What do you guys think about this MIG welder?

[fyton2v]

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=55247

I have dime sized holes in the side of my tub from left from a mounting bracket. Instead of Bondo I was thinking of welding in new steel to fix it permanently. How would you go about fixing this?

Would you

1. Just bondo.
2. Weld a plate of steel across the back and fill remaining gap with bondo.
3. Weld a new piece of steel inside the then grind/sand it flat on both sides.

Small holes so #3 may be tricky.

If any of you welding gods (or goddesses) have some tips let me know. I need serious help.

Thanks,
George

 

[Morse_FJ40]

Plug weld them, that's what I did with my Lincoln SP-135 Mig

later
Ryan

 

[phlyfish]

cut the holes out square, weld a piece in, grind flat and thin as possible body filler.

 

[buckroseau]

If your going to buy a welder, I would spend the money and get one that accepts gas.

I don't know how fussy you are, but fluxcore/gasless welders are for farm machinery in my opinion.

But, yes I would weld the hole, paper thin layer of filler.

Matt

 

[72FJ40LandCruiser]

The ONLY way to fix it properly is to cut out the complete rusted area, and weld in new metal. If you don't cut out all the rust, or just bondo over it, it'll be coming back. Be sure when you weld in the new metal to treat the backside of it or it will too rust. I have a Millermatic 175 that I love (though I had to leave it at home 500 miles away when I moved down to Texas). It's great for body work like this, but it can also handle welding up thick metal. I would really suggest getting a gas-shielded welder as opposed to flux core. Like Buck said, flux core is meant for thicker metal. It tends to weld hotter, but therefore does have it's place for good penetration in thick metal and of course if you weld in a windy area also.

 

[chet]

flux core sucks for body work! I tried on a few different vehicles and lately upgraded to gas and can't believe how easier it is! I can weld thin japanese sheet metal (suzuki!) with no problems with blow out.

 

[dgangle]

bubble gum. what a DFQ.

 

[poldo]

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=55247

I have dime sized holes in the side of my tub from left from a mounting bracket. Instead of Bondo I was thinking of welding in new steel to fix it permanently. How would you go about fixing this?

Would you

1. Just bondo.
2. Weld a plate of steel across the back and fill remaining gap with bondo.
3. Weld a new piece of steel inside the then grind/sand it flat on both sides.

Small holes so #3 may be tricky.

If any of you welding gods (or goddesses) have some tips let me know. I need serious help.

Thanks,
George

It's fine for body work I have one myself it does take gas and they are decent machines they are dentical to the Sears for $300 and change mine has been very reliable and I can't complain.

However.. I need to weld thicker steel than just sheet metal and I also have an Arcone TIG welder (ebay) but I tried this one http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7513988903
a few days ago and I liked it a lot weld up to 1/4" I just bought the 220v 180 amps version the quality is great

As far as your repair goes I would cut the holes a little larger make a paper template of the hole or hold a piece of steel in the back and spray paint it from the outside so that you have a template, cut, drill a small hole enough to fit a small nail or rivet (to hold the patch as you weld it) or use a magnet, make sure you have a nice thight fit, tack weld all around it very slowly and have a small body hammer handy to tap it back to shape in case you get it too hot , keep tacking unitil you have filled all the gaps, grind etc... easier done than said

 

[fyton2v]

Poldo,

Would you recommend I use gas for my repair or flux core wire?

Here is what I need to fix...

http://users.adelphia.net/~gcarion/lcpics/holes.jpg

Thanks!

 

[poldo]

Poldo,

Would you recommend I use gas for my repair or flux core wire?

Here is what I need to fix...

http://users.adelphia.net/~gcarion/lcpics/holes.jpg

Thanks!

You can use both , gas makes for cleaner looking welds no slag to clean up
easier to see the puddle the flux creates smoke .. not a big deal but it's there
flux cored wire has the big advantage of enable you to weld outdoors in any conditions also does better over paint and rust , that doesn't mean you don't need to clean it up

If you are getting a MIG welder get one than can do both, you don't want to be stuck with flux alone, get the best you can afford as you will find more and more jobs to do.

The Clarke is the best deal I could find around, also the Harbor freight is not bad just limited by the output amperage, the Clarke is definitely a machine that is built to last and 130 amps are good for steel up to 1/4".
The wire feeding mechanism is very nice.
The holes are kind of small, you can try and fill them rather than cutting and welding a new piece of metal.
Grind them clean and if you can find a thick 3/16"- 1/4" copper plate or aluminum
use it to back up the holes and just fill them with short spot welds starting from the edge then grind them flush, the steel will not stick to the copper.

Another method is using a steel washer and a rivet, hold the steel washer with the rivet pulling against the backside of the hole, tack weld it , drop the rivet and finish it by spot welding... take your time or the steel will deform and end up looking like cacca

 

[fyton2v]

Poldo,

Thanks for the great advice! You've really helped me out here.

George

 

[poldo]

Poldo,

Thanks for the great advice! You've really helped me out here.

George

you're welcome ,

 

[Doug_S]

I agree, gas MIG welding is the way to go. I think, on the other hand, that the welder from Harbor Freight will be fine for what you want to do. I would back the hole with a piece of copper (backing plates are sold at Eastwood Company) that will keep the weld in the middle of the break and on top rather than just burning through.

 

[Walking Eagle]

I have a Chicago Electric MIG Welder from Harbor frieght (I'm assuming that's what you're looking at cause the link said item not available).

I've used mine a considerable amount and loaned it to anyone who will fill the tank. The only issue I've had is availability of replacement parts. If you have a lincoln or miller any local store can hook you up with a new gun. Harbor frieght doesn't carry parts - you have to special order them.

 

[poldo]

I have a Chicago Electric MIG Welder from Harbor frieght (I'm assuming that's what you're looking at cause the link said item not available).

I've used mine a considerable amount and loaned it to anyone who will fill the tank. The only issue I've had is availability of replacement parts. If you have a lincoln or miller any local store can hook you up with a new gun. Harbor frieght doesn't carry parts - you have to special order them.

For the tips lowes or home depot carry the Lincoln ones which fit perfectly on the gun the gas nozzle you can find it by searching Tregaskiss parts they are a perfect fit just match the size of the nozzle mine is
15/32 ID-2 1/2 long I just got a clarke 180 amps 220v I love it the wire feed motor and the roller and all of it is very "professional" the gun is a tweco style made by parweld, steel liner etc..
the machine is made in Italy and it is of very high quality for the price And even though they rate it for 1/4" .....I put a hole in a 1/4" plate with 0.35 solid wire so it makes me think their "ratings" are only rough estimates
I am still keeping the Harbor freight because it's a 115v and it is good to have it around.. now I am off to weld my wheel wells

PS
Parweld also makes tregaskiss style guns that can fit the HF welder much better than the original cheap gun