Welding sheet metal with flux core vs gas shield welder ?
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no Harbor Freight in Canada and even to buy it empty and have it shipped with the exchange of the dollar and shipping costs it would cost more than buying it local
I've used flux core before. It works okay for heavier gauge metal...16 ga. and above, but for general sheetmetal work, I prefer using argon/ CO2. It lays down a cleaner weld. Prior to that, I've used oxy-acetylene, and have done some sheetmetal repair with it. It requires a small tip like an 00 and 01...and not to keep the heat in one place too long.
All in all, invest in a small tank of argon/ CO2, that's what I did. The welds are noticeably different between flux and MIG.
All in all, invest in a small tank of argon/ CO2, that's what I did. The welds are noticeably different between flux and MIG.
I forgot to mention that Argon is not flammable....
Texas - we have Princess Auto which is better than Harbor Freight IMO. Same cheap tools as HF but they have a hydraulic section for custom hoses and a surplus section for all kinds of cheap stuff
GP- good point about the Argon being non-flammable.
Longroof - I learned to weld and do bodywork with oxy / acet and brass coat hangers LOL Its a pain to work with when you just want to tack on an exhaust clamp or do some minor sheet metal repairs and not set the car on fire in the process.
Guess I will start my Kijiji search for a Mig. X-mas is coming so I guess I will buy myself an early present !
GP- good point about the Argon being non-flammable.
Longroof - I learned to weld and do bodywork with oxy / acet and brass coat hangers LOL Its a pain to work with when you just want to tack on an exhaust clamp or do some minor sheet metal repairs and not set the car on fire in the process.
Guess I will start my Kijiji search for a Mig. X-mas is coming so I guess I will buy myself an early present !
I think for sheet metal work you will be happier with the cleaner welds from argon/co2 welding, flux core comes in handy if you are outside welding in windy conditions
I would also stick with name brand mig welders so that consumables and possible parts later on will always be available at a local welding supply or online.
I would also not limit yourself to welder that can't weld thicker materials because once you start using one you might find other welding projects that you might not have considered before and if the budget allows and you have the power source go with a 220-240 volt welder it will not have to work as hard with the additional power.
I would also stick with name brand mig welders so that consumables and possible parts later on will always be available at a local welding supply or online.
I would also not limit yourself to welder that can't weld thicker materials because once you start using one you might find other welding projects that you might not have considered before and if the budget allows and you have the power source go with a 220-240 volt welder it will not have to work as hard with the additional power.
I have a small-ish MIG Lincoln 180 with a 75/25 Argon/CO2 bottle set-up that works really nice. My buddy just used it to weld up a cage for his Fox body drag car. Mine is 220. I scored it on craigslist, new in the box. Hobart welders are nice, I have had a few in the past, have a big Miller 250 for heavy stuff. The smaller MIG goes up to like 5/16 or so. I found mine for $450. The big trick with body work or panels is to stitch weld it to keep it from drawing or warping.
In my experience (and I have A LOT in welding sheetmetal), even a stitch weld is far too long and too hot depending on the gauge of metal being used. A stitch weld on sheetmetal will cause a warped mess that'll be near impossible to fix.
You're far better off to do a series of "tack" welds, move around as much as possible, and let the panel cool as much as you can in between. If you have access to compressed air, blowing on the tacks with an air gun helps minimize the warpage immensely and greatly speeds up the process.
HTH.
http://www.lincolnelectric.com/en-ca/Equipment/Pages/product.aspx?product=K3963-1(LincolnElectric)
I know it's a bit on the pricey side, but I was looking at buying this welder from Lincoln. The great thing about it is that it's a multi process welder so it'll do mig/tig/stick and it can run on both 120v or 230v outlets.
I know it's a bit on the pricey side, but I was looking at buying this welder from Lincoln. The great thing about it is that it's a multi process welder so it'll do mig/tig/stick and it can run on both 120v or 230v outlets.
Nice welder but way out of my price range. I have a $300 budget ATM, so selling some other stuffs and doing some side work to raise the rest of the funds. Hoping $500 all-in will get me there with something used or maybe I can find someone willing to barter.
Trading emails with a guy selling a Lincoln Mig15
Trading emails with a guy selling a Lincoln Mig15
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