Welder

[Bob_C]

Hi All,

Its gotten to that time. I got everything that could possibly be fixed, fixed. Now its time to start welding stuff.

I don't go to Tech School, so I never welded before in my life. However, my dad being an engineer, has. I've read a fair amount on welding, and determined I need a MIG or $&%, even a TIG welder will do for the kind of repairs Im doing.

I've come to ask if any of you can provide me with a recommendation pointing me in the right direction as to what make and model welder I should get. Like I said, nothing is terribly extensive - and I sure as $&% wont be welding 24/7. I definitally would like to avoid Harbor Frieght and Campbell Housefield. Are the Lincoln Electric welders for 300-400$ (i believe they were) at Home Depot okay? I definitally do not want to spend a great deal of money on one.
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Bob Collins
1954 M38A1 MD79056

[Ryan_Miller]

Good welders I know of are:

Lincoln
Miller
Hobart


There are probably others, those are the 3 that come immediately to my mind.

Welding takes practice, so don't hesitate in obtaining some scrap to work on.

Also get a good grinder to cut and grind away your mistakes.
_________________
Ryan Miller
MVPA # 22010

[OKCM38CDN]

I just finished a year of welding class in a VoTech...

You will not need a large unit, I did all my tub repairs with a 110 volt unit. It was a Lincoln 125 which has been replaced with a Lincoln 135. Will do all you want for body work. My welding instructor recomended not using it for stock larger than 3/16".

Take your time and do lots of tack welds to hold pieces in place then weld an inch and move to another spot and weld an inch... this will cut down on your warpage,,,

Hope This Helps...

[Cacti_Ken]

I bought the Millermatic 135, welds with flux core and or gas. Using Gas is better though with bare wire. I liked this brand because it has both adjustments that are variable. But It cost more of coarse. I am not a welder by trade nor have I had any coarses. With a little practice you can do anything. Most of all you can grind out the uh oh's.
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Tropical Veteran
35th Inf. Reg. "CACTI" 4th I.D. VN
Amateur Radio K5XOM

[tdavis]

Hi, Bob, did you ever get a Welder? Which one? What's been your experience? Any advice? I'm in the market for one now and I'm thinking about getting this one:

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100093231

Troy

[BEAR]

G'day Troy, I bought a Lincoln 175 HD, it's on the same site as the one you're looking at, don't know what the one you're looking at is like, but the one I got is an excellent machine. I'm a panel beater by trade & this machine does everything I could ever want it to hope this may be of some help.
Cheers Ray

[Bob_C]

Hey,

I ended up getting a Miller 175 220V. It wasn't cheap, but it definitely paid for itself. Used it for everything on the jeep, using it now with my M100, and used it for many other projects. Never had any problems with it. It can use gas and flux. I've welded everything from sheet metal to 1/4" plate with excellent results. I know there is a gun out there for it so it can weld aluminum, although, I do not have it.

I don't think you can go wrong with a Miller, Lincoln, or Hobart. From what I know, they're the gold standard among welders. I contemplated getting one from Home Depot, but I read mixed reviews on the internet - most people saying they were nice for the small projects, but significantly underpowered for other stuff. Who knows if that holds any truth....
_________________
Bob Collins
1954 M38A1 MD79056