Want to learn how to weld...

[Ebm]

Can anyone help me find a beginner welding setup that doesn't cost a fortune?

I want to learn how to weld. My Jeep has some rust on the floorboards and I figured it was the perfect opportunity to learn a new skill. Problem is... the sheet metal I need to use is only 20 or 22 ga. I've been told a flux core welder would splatter and run too hot and probably burn through. For thin sheet metal, would a MIG be the way to go? I know a MIG with gas is probably preferred if so, but bottles are expensive.

Any recommendations on a welder new or used?

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[Jay-rod427]

With mig you would have to weld with a bunch (like hundreds) of tiny quick welds. Google welding body panels. Can't put too much heat in the metal or it distorts.

hobart 185 is a great beginner mig welder. Don't flux core weld anything. Ever. Ever. It's just half ass junk welding. With gas setup and all you're around $1,000. Welding isn't cheap but a lifetime useable skill. Next step after getting decent at mig is tig welding.

 

[Strokerswild]

Learn to TIG.

Then practice, practice, practice.

 

[Ebm]

With mig you would have to weld with a bunch (like hundreds) of tiny quick welds. Google welding body panels. Can't put too much heat in the metal or it distorts.

hobart 185 is a great beginner mig welder. Don't flux core weld anything. Ever. Ever. It's just half ass junk welding. With gas setup and all you're around $1,000. Welding isn't cheap but a lifetime useable skill. Next step after getting decent at mig is tig welding.

There's a guy on Craigslist selling a Lincoln Pro-Mig 175, 2 bottles(1 for steel, 1 for aluminum apparently), cart, and helmet for $550. Everything looks like it's in decent shape. Good deal?

 

[Jay-rod427]

There's a guy on Craigslist selling a Lincoln Pro-Mig 175, 2 bottles(1 for steel, 1 for aluminum apparently), cart, and helmet for $550. Everything looks like it's in decent shape. Good deal?

Yes. Once you own the bottle get it refilled/exhacnged is cheap. The aluminum bottle setup should include what's called a spool gun for aluminum mig welding.

 

[Ebm]

Yes. Once you own the bottle get it refilled/exhacnged is cheap. The aluminum bottle setup should include what's called a spool gun for aluminum mig welding.

Looks like someone beat me to the punch. :(

I was about to head over and look at it yesterday, but someone was already on their way. Oh well. Guess there will be other good deals out there.

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