Welder Question
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
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SPARTAN
CI 3-4-5-6-8-9-10 Vet
CI-9 AutoX Winner
CI-3 Go Kart Champ
St. Jude '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11
Not sure if anyone has mentioned it, but something that I find is a VERY nice feature is the wire not being hot until the trigger is pulled. It's VERY Nice to be able to line everything up and get in position without having to worry about accidently tagging the hot wire against something. 
Racer
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 304
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From: Pasadena Maryland
I have a Lincoln Weld Pak 100. I've had it for over 12 years and have yet to upgrade it for gas welding. I've been welding for over 30 years. Built ships for the US Coast Guard before I got this gravy office job. Welding is an art. One guy can pick up a mig welder and the weld looks like you know what, while another guy with experience can put down a weld that looks like it was done with a TIG machine. Unless you're doing this stuff for a living these little 120 volt machines will do just fine for the home mechanic. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,465
Likes: 1,485
From: Little Rock AR
I have done a good amount of automotive sheet metal welding with a couple of different welders. The Craftsman I bought was junk and hard to get parts for. It failed quickly and cost a lot to return as you can not just return it to a store or Sears service center and they could not supply parts.
I mailed it back at my own expense and got a refund. Went right to the local welding supply store because they have the service department, free advise, and parts to keep me going rather than being at the mercy of untrained and inadequate repair service chain. Too much riding on this for me. I was doing a lot of work, big investment of time and money. I bought a Miller.
I could not be more thrilled with it. It does what I need and the quality shows in the beads. Made me look like I was a better welder. The original plan was to buy it, use it and then sell it but I would not part with it now. A good amount of money more than the others but it was worth it for me.
Hope this helps.
-Mark.
I mailed it back at my own expense and got a refund. Went right to the local welding supply store because they have the service department, free advise, and parts to keep me going rather than being at the mercy of untrained and inadequate repair service chain. Too much riding on this for me. I was doing a lot of work, big investment of time and money. I bought a Miller.
I could not be more thrilled with it. It does what I need and the quality shows in the beads. Made me look like I was a better welder. The original plan was to buy it, use it and then sell it but I would not part with it now. A good amount of money more than the others but it was worth it for me.
Hope this helps.
-Mark.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
From: Central NJ
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08
Is it possible for someone who has never welded before to pick this up after watching a video? I need some welding done and do not mind buying a welder but I don’t know if it will be too much for me. I am mechanically inclined but I don’t know anybody that knows how to weld that could help me out. What is your opinion?
Thanks in advance.
Eddie
Thanks in advance.
Eddie
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 16,945
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You don't need a video to learn how to MIG weld, you have to practise getting the hang of metal thicknesses and the power settings, wire feed speed and handling the torch (which is fairly simple, pulling, pushing, stitching..all have different results) Practice on scrap metal. MIG welding should not sound like a sizzling saucage and not a flopping or spatter sound, it should be a constant buzz. if you don't hear that the wire feed speed is incorrect. It really isn't all that difficult, the difficulty is laying down consistent ebads with good penetration. MIG is a whole lot easier than TIG, that's where experience and skill really come into play.
Last edited by Twin_Turbo; Nov 18, 2004 at 04:13 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 222
Likes: 0
From: Leander TX
Originally Posted by lostpatrolman
The ls1 swap is going to be starting very soon, so I am looking for a good welder. The harbor freight flyer has this welder advertised as half off, so 200 dollars. Is this a good all around welder? What are the main things that I should look for? Thanks for the help. http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...unction=Search
http://store.weldingdepot.com/cgi/we...WE6523P-8.html
I've used it to weld up some of the rusty body mount points on my 75 and various other things with good penetration. I'm also welding up an engine test stand for my 427 BB. (This started as a simple engine swap..) I don't think its as durable as the miller, but for my occasional welding, it's fine. It uses a Tweco style gun, so parts are available for that at least. I think sears resells this as their brand too. At some point, I'll antee up for a tig.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,608
Likes: 3
From: Canberra AUSTRALIA
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
How about this. Factory refurbished Linlcon. 3 YEAR warranty.
http://www.welders-direct.com/mercha...t_Code=U1474-2
http://www.welders-direct.com/mercha...t_Code=U1474-2
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Instructor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 188
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From: Central NJ
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08
Originally Posted by stingry
How about this. Factory refurbished Linlcon. 3 YEAR warranty.
http://www.welders-direct.com/mercha...t_Code=U1474-2
http://www.welders-direct.com/mercha...t_Code=U1474-2
http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS...4+3966&pos=n24
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
Originally Posted by eddievette
Is it possible for someone who has never welded before to pick this up after watching a video? I need some welding done and do not mind buying a welder but I don’t know if it will be too much for me. I am mechanically inclined but I don’t know anybody that knows how to weld that could help me out. What is your opinion?
Thanks in advance.
Eddie
Thanks in advance.
Eddie
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
Originally Posted by stingry
How about this. Factory refurbished Linlcon. 3 YEAR warranty.
http://www.welders-direct.com/mercha...t_Code=U1474-2
http://www.welders-direct.com/mercha...t_Code=U1474-2
if it comes so it can be upgraded to gas that may be the one i have or perhaps one or two steps below....after 10 years i still really like mine...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
Originally Posted by Twin_Turbo
That's a flux core welder, I can assure you, you do not want that.
Flip the polarity and add a tank/regulator - and it is true MIG.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 9,078
Likes: 7
From: DFW TX
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
I have a 90 amp Harbor Freight flux mig and I weld the hell out of stuff. It's got a hi/lo switch and adjustable wire speed. I've got about 100 hours behind it and it has never failed. It weld 3/16" plate with ease.
Last edited by Budman68; Nov 18, 2004 at 09:38 PM.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,435
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From: largo florida
The crossmember looks great buddy. Did you have to make it removable because of how far back your positioned your engine? Or could you get away with just modifying the center?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 9,078
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From: DFW TX
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
Originally Posted by lostpatrolman
The crossmember looks great buddy. Did you have to make it removable because of how far back your positioned your engine? Or could you get away with just modifying the center?
Back to welders, I will be upgrading one day. I just haven't stumbled on a deal at one of the pawn shops. I shearched all over Dallas for Zwede a good deal, but nothing turned up.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 42,487
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SPARTAN
CI 3-4-5-6-8-9-10 Vet
CI-9 AutoX Winner
CI-3 Go Kart Champ
St. Jude '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11
Originally Posted by eddievette
Is it possible for someone who has never welded before to pick this up after watching a video? I need some welding done and do not mind buying a welder but I don’t know if it will be too much for me. I am mechanically inclined but I don’t know anybody that knows how to weld that could help me out. What is your opinion?
Thanks in advance.
Eddie
Thanks in advance.
Eddie
I literally had under 1 hour worth of welding experience before I did the welding on my crossmember for my trans conversion. I asked a guy at work to show me how to MIG weld. He showed me on the mega-huge MIG welder at work. Showed me how to lay a bead, how to weld thick & thin material together, how to fill gaps, & stuff like that. I think the stuff on my car turned out pretty damn good. By no means perfect, but good.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 492
Likes: 0
From: Burlington Ky
Originally Posted by ddecart
I don't think it should be much of a problem. GThe best thing would be to get some pointers from someone who does weld.
I literally had under 1 hour worth of welding experience before I did the welding on my crossmember for my trans conversion. I asked a guy at work to show me how to MIG weld. He showed me on the mega-huge MIG welder at work. Showed me how to lay a bead, how to weld thick & thin material together, how to fill gaps, & stuff like that. I think the stuff on my car turned out pretty damn good. By no means perfect, but good.
I literally had under 1 hour worth of welding experience before I did the welding on my crossmember for my trans conversion. I asked a guy at work to show me how to MIG weld. He showed me on the mega-huge MIG welder at work. Showed me how to lay a bead, how to weld thick & thin material together, how to fill gaps, & stuff like that. I think the stuff on my car turned out pretty damn good. By no means perfect, but good.
That's how I learned and am fortunate enough to be allowed to use the shop welders at work when I need to. I'm by no means certified, but can get the job done. One thing though and this is just my .02, but if it is structurally critical, I would recommend having a certified welder do it. They've been tested, x-rayed, all that good stuff. Also, a person can take classes like at a trade school, ect, for not much money. At least you can in my neck of the woods.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
just got to reading my mail....Car Craft Jan 05 has a Tech article on welding ....featuring a a $299 gas/gasless mig looks just like a Lincoln....
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,435
Likes: 0
From: largo florida
Originally Posted by bobs77vet
just got to reading my mail....Car Craft Jan 05 has a Tech article on welding ....featuring a a $299 gas/gasless mig looks just like a Lincoln....
