Welding frame
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 807
Likes: 0
From: VA
Welding frame
I understand 220 volt is the way to go.....but I rent to so cannot run any new lines to the garage.
So the question is, can a 110v welder handle my much needed frame repair? I need to weld in a new kickup section.
If so, which one will do the job?
BTW how thick is the frame metal anyway?
Tks,
Al
So the question is, can a 110v welder handle my much needed frame repair? I need to weld in a new kickup section.
If so, which one will do the job?
BTW how thick is the frame metal anyway?
Tks,
Al
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
From: Flemington NJ
You can weld with a 110v MIG welder, but like any type of weld, skill and experience are major factors in the likelihood of success. For example, my maintenance man is a certified welder from a previous job and I have seen him do amazing things with a cheapo gasless 110v MIG on thick metal by properly building up the weld. I on the other hand only trust my work for hobby welds, and I have a 220v SMAW (arc) welder which much better penetration.
So honestly measure your skill and confidence before you attempt something as critical as a frame weld. It may be cheaper in the long run to bring the frame to an experienced local welder and do it right the first time.
If I had to guess the frame is 3/16" thick but that is only a guess.
Best of luck whichever path you take.
Mike
So honestly measure your skill and confidence before you attempt something as critical as a frame weld. It may be cheaper in the long run to bring the frame to an experienced local welder and do it right the first time.
If I had to guess the frame is 3/16" thick but that is only a guess.
Best of luck whichever path you take.
Mike
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 12,470
Likes: 1,548
From: Camp Verde AZ
C1 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
2017 C1 of Year Finalist
I wouldn't even THINK about welding your FRAME with 110V.
Exhaust pipes, yes, body sheet metal, yes. Frame, no.
Doug
Exhaust pipes, yes, body sheet metal, yes. Frame, no.
Doug
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,436
Likes: 1,253
From: Sarver Pa
2021 C1 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Frame metal is about 1/8" thick. 2 pieces overlapped is going to be 1/4". I don't think you will get enough weld penetration. Think about it ! Look into the spec's of the machine.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,568
Likes: 0
From: Enterprise Oregon
Your wife's dryer if electric is 220 try and rent one that has the same plug and your set --if your not an experanced welder get so of the 70 series welding rod 6011 is better but harder for a noobie to weld with --go to the dump and get some metal to practise on too--good luck--glenn
ps welders are cheap second hand???if you can justify one??
ps welders are cheap second hand???if you can justify one??
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
From: Harrison Ohio
Al -
If electrical supply to run a welder is a problem, alot of the tool rental stores have gasoline or propane welders for rent. If that's a looser, you may find a welding supply house that will rent one to you. If I lived closer to VA, I'd give you a hand - been welding (UA Pipefitter) for 30 yrs.
Best of luck
Dave
If electrical supply to run a welder is a problem, alot of the tool rental stores have gasoline or propane welders for rent. If that's a looser, you may find a welding supply house that will rent one to you. If I lived closer to VA, I'd give you a hand - been welding (UA Pipefitter) for 30 yrs.
Best of luck
Dave
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,890
Likes: 376
From: Montgomery NY
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 807
Likes: 0
From: VA
Tks all for the advice.
Yeah I thought as much. I really should only trust the frame work to an expert!
The dryer is in the basement so that would be a long extension cord to the garage! Why dont they build houses with a 220v outlet in the garage!! Dont they know I have to work on my car!!
But I do need other work done and I hope to save money and do it myself. So what would be a recommended 110v welder for rocker channel repair and lighter work like that?
Tks
Al
Yeah I thought as much. I really should only trust the frame work to an expert!
The dryer is in the basement so that would be a long extension cord to the garage! Why dont they build houses with a 220v outlet in the garage!! Dont they know I have to work on my car!!
But I do need other work done and I hope to save money and do it myself. So what would be a recommended 110v welder for rocker channel repair and lighter work like that?
Tks
Al
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Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,503
Likes: 681
From: New Baltimore Michigan
I'd run a temporary 220 line to do the job, and then just put it back the way it was after i welded, and nobody would know the difference. If you've got some household wiring experience, it really not a big deal.... hopefully you have a friend thats an electrician, and another friend thats a good welder!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,660
Likes: 7
From: DFW
I made up a jumper, that I keep it in my tool box. Did not cost much. Dryer plug on one end, std connector for 220 welder on the other. Then renting is not such a big deal. I'm sure a 110 unit would work too, but the same welder on 220 will draw half the current of the 110 unit
Harry
PS if you can watch the wheel on your electric meter spin while someone else is using the welder. Its impressive. I fugure it cost around $200 in electricity to do all the welding on my race car..
Harry
PS if you can watch the wheel on your electric meter spin while someone else is using the welder. Its impressive. I fugure it cost around $200 in electricity to do all the welding on my race car..
Last edited by 66since71; Oct 1, 2008 at 11:59 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,436
Likes: 1,253
From: Sarver Pa
2021 C1 of the Year Finalist - Modified
If you are going to buy a welder, get a good one. I like Lincoln, but Hobart and Miller are good also. I have a Lincoln 255 squarewave TIG that has run almost every day for the last 12 years. I just bought a Lincoln 180 MIG(220vt) , it runs pretty smooth. I had a Hobart Handler 120(110 vt), ran good but wasn't big enough.I tried to weld my Vette frame with it , but wasn't happy with the weld quality. I had to really crank it up and it got hot. Look at duty cycle too !
Pops
Pops
Racer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 411
Likes: 3
From: New Jersey
welder
al329,
If you decide to go for a extension cord set up from your drier in the basement don't forget line loss on the cord , you have to get a larger amp rated cord. For every feet of cord there is more resistance.
If you decide to go for a extension cord set up from your drier in the basement don't forget line loss on the cord , you have to get a larger amp rated cord. For every feet of cord there is more resistance.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,346
Likes: 41
From: Toronto
Another welding question:
Anyone familiar with the Lincoln Mig-Pak 140?
It runs on 120 volts.
The main thing I want to do with it is small jobs.
Would it be powerful enough to weld the number 2 and 3 body mount cages back on to the frame?
Anyone familiar with the Lincoln Mig-Pak 140?
It runs on 120 volts.
The main thing I want to do with it is small jobs.
Would it be powerful enough to weld the number 2 and 3 body mount cages back on to the frame?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,937
Likes: 163
From: OP Kansas
C2 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
I think you can get away with 110 if you get a Lincoln, Hobart or Miller, but you will be disappointed if you go with a cheaper brand. The cheaper ones claim to be 140 amps, but when you go to use it, you'll see they really aren't.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,068
Likes: 27
From: St. Joseph Mo
When we built our house, I specified that the garage had to have an outlet for the portable compressor and a three phase outlet (dryer) for my Lincoln cracker box. Had an electrician friend make me a 30 ft extension cord of extremely heavy guage wire. Can weld in any part of my three car garage (except for the pilled up junk
).
Do not discount gas welding. Works wonderfull for exhaust tubing.
).Do not discount gas welding. Works wonderfull for exhaust tubing.
