Welders

[Sweatyforehead]

I figure its about time to get a welder and really start getting into some real work on the cruiser.

Im seeing a bunch of 220V arc welders around and a few MIG welders all around my price range of (preferably) under $400 on used vic and craigslist.

Im curious about what sort of stuff to watch out for and what kinds of tests that can be done when checking one out.

Thanks for the help guys!

 

[too tall]

http://www.usedvictoria.com/classified-ad/miller-auto-set-140-wire-feed-welder_25268745
http://www.usedvictoria.com/classified-ad/Autobody-Equiptment_25423616
These two look pretty good . I'd get a mig welder . I think the one with the gas bottle is a good deal . You can weld a bit thicker material with a 170 amp machine . That 140 miller machine would probably do a pretty good job with 1/4" material . Most stuff on a cruiser is under 1/4" thick . Flux core wire is ok to use if you can't afford gas but your welds will look much better when you use a shielding gas . I'd start with 0.30 wire unless you want to weld sheet metal to start . Then you could try a little smaller gauge wire like 0.25 or 0.23 .

 

[cruiserpilot]

I would only say to make sure you get a welder with gas. The gas shielding is really helpful in creating
better quality welds.
Have you any training at all in welding?

 

[Sweatyforehead]

I would only say to make sure you get a welder with gas. The gas shielding is really helpful in creating
better quality welds.
Have you any training at all in welding?

I had a bit of training with arc welding a year ago up in prince rupert, other than that, not much other practice with welding

 

[slowandsteady BJ]

That above miller autoset 140 is a great little machine. Vern (wombat) has one and likes it. Buy a Miller or Lincoln so when you break it you can find parts and good service. (avoid the offshore units)

That 140 will weld cruiser stuff all day long. If in case you find yourself needing to weld thick material it can be done with that machine..... the key is preheat.

 

[slowandsteady BJ]

Also.... the Autoset feature is great for noobs.

Price looks good as well, there are 2 on Van. craigslist for around $600.

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

Definitely MIG. Everything said above is dead on and the voices of lots of experience.

 

[seapotato]

Also.... the Autoset feature is great for noobs.

also good for those who tend to drink heavily while welding.

I Have a small 220v miller with it, makes life easy.

 

[Sweatyforehead]

Looks like I'm going to try and go for it. Getting paid tomorrow to see how it works out...