29
Jun
looking for an inexpesive welder for minor automotive repair. Not sure what to get?
Author: admin // Category: Maintenance & Repairs
I am doing some body repair on a 1962 impala. I would like to purchase a welder but not spend alot of money. I have done some stick welding in the past. What type of welder should I look into getting for minor automotive repair? I looked at some $300. range tig welders. Would this do what I am trying to accomplish. Minor sheet metal 1/8 to 1/4 in is what I am looking to repair.
By: Andre B
Tags: Automotive Repair, Body Repair, Impala, Money, Sheet Metal, Welder
July 1st, 2010 at 8:04 pm
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A common type in the auto body field is a wire feed 120 volt unit that uses flux core wire so it doesn’t need gasses.They can be bought for around $150. Harbor Freight has several models,look them up online.
July 3rd, 2010 at 12:57 pm
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I agree that most auto body work is done using a wire feed mig (metal inert gas) welder. Tig (tungsten inert gas) is more of a finesse welder. for your application, a 110v mig welder would be best. You can use a flux core wire that doens’t require the use of an inert gas such as argon or nitrogen as the shielding gas. This will cut down on your start up cost as you would have to lease a gas cylinder from a welding gas supply store. Flux core welders tend to operate hotter and the welds have more spatter. If most of your welds are going to be ground down and covered or not seen, this would be ok. I myself prefer the non flux core wire welder second to the tig welder. You can control the heat and arc of the tig welder more accurately than with a mig, especially the flux core.