Can you weld sheet metal @ 30amps?

[BinaryDude]

I am looking into buying a welder to let me patch some sheet metal. I'm just wondering if i would be able to weld it at say 30amps? I could get a rig that goes down to 22amps, but I am not planning on doing a lot of welding when everything fixed. I am just trying to justify the cost of a cheaper rig vs a less cheaper rig.

 

[CruisinGA]

What welders are you looking at?

 

[BinaryDude]

I know they are not Hobart, or anyone other brand name.

Northern Industrial MIG 125 Wire Feed Welder — 115 Volt, 30-125 Amp, Model# MIG125 | Wirefeed Welders | Northern Tool + Equipment

Northern Industrial MIG Welder — 115 Volt, 22-135 Amp, Model# MIG 135 | Wirefeed Welders | Northern Tool + Equipment

 

[davegonz]

Check out craigslist in your area. I've seen several Lincoln/Miller/Hobart for sale from time to time.

 

[CruisinGA]

Welders are one tool where I would not waste my time/money with anything other than a Miller/Lincoln/Hobart.

I would consider one of the 120v models offered by one of the above companies the entry level.

Seriously, you'll likely just be dissapointed and upgrading with most anything but a machine from one of the big three.

 

[Toyo FJ40]

The answer is yes, both those welders will weld sheet metal. I would spend a little more for the shielded gas setup. I wouldn't use them for building a roll cage but they should be good for auto body welding at a price thats hard to beat.


Kevin

 

[welder610]

Lincoln power mig 140 is a great welder, remember if you weld on thicker materials you get more penetration if you preheat the area first. The 110v is an all around good buy.

 

[fj40charles]

Check out craigslist in your area. I've seen several Lincoln/Miller/Hobart for sale from time to time.

I would never waste my time/money on Northern Tools chinese welders. You're much better off buying a used welder from Miller, Hobart, Lincoln, or Esab.

If you want good welds, it certainly helps to have quality equipment.