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welding

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v8mgbal

v8mgbal

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hello all, I know you guys can help me, what is the best and simpliest to use welding equipement and also not so expensive to use on our lbc, thanks in advance.
 
v8mgbal said:
hello all, I know you guys can help me, what is the best and simpliest to use welding equipement and also not so expensive to use on our lbc, thanks in advance.
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Flux core wire welder from harbor freight tools. Price is right. Not as pretty a weld as the gas welder, but it makes strong welds and you can always grind it down and pretty it up. Practice on some junk metal first about the same thickness as what you are going to weld.
 
Hi,

I'd suggest a couple of things...

- MIG is quite versatile, and not expensive. Used machines can frequently be found in good condition.

- Unlike Kim... I would suggest that, if at all possible, you stay away from flux core, and spend the extra $ on a system with a separate inert gas bottle. It's much easier, cleaner and a flatter learning curve.

- Spend the money on a self-darkening helmet. It's not only handy and useful, it will actually make a big difference in your weld quality, since you can see what's going on and use both your hands.

You should be able to get all of the above, including a good used machine, for about $500, and you'd be able to sell it on for what you paid, if you wanted.

Have a look at the VW thread in my sig, for my welding project... :smile:
 
thanks for the info guys, i knew i could get good advice here, and i live close to the harbor freight store, man i love that place, they should have one of those stores at every mall then we would have somthing to do while we wait for the wife.
 
yes the darking helmet is a good idea I changed to one. and went from being a bad welder to a medium quality one instaintly.
cheery
steve
 
yes, the gas will make a much cleaner weld. If I had the money I would buy a nice tig unit, can make beautiful welds with that. Plus with a good one you can do stainless and aluminum too. I love the one at my work, but $$$
 
hello duncan, just went through you vw link and WOW that was a big project, looks like you gave that welder a good workout, and it looks really good.
 
Thanks! It's on hold while it's driving season in the MG... But I'll get back to it this fall! :smile:

Shows you you can make do with a little 110v 60A MIG... :wink:
 
Gas bottle with tax and rental on the bottle came to $140.00 Not cheap but difference in quality of welds is amazing. I found a used C-H Welder for $150 in almost unused shape. Works fine for what I need to do. Auto Darkending Helmet on sale at H-F every other month for $49.95, watch for it.
 
Yup, that sort of thing is what I'd suggest. Try to stick with the big brands, or a rebranded machine made by the big boys. (Mine is re-labeled by a smaller company, but is a Miller MigMatic.) The others would be Campbell-Hausfield, Lincoln, Hobart...

If you can pick and chose, and if you don't mind doing a little rewiring, machines that work on a double circuit (240, 2x120v) are better than those that run on 120 (like mine) but either are OK. And unlike mine, I would try to get one that has a variable adjustment for power, rather than a 1/2/3/4 selector. It can make it a little easier to fine-tune, especially when welding light stock (i.e. sheet metal.)
 
I've got the 20 lb CO2 bottle (connected to the beer fridge).
All I need is the welding outfit.
 
not a problem on the wiring had that done when i had the house built, the basement is all mine for all my projects, upside heat and air, downside the wife complains about the noise and smell sometimes and not just the basement haha.
 
also forgot to ask which is just as important, what should i not buy as far as equipment goes. thanks
 
I agree, the C-H MIG one I've got is a "cheap welder" no it is not a Lincoln or a Miller but for a Spridget does the job. It will run on the 15 Amp circuit I've got in the garage just fine, never popped a breaker, never had overheat / reset kick out. Granted I was welding in a new A-Post but it worked just fine for that. Again the extra for the gas bottle is definitely worth it.

Also Rent the gas tank from local welding supply rahter than buy a tank. If you own your own tank you'll have issues with age of tank, certification, getting refilled etc. All I need to do is drop off and exchange. $30 or so + tax and I'm out the door.
 
I agree, the C-H MIG one I've got is a "cheap welder" no it is not a Lincoln or a Miller but for a Spridget does the job. It will run on the 15 Amp circuit I've got in the garage just fine, never popped a breaker, never had overheat / reset kick out. Granted I was welding in a new A-Post but it worked just fine for that. Again the extra for the gas bottle is definitely worth it.

Also Rent the gas tank from local welding supply rahter than buy a tank. If you own your own tank you'll have issues with age of tank, certification, getting refilled etc. All I need to do is drop off and exchange. $30 or so + tax and I'm out the door. One time up front to purchase/ rent tank was $140 or so. After that fairly cheap to refill.
 
Every time I go to use a gas unit the dang tank is nearly empty and I got to change out a bottle. That is why I like the flux core. It makes strong welds, just not real pretty but it will clean up ok most of the time. If I did a lot of welding that was going to show, I would get a nice gas unit, but for welding in floor pans or welding up exhaust pipes, etc, the gasless works just fine for me. I still got my eye out for a good Tig/inverter unit. That reminds me more of soldering/brazing that I feel much more comfortable with and can really do decent quality welds with that on very thin metal of about any kind. I can use the one at my work when I really need and it has the foot pedal for extra control and it is just great.
 
thanks guys for all the input, this really helps me chose what I need, man this forum is great.
 
I have oxy-acet, arc and (HF) mig; everything except talent to use them! Whichever one you get try to get lots of practice before ever bringing them near you car!
Bill
 
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