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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: milford,ct
Posts: 95
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welding advice needed!!!
Gents,
I figure why not go all out on my '67 stepside... [I've decided that i'm going to learn how to weld. ![]() Thanks, Chris |
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#2 |
I am a Referee of life.
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Greensboro N.C.
Posts: 13,993
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Re: welding advice needed!!!
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.
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The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil" Last edited by PanelDeland; 06-03-2009 at 08:53 PM. |
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Pittsburgh
Posts: 1,694
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Re: welding advice needed!!!
There is a sticky for this question http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=146163
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Nate 1967 short fleet Project Blue Goose 'If it don't bounce back... heeheehee you go hungry!" Blues Brothers |
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#4 |
ENGINE BUILDER
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Shortsville n.y.
Posts: 344
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Re: welding advice needed!!!
Buy yourself a NICE MIG welder and PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!!!!
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JIM ZAG |
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#5 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Naples FL
Posts: 77
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Re: welding advice needed!!!
Quote:
AMEN to that brutha ![]()
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Horsepower sells cars Torque wins races |
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#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: milford,ct
Posts: 95
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Re: welding advice needed!!!
cool. read through that entire sticky on welding... looks like i'll go with a mig... possibly a lincoln... not sure yet... thanks guys.
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#7 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Alexandria, MN
Posts: 1,462
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Re: welding advice needed!!!
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
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63 C20 2WD, 230/SM420/4.11 73K 68 C30 dump truck, 327,SM425,4.56 66K original 68 C10 2WD SWB Stepper, 250/3-tree/3.73 66K.... Wifes 68 Buick Skylark Custom Conv., 350/TH400/2.56 In our family since '79 69 GMC 1500 SWB 2WD, 350/TH350/3.73 posi... 70 K10 SWB 4X4 4-sp,ps, pb, tilt, buckets, console, sliding back window (Need AC parts) WIP 72 Chevy K20 4x4 350/350/205/4.56 donor 72 Vette 350/M21/3.70 posi, triple black and super fast 84 Olds Cutlass Brougham 350/2004r/4.11 was Dad's |
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#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: milford,ct
Posts: 95
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Re: welding advice needed!!!
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 |
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#9 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: daytonabeach
Posts: 22,956
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Re: welding advice needed!!!
adult education courses/
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71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY |
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#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: milford,ct
Posts: 95
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Re: welding advice needed!!!
yup. just called a place local to me in CT. they are booked solid for weekend courses through september.
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#11 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Kansas city, mo
Posts: 134
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Re: welding advice needed!!!
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 |
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#12 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Kansas city, mo
Posts: 134
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Re: welding advice needed!!!
http://www.allmetalshaping.com/showthread.php?t=253
Just incase you may be interested. Torch welding sheet metal discussion. BH |
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#13 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: SAN FERNANDO VALLE SOL CAL
Posts: 1,064
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Re: welding advice needed!!!
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....
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#14 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Valley Center KS
Posts: 3,525
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Re: welding advice needed!!!
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) |
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#15 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: milford,ct
Posts: 95
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Re: welding advice needed!!!
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?
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#16 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 1,374
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Re: welding advice needed!!!
Is the Hobart 140 not a good choice?
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1972 C10 LWB, 350/350 Deconstruction began 5/2009, mostly completed restoration, 5/2017 |
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#17 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Rochester, NY
Posts: 1,458
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Re: welding advice needed!!!
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.
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1970 Blazer 350/SM465/205 SOLD! | 1998 Z3 |
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#18 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Naples FL
Posts: 77
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Re: welding advice needed!!!
Quote:
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.
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Horsepower sells cars Torque wins races Last edited by deweychop; 06-05-2009 at 11:17 AM. Reason: fingers type TOO FAST |
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#19 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: daytonabeach
Posts: 22,956
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Re: welding advice needed!!!
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
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71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY |
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#20 |
Certified Car Nut
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Inglewood, California
Posts: 3,118
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Re: welding advice needed!!!
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.
Last edited by Kabwe; 06-05-2009 at 02:40 PM. |
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#21 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Kansas city, mo
Posts: 134
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Re: welding advice needed!!!
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 |
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#22 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: texas
Posts: 84
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Re: welding advice needed!!!
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..
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#23 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Northwest,Indiana
Posts: 128
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Re: welding advice needed!!!
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.
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67' Chevy C10 Lwb small rear window 71' Gmc 1500 custom 4x4 72' Gmc Grande Sierra |
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#24 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Pasadena,Tx /Pto Pta DR
Posts: 5,415
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Re: welding advice needed!!!
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 ![]() |
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#25 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2007
Location: LOUISIANA
Posts: 811
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Re: welding advice needed!!!
I just bought a Hobart Handler 210 a month ago. It's the biggest portable machine available, so far so good!
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James '68 Stepside (ground up in progress) My 68 build thread http://louisianaclassictruckclub.fre...side-t956.html '81 SWB "Pap paw" (Driver) The 81 build thread http://louisianaclassictruckclub.fre...-swb-t960.html Member of www.louisianaclassictruckclub.com https://www.facebook.com/groups/296290610747732/ |
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