welding

Hi, everyone. I've really wanted to learn how to weld for a long time and now it would be really beneficial to the CJ if I could weld. One of the guys I work with said I should get a stick welder and just go at it. He says it is not too hard to teach yourself with a little trial and error. Most of what I would need to do is sheetmetal and small body holes.

What do you guys think? Should I try it? Any tips? Any suggestions on equipment?

 

MIG... to me thats the easiest. it is easy to work with sheet metal with a mig. learn to weld it is one of those things that helps with owning a jeep.

 

Sheetmetal, forget the stick and go with mig, a stick welder is hard to weld sheetmetal, even if your really good. I have never been able to make arc welding look good but I can do it with a mig or tig welding.

 

IMHO, a good mig would be better for the sheet metal work. Get one that handles gas, and you'll be able to do a lot more with it. A stick welder would be great if you're doing a lot of chassis work, but might be a bit overkill for the thinner stuff. It also seems that many think that it's easier to get proficient with the MIG than the stick. HTH

 

What is th minimum size mig welder needed for doing roll cages and bumpers?

 

Thanks everyone. I might start out with one of the 110V MIGS for cost reasons. With an old Jeep there is never much in the "available funds" category.

 

Also pick up a book.. I just picked one up from barnes and noble, the monster garage version of "How to weld Damn near anything" which despite being a marketing tool is pretty good and written for normal people. I have been welding a while and it has taught me a bunch (mostly how stoopid I am)..


BUBBA

 

[I might start out with one of the 110V MIGS for cost reasons.]

If cost were the issue, I'd then go for a used 220v unit. You may quickly "run out of amps" with the 110 version if you get into heavy material for rockers, bumpers, etc. I bought a used 220 v hobart 75 which goes through 3/8 thick rather well -- with gas.

If you are absolutely sure you will be under 1/4 inch then a new 110 unit may be ok. I'm not sure I've seen a 110 unit with gas, but I suppose they make them.

 

If you think about it a roll cage has way less than a 1/4" wall thickness so you should be able to weld virtually anything on a rollcage. Most bumpers don't have anything over 1/4" thick material, about the only thing on a jeep thicker than what a 110 unit can weld is steering mounts and a few things like that.

 

Miller is the premier brand. My brother has one of these: http://www.millerwelds.com/products/mig/millermatic_135/
Bought it to do body work on his TR3. I think he bought the Miller because he likes quality tools... It's the least expensive Miller - I've read that Hobart is the same manufacturer with a less expensive gun.

 

Messed around with MIG and my welds are only as good as my prowess with a grinder and some paint. Made my front bumper with a Lincoln 135 weld-Pac. You can get them at Lowe’s for $435. Or on eBay for under $350 for a used one http://search.ebay.com/lincoln-elec...slopZ1QQsatitleZlincolnQ20electricQ20Q2dmotor

 

a book i found is "welder's handbook" by richard finch isbn is 1-55788-264-9

about $18 at lowes but have seen many other places since then. actually pretty decent and up to date.

i'm still a crappy welder so far but that's my fault not the book's

 

check out the scratch and dent section at your local welding supply. also don't rule out used machines. would get a power supply (then you can stick or tig/mig) w/300 amp capticity on 220v. or go 110v and upgrade as your skills improve. also you might check out community college for welding classes.

 

I bought a campbell Hausfeld 105 or whatever its called for 150.00 delivered off ebay a couple years ago.It was a reconditioned unit I believe. No problems with it so far.It came with the regulator for gas but I have only used tthe fluxwire with it and it does the job nicely as long as ubder 1/4 inch.

 

I tried to find a community college or tech school with welding classes and the closest one is an hour away AND the only evening class starts 30 minutes after I get off work. I would need diplomatic immunity from speeding or a miracle from my boss to be able to take a class.