my mother says -- There is no fate, but the fate we make.

05-12-2009, 11:50 AM	#2
Skirkpat Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: K.C. Missouri Posts: 1,024	Re: Getting Started Tig is the best, it also is the hardest, and most expensive, if you want to do it perfect, start with the best.... That said, almost all do-it yourselfers, including me will use a Mig. Get a gas shielding set-up, not the flux core...you can get by with a small machine, but it limits what you can work on in the future. I have a Millermatic 210, it is much larger than what I need, but I never will run short on power. You will need at least a 4 1/2 angle grinder, a good air comressor, and a D/A sander. clamps, the list goes on. you will have 1500 on up in decent equipment.

05-12-2009, 01:25 PM	#3
cerebus Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Saskatoon Posts: 100	Re: Getting Started Where do you guys get your sheet metal and what gauge / thickness? __________________ -- Tall, Dark and Handsome... Or so my mother says -- There is no fate, but the fate we make.

05-12-2009, 01:32 PM	#4
Sinister Between Trucks... Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA. Posts: 3,830	Re: Getting Started Not to sound like a smart a$$, I get my sheet metal at a metal place. look in the Yellow Pages or Google for your location. I use 18 or 20 gauge. __________________ Beat it to fit, Paint it to match... Last edited by Sinister; 05-12-2009 at 01:34 PM.



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