What kind of welder to I want/need?

[Jace]

So...

Total Tools are having a pretty decent sale. I dropped by after work this arvo and had a look all the welders they've got on show.
Had a good chat to one of the blokes there, he tells me MIG is what I want for bodywork, and pointed me towards a CigWeld something-or-other.

MIG - good for thin steel? Gas keeps it cool so to not blow through?
TIG - For fancy stuff? Alloy's and that sorta stuff?
ARC - Better for thick metals, right?

I feel a bit overwhelmed by all the different lingo. I'd only be looking to do bodywork, rust repairs , occasional cool stuff (like making/altering little brackets n stuff)

I think the one he was recommending was CigWeld $600, 175amp (?) including a regulator. Told me smallish gas bottles are $130 (a year?) then $70 to refill it.

Gasless MIG welding is messier and harder to do right?

Before I started trying to burn holes in my cars I'd obviously have a good practice on some scrap... I'm looking into a TAFE (night?) course too.

Sorry for all the questions, but some of you guys like old as **** cars that rust... just like I (sorta) do. So figured you're the guys to ask!

TIA!

- Jace.

[BrettD]

For general welding, body work etc.. Yes a MIG is the best all round. With the right gas and wire you can also weld Stainless and Aluminium.
The gas isnt to keep it cool, its to keep it clean(shielding)lets say. As opposed to gasless.

TIG you can also weld ALL metals with only ARGON gas, but produces more heat and not ideal due for bodywork due to buckling.

This could go on forever with regards to what your welding, your ability, gases etc.

[Jace]

I used a 3-phase MIG at work experience about 6 years ago... That's all the welding I've done, but I remember the technique I was taught (tiny lil zig-zags). From what I remember I had is sorted haha.
Thank you for your input sir!

[h100vw]

I used a gasless MIG recently and it wasn't that bad I thought. I had a big 160Amp MIG in the UK and that would power through anything. Stick welding is for farms!

Welding clean metal is the most important thing. Joining rust and fresh air on a tatty old MK1 isn't going to happen.

Practice with some nice clean steel and once you have the wire speed dialled in you can often just turn the power up and down without messing about too much.

I miss my MIG..

Gavin

[killingwithasmile]

Mig is easiest and more forgiving to learn. Arc is most economical to set up and make stronger welds when done properly. Mig is best done with shielding gas which means bottle hire, also limited to welding inside usually cause any breeze will blow shielding gas away. Arc is more portable. Forget tig at this stage

[Peter Jones]

Start off with the best MIG you can afford. Gas type is much better.

I bought one and made this.



and I fixed some rust

[Jace]

Trailer's pretty amazing Pete!

When it comes to amperage, is something around the 150amp mark fine?
As far as brands go, Uni-Mig, CigWeld > other junk?

Wear my safety-squint and sunscreen, or buy a helmet?

[Peter Jones]

Just buy the best you can afford and make sure you can get spare parts for it.

I got mine from BOC.

150A is fine for panels and steel up to about 3mm

Buy an auto darkening helmet and good welding gloves.

[Transporter]

I agree buy the best you can afford. I have Lincoln Electric SP170 it is gas and gasless. Lincoln Electric has a good reputation for reliability. I bought it from BOC gases several years ago, bloke in there set up several units and let me choose. I tried auto darkening helmets there as well and they were switching too slowly for my eyes, so I'm stuck with just an ordinary welding helmet.

Nice trailer.

[Jarred]

i'm a novice welder and i've got a decent gas/gasless cigweld MIG.

i've only used gasless atm, but it worked a pretty good for what i've been doing, which is pretty much the same stuff you'll be looking to do.

can't remember the exact specs but it was close to 1grand.

practice makes perfect. dont be afraid to spend half the day mucking about with settings till your comfy.

[Transporter]

Some good advice on Lincoln Electric site how to weld some difficult materials here.

[Tulyar]

The August issue of UK magazine "Practical Classics" is currently still on the shelves in the newsagents - it has an introductory article on MIG welding and some basic guidance on what to buy for car bodywork. Also illustrates what sort of bead you are running and how to get it right!

[Jace]

Awesome advice. Thanks to all you guys.

[Buller_Scott]

Awesome advice. Thanks to all you guys.

anytime...

(it's friday night, and i dont have a date-come-headache-3-months-down-the-track)