Welding information anyone?

Hello all, I am looking to restoring cars and am starting on my 98 Tacoma. I don't have any idea about welding. Welding does NOT need to be done on my Taco, BUT I want to learn anyway. My tailgate is banged up so I'm totally ok with tearing it apart and practicing on it (until I get it right and make it look good).

Down to the point. I need some info on welder's and what kind should be used on vehicles. I see a 90 AMP flux wire wler for 90 bucks and was wondering if it's a good price and if it's a good welder for fixing frames and doing extensive body work? Just throwing it out there!

Thanks in advance for the advice!

 

In my opinion this is the best welder for begginer and somebody who knows welding but does not want to spent $1000's on welder
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200306073_200306073
Plus you will find always tons of parts and attachments for it.

 

I have the Hobart above. Great welder. I knew when I bought it I was going to need a bigger one someday but got a good deal and needed a MIG ASAP.

You need to think long and hard about how far you are going to go with welding. This isn't the type of decision to get cheap with.

Are you going to be content welding sheet metal or do you see yourself repairing trailers, making bumpers, welding frames, etc?

A good 110 volt welder can weld up to 3/16" thick steel on a single pass with gas. They can usually weld up to 1/4" thick on a single pass with flux core.

The problem with welding with one of these at maximum capacity is that they'll have a short duty cycle. Say they'll weld for 3 minutes straight and then need a 10 minute break to cool off.

So if you think there is even a chance you'll be welding at least 3/16" material get a 220v welder and have your shop wired for it. They're not that much more and you can do twice the amount of work.

You'll probably want to run .023 or so diameter wire for sheet metal and then something like .035 for the thicker stuff so make sure the machine you buy can accommodate that range of wire. Most can so don't worry.

Don't waste your time welding sheet metal with flux core. Yes, it can and has been done and it can look pretty decent once you get good. But the clean up and splatter are a pain in the ass. Get gas. You save yourself a ton of time and your stuff will look a lot better with less grinding.

 

Thanks guys! I'll definitely look into this and see if I can buy it. A little pricey, but I'll see what I can do. I may have to take some classes for welding if i'm going to spend this kind of money on a welder.

 

It's Hobart and Miller not Lincoln.

I had the Hobart 140 and it's a great little Mig it gets the job done for thin materiel any Hobart is going to be a great welder But if you have the money go with Miller. Just my 2c

 

Save your money and buy a Millermatic 211 (about $1400). Thing about welders is if you buy a cheep one and stick with welding you will undoubtably buy a more expensive one. I say spend your money only once. This welder you can do everything and anything. Easily weld one inch steel with one pass or weld sheet metal. With the purchase of the optional spool gun you can weld aluminum