welders

[a192074m]

im in the market for a good welder>> i got one of those gasless ones that are pretty much good for making crappy welds>> im looking for one thats good for the body (quarter panels,etc) and for the underbelly>> my price range is $500- $600>> what do u guys recomend?? thanks   

[68 CHARGER R/T]

from my experience as being a welder,i'd push for a miller brand,reasonably priced and durable units   

[mikepmcs]

the gasless lincoln weldpacs are good and will do the job on small stuff strength wise, but don't be looking for a "stack of dimes" when welding with those things.  You need a TIG(GTAW) also known as Heliarc.  Heat can become an issue when doing large panels and you will warp the metal if not careful.
Here's a unit that has plasma, tig, and arc all in one.  Not a big name brand but might be what you are looking for as a hobby welder(meaning it isn't used that much).  Hell i'm thinking of getting that one myself.
Anyways Miller and Hobart are some biggies and industry tested IMHO.  Probably find a used one in that range.   
Gonna need the gas though.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230312152211

http://www.weldershop.info/

http://www.millerwelds.com/

http://www.hobartwelders.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heliarc

v/r
Mike

[a192074m]

thanks charger and mike>> its been a while but i know i can get that stack of dimes after a few tries>> will that one mike be able to weld for structure strength?? wouldnt be too good if it cant do  "frame" repairs

[mikepmcs]

Actually, i don't know anything about that one, cheap and good don't usually go in the same sentence if you know what I mean but probably good for a little work here and there.  It just sparked my interest cause it had a plasma as well.  They seem to be averaging around $650 on that site.  I'm guessing there is some substandard chinese parts in there.  hold out for a well known proven welder IMO.

[a192074m]

how about the craftsman line?? they USED to make good tools but i duno about nowadays>> the reason is my dad used to have one of their bench vises and after 20 some years it finally broke.. so we took it back and got a brand new one....and that one broke in 20 minutes (no lie! bent the tightening rod and cracked the vise)... next day we take that one back up and SEARS refused to exchange it.... what a load>> ever since I kinda stray away from craftsman but do they make a good gas welders?

[Sublime/Sixpack]

Sears used to be a brand that you could trust, but I'm not all that impressed with them anymore.  And this opinion is based on my experience with their products.   Their products are fairly good but not really what I'd consider HIGH quality these days.   

[a192074m]

yeh... i think that the only thing good coming out of craftsman these days are the left handed screwdrivers (haha)

[69*F5*SE]

I recommend HTP welders.

http://www.htpweld.com/products/mig_welders/mig_140.html

[mikepmcs]

yeah, stay away from CRAPSMAN anything.  Well, maybe the hand tools like screwdrivers and ratchets, etc...they still have the exchange program on those for now anyway.

[Silver R/T]

Id go with one of these, cant beat them in quality and price. Just pick up a gas bottle to go along with it.
http://cgi.ebay.com/HOBART-WELDMARK-HANDLER-140_W0QQitemZ250334380329QQihZ015QQcategoryZ113743QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[ts70rt]

As being a certified welder, I have worked in fab shops and resto shops (install of quarters, trunk floors, frames) for years as THE welder. For what you need the hobart listed in the above reply will work great, I personally have used a miller 110v gas welder for everything for years. These both will work great for all panels, frame rails and EVEN thicker metal, just hit the thicker metals with a hand held map or propane gas before using the 110v mig welder and it works great. Dont be afraid to check out craigslist for used quality welders as alot of shops are liquidating or going out of business. Hope this helps Tim

[poppa]

WHat are the differences between ac and dc??Which will work better for aluminum??

[wayfast1500]

ac is alternating current it switches form negative to positive like in a house. You use this polarity with a high freq. box for alum. It gives it a cleaning action then switches polarity for penetration. When shopping for a welder keep a eye on duty cycle some of the cheap ones are so cheap because they have a real low duty cycle.  For general body work a basic mig with some argon will be good. Sounds like you have a flux core keep it incase you have to weld outside keeping shielding gas from blowing away can be a pain

[GN]

I use a Hobart and it fine for around the house.