Welder for body work?

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Evan Dutch said:
Do you know how much it cost for an empty Argon tank?
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I think I paid 129 for a medium tank that was full upon pick up. To exchange it is in the neighborhood of 25 to 30 bucks. Never have to worry about the tank becoming out of date, if it does, they just pull it from rotation have it tested and certifies and put back into circulation, or retire it whichever is needed.
 
Bad Sport said:
I think I paid 129 for a medium tank that was full upon pick up. To exchange it is in the neighborhood of 25 to 30 bucks. Never have to worry about the tank becoming out of date, if it does, they just pull it from rotation have it tested and certifies and put back into circulation, or retire it whichever is needed.
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When you say "exchange it" are you getting a new tank every time or are your refilling the gas in the same tank? also what size tank would you recommend? I wouldn't be welding much, mainly bodywork on the weekends.
 
Exchanging or filling which ever he chooses to do. I got the medium size tank, and I have done a fair amount of welding with it so far. When I need a refill, I may upgrade to the large tank, just have to pay the difference in tank cost between the one I have and the cost of the new.
 
Bad Sport said:
Exchanging or filling which ever he chooses to do. I got the medium size tank, and I have done a fair amount of welding with it so far. When I need a refill, I may upgrade to the large tank, just have to pay the difference in tank cost between the one I have and the cost of the new.
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Found a millermatic 130 on craigslist. are those any good? Ive heard they are alright for sheet metal?
 
I borrowed a 110 volt Hobart Handler 135 gas mig for my last project it worked flawlessly [i'm a novice welder] i had a Lincoln flux core and i burned more holes than i filled, went to gas and never looked back. Hobart,Lincoln,Miller are the brand name welders and Eastwood has some that are backed with a good warranty and their name.
 
lou3500 said:
I borrowed a 110 volt Hobart Handler 135 gas mig for my last project it worked flawlessly [i'm a novice welder] i had a Lincoln flux core and i burned more holes than i filled, went to gas and never looked back. Hobart,Lincoln,Miller are the brand name welders and Eastwood has some that are backed with a good warranty and their name.
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I think I'm going to spend the extra money and get a gas welder. Any idea of how much a bottle is?
 
110 volt 100-140 amp with bottle will do you a good job. Cost $26.00 to get my bottle refilled
 
I have a Miller 185 (use 75/25) and for thin metal I use my trusty .030 wire. I am no more than a dangerous Stunt Double when it comes to welding. The more I do it the more I really respect people who have the knack.... I just replaced a partial Floor Pan and struggled with it at times but with patience and good grinding I am satisfied with the results.

I really lost sleep over which machine to buy but I needed something to cover all types of welding. I keep saying to myself that a Tig would be nice for Aluminum and thin Metal but then I go on youtube and see people do bodywork all day with a Mig.

Whatever you buy make sure what you get is dual purpose and uses gas.... As for brands, zero issues with my Miller for 10 years...

JW
 
I have the medium size because the big one does not fit the cart
 
MIG is great. BUT, if your doing it outside with any kind of breeze it is a bit--!!! You can use co2 or a 25% mix (argon) which is better I am told. I only have used co2 which works fine for me. If welding outside in a breeze a flux wire would be best.
Yote
 
SLOPAR72 said:
I have a Miller 185 (use 75/25) and for thin metal I use my trusty .030 wire. I am no more than a dangerous Stunt Double when it comes to welding. The more I do it the more I really respect people who have the knack.... I just replaced a partial Floor Pan and struggled with it at times but with patience and good grinding I am satisfied with the results.

I really lost sleep over which machine to buy but I needed something to cover all types of welding. I keep saying to myself that a Tig would be nice for Aluminum and thin Metal but then I go on youtube and see people do bodywork all day with a Mig.

Whatever you buy make sure what you get is dual purpose and uses gas.... As for brands, zero issues with my Miller for 10 years...

JW
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I used to mig quite frequently, but I would weld 1/4in thick plate or larger. Never really welded on thinner metals. And when I did I would blow holes right through it. It will take some getting used to for sure.
 
Yote said:
MIG is great. BUT, if your doing it outside with any kind of breeze it is a bit--!!! You can use co2 or a 25% mix (argon) which is better I am told. I only have used co2 which works fine for me. If welding outside in a breeze a flux wire would be best.
Yote
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I would be welding outside. Going to mig whenever possible. I haven't welded on thin metal with flux, I've heard it is easier to burn through thinner metals with flux. But I'm sure I'll have to do it.
 
Evan Dutch said:
Is .030 and .035 wire too much for sheet metal?
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I have a 110 stinger I bought from Eagles hardware ( that tells you how old it is )but it has been great for general use. I have found that .030/35 flux core is too heavy for sheet metal . I'm not a great welder so I have trouble controlling heat . Too low and it sputters , too hot and it flashes. I think gas would be a good up grade.
 
zigs said:
I have a 110 stinger I bought from Eagles hardware ( that tells you how old it is )but it has been great for general use. I have found that .030/35 flux core is too heavy for sheet metal . I'm not a great welder so I have trouble controlling heat . Too low and it sputters , too hot and it flashes. I think gas would be a good up grade.
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Have you tried dialing in your wire speed along with the heat?
 
zigs said:
One control , speed of wire feed regulates heat.
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Darn, yeah a gas machine would be better. I used to mig quite frequently, but never on thinner metals. A machine with wire feed and heat adjustment is preferable, easier to dial in just right.
 
Evan Dutch said:
Darn, yeah a gas machine would be better. I used to mig quite frequently, but never on thinner metals. A machine with wire feed and heat adjustment is preferable, easier to dial in just right.
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Evan if you want here is my email [email protected] I have been selling welding equipment for over 30 years and if you every have any questions feel free to Drop me a email or I can also give you my number . You have to be careful buying some cylinders from individuals.
 
Have to add my two cents worth. Get the best you can afford - Hobart, Miller, Lincoln, ESAB. And get one that will mig and flux core. A gas bottle shouldn't even be a consideration. Most folks go thru less than a bottle a year, and that's the small bottle. As a 20 year welder in shipbuilding I can tell you that if you're new to welding, you'll make out much better with mig on sheet metal. You'll get better penetration at a lower amperage than with flux core. If you can afford it and have the connection, get 220. But 110 works for most light duty jobs.
 
Don't buy an Esab as they were sold about a year ago and are doing away with most of the line . They are changing them over to Thermal Dynamics. For your money buy a Hobart does everything the Miller will do for you. Only difference between the two is the Miller will have a rheostat and the Hobart has manual 4 position on the amp settings.
 
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