I am thinking of all the body work: cowls, floor, etc., that I have to do on my car. I have the oxy acetylene setup and a generator stick welder. Is brazing and stick welding enough to get most of the auto work done? I remember hearing that most body work used to be done with brazing. T or F? I have a haynes manual that is very helpful but I wanted to know what yalls' experience has been.
In the old days, a lot was brazed. But a mig is the only way to fly these days. Brazing puts a lot more heat in a bigger area making it easier to warp metal.
Thanks, guys. I was looking at getting one of those little 110 lincoln MIG machines. A quick google of TIG doesn't look like TIGs are too much more. Is there a big difference at quality using 110 voltage? what's the maintenance/accessory cost? I know that TIG doesn't need wire for instance. I would want to get something small as I won't be settling down anytime soon. I saw a refurb lincoln MIG for 350 or so on ebay. I've almost exclusively used Miller gen welders on jobs and they are sweet. What are yall using/would recommend? I don't mind spending a bit more for quality but I would only own the thing for 5-7 years and get a 220 or larger once I get a home.
You still need wire filler for a tig machine. You just have to hand feed it instead if letting the machine do it for you. It takes considerable more skill to weld with a tig machine, especially on sheet metal. I would stick with a mig. I had a Lincoln 110 volt unit and put many a cars together with it. A great welder. Just convert it to gas set up with fluxless core wire.
Thanks, Mavaholic! I remember reading in my haynes that TIG was a bit harder now and i've never used it before. this is the one I'm looking at on ebay. PDF:http://content.lincolnelectric.com/pdfs/products/literature/e725.pdf never mind it needs the MIG conversion. I think i can get one outfitted already cheaper. I'll be sure to post what I get.
Hmm The only conversion I see in that link is a gas conversion kit. That is only a gas line kit for if you are using a shielding gas, flux core wire does not need it, and if you are welding outside if have found that you are better off using flux core wire anyways....less succeptable to the breeze.
I just committed to a millermatic 135 on craigslist. It is discontinued, but if it works, the price is right. Will update on successful welding...hopefully.
If you can gas weld steel with filler rod...You can TIG. The big difference between TIG and MIG is this: Mig weld beads are hard and can be brittle if your heat isnt right.(fun to grind) TIG leaves a softer/flatter weld bead.(easier to grind) Nice if you like to hammer weld.Also...TIG puts less heat into a panel if you are seaming say, a quarter panel or welding in patch panels and, have to or want to metal finish them. Generally though a mig is a good choice as you can do virtually anything with it.TIG suffers the same limitations as gas welding minus the excessive heat. Sounds like you made a good choice!! Have fun with it!!!
i love living in nevada, went to a pawn shop and bought a lincoln 110 with flux wire and mask for 130.... i was looking at buying one of the POS harbor freight ones before that. now to do about 50 practice welds before installing my shock tower....hehe
