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View Full Version : What welding machine is best?


1970Turtle
03-27-2011, 08:44 PM
Wanting to do all the rust repair on my 70 myself, with the help from friends who have done it, but I don't know what welder is best. Floor pans need patched, quarters, cowl, etc.
I've only welded a handful of times in my life, so a novice I definitely am. Is MIG or TIG a better choice? I'm fairly competent and can teach myself.

Derek69SS
03-27-2011, 09:01 PM
MIG is the easiest to learn, and the best for doing sheetmetal.

Use Argon/CO2 mix and .023 wire.

The size of the machine that's right for you will depend on how much you intend to use it, and if you ever intend to weld "heavy" stuff bigger than ~1/8" thick. I have a 180 Amp (220V) Clarke machine that works pretty good... wish I would have spent more for a name brand machine though. ESAB, Miller, or Lincoln would be my recommendation. They'll hold their value pretty good if you ever decide to sell or upgrade. The "cheap" ones like mine have no resale value (which is why I own it... bought it used really super cheap :D )

flash
03-28-2011, 06:30 AM
Ive got a small Lincoln that works great but would be better if I add the gas to it. Mine is set up with flux core wire for now but Ill eventually get the gas set up for about $100 more.

BillsCamino
03-28-2011, 01:45 PM
I've got a Hobart (Miller) 175 that does just about everything you'll ever need.

Mike 1972SS
03-28-2011, 04:44 PM
I've got a Hobart (Miller) 175 that does just about everything you'll ever need.

Me too Bill. Great machine.

Mike

shadowgray396
03-28-2011, 06:58 PM
Me too Bill. Great machine.

Mike

Me three, good machine

1970Turtle
03-28-2011, 09:26 PM
I did some research on the Hobart welders, they all seem to get great reviews. They're a little more than the Lincolns but seem a little better. Are they user friendly/novice friendly?

Rattler
03-28-2011, 11:19 PM
I use a lincoln century 130 with a bottle on it and it does most anything I need to do. As Derek stated the .023 wire is what you want for your floors. It's so much easier to work with.

757driver
04-14-2012, 11:21 AM
I would definitely pop for a gas shielded machine. After you get it, buy a pile of scrap metal in varying thicknesses and practice. In a just a short time you will get the hang of it! I would advise you to get an auto-darkening helmet, too. Best money you will spend. They are pretty inexpensive. It's fun to weld and your cool factor with the neighborhood guys will be off the chart!

Jerry