Mig Welder

[68FORDJBM]

I've decided that I want to learn how to weld with a mig welder so I can perform my own rust patches and other misc repairs. Does anyone recommend a inexpensive starter system? Can you get a good used system on craigs list or Ebay? What should I look for? Other than practicing on scrap metal, is there a good way to learn how to do my own body work patches?

[Mancar1]

I also am getting a welder. I am going to learn on my own. As has been recommended on here I am looking at a Lincon wire feed with the shield gas option. (model #K2185-1) While spending 24 years in our Navy Engineering spaces, I passed up many a chance to learn to weld. The old shoulda, coulda, woulda. Now I am going to do it. Wife told me to pick out the one I want and she is getting it for me for Christmas.

[1971ford]

bored so i hopped on your local craigslist.

http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/tls/2091273989.html

[68FORDJBM]

Thanks for all the tips recommendations. I actually took two semesters of welding in college 25 years ago. We mostly practiced on 1" steel using a torch and stick. I also did some welding practice at my grandfathers shop. I just remeber not doing so well when it came to actually trying to weld a patch into the body. I burned more metal than I patched and grandpa always had to step in and save the day:) I also did some TIG but I don't remember using a MIG welder. I watched a YouTube video on MIG welding and I'm looking forward to learning and getting it right. I'm as excited to learn how to weld as I am about doing my own work on my Bump. Wouldn't have it any other way:)

[papabug71]

I have a Lincoln Pro Mig 180. Its a 220 welder, but I also do larger stuff every now & then. I have it on 90/10 gas & im running the L-56 wire (.025).

Im very pleased with this set up.

[Mancar1]

Well guess I can stop wondering what welder to get. My wife , (Vicki), made my mind up for me. Yesterday she got me my Christmas gift. A Lincoln model #K2185-1, a Var SH 9-13 ADF Helmet, welding gloves, and the Welders Hand Book. Haven't used it yet, but at least I know it is in my shop. Read the book twice last night.

[1971ford]

Nice, that's a perfect welder for typical garage projects

I sold my 115v Miller MIG for $240 a few days ago.

The replacement.

[flyboy2610]

Tell your wife that one of the people on the site that does welding for a living said "Ya done good!"
I Googled the model number. That welder should do just about anything you should need to do on your truck.
Have fun with it!

[Mancar1]

I'll tell her that it has been said that she picked a good one out. (She may have gotten tired of hearing my hints)

[68FORDJBM]

I'll tell her that it has been said that she picked a good one out. (She may have gotten tired of hearing my hints)

How has that welder worked out for you. I'm finally back on the hunt. I've cut some rust holes out of the truck and now I need to start learning how to patch em up

I looked up the model you got and was surprised how inexpensive a MIG welding kit is. Does it work for everything you need it for on the truck/around the house.

[sillbeer]

I picked up a new Miller Autoset 211 for about $1100. It runs 110 or 220. I did lots of research before I did my first patch earlier this year and it turned out pretty well. No welding experience here. I think that small patch took me 6 or 7 hours. Way too long but I enjoyed it and I think taking my time was key. It was recommended from another site that you use a hole saw on the corners to get a rounded corner instead of a 90 degree sharp corner. You have to watch heat when working with sheet metal and helps the warpage and heat concentration in the corners.

-Destin

[68FORDJBM]

Too late, I cut squares:) It's on the tailgate which I'm probably going to try and replace anyway. I can use the tailgae as my practice material.

Thanks for the tip though. I'm not sure I want to spend $1100 on a welder. Looking back do you think you could have gotten away with just a 110 and paid less. The welder that Mancar1 picked out is less than $400.00

[sillbeer]

http://weldingweb.com/index.php

http://www.metalmeet.com/forum/index.php

http://www.allmetalshaping.com/

Those are the forums I've been reading from. The metalmeet forum I actually haven't joined yet. Lots of good techniques and input from all three.

-Destin

[68FORDJBM]

Thanks man!

[Mancar1]

I'll tell her that it has been said that she picked a good one out. (She may have gotten tired of hearing my hints)

How has that welder worked out for you. I'm finally back on the hunt. I've cut some rust holes out of the truck and now I need to start learning how to patch em up

I looked up the model you got and was surprised how inexpensive a MIG welding kit is. Does it work for everything you need it for on the truck/around the house.

Works great, haven't had any problems with it.