Welding Welding Welding!

[mattymatmat]

I have no experience at welding, so I'm wondering whats the best welder for body panels? Or if I need to minor door repair welding? If i'm going to cut into the car to weld sheet metal in, would a MIG be best? I have a friend with an arc welder that I might be able to have him help me but he was saying that the sheet metal might be too thin. errr... And then my friend mentioned propane torches? Then theres wirefeed? I'm confused Little help?

[Daniel]

The answers to your questions are at your local community college.The classes are not expensive and will pay off forever.Welding is a practiced art.Metal types,what temp to use,what type of rod,there is a lot to know before you throw sparks.I have many friends that have been through the class and they all enjoyed it and learned alot. Have fun !! Daniel

[jcdozier]

Your friend with the arc welder is correct - body sheet metal is too thin for stick welding. MIG (or TIG) is the better choice. (Don't ask what the difference is between MIG and TIG 'cus I don't know - my welding source is my son who is taking wekding technology at the local tech college.) Brazing with a torch will work, but my source tells me it is much more difficult to get good results than either MIG or TIG.

[2ManyZs]

A wire feed Mig will work the best IMO for sheet metal such as body repairs. TIG will work, but the equipment is very expensive compared to Mig and TIG is better for aluminum and stainless steel. I have tried TIG in the past and it is not easy.

A wire feed MIG can be had for under $500 if you get the one that has Argon or CO2 shielding gas. A gasless will work but IMO one with the shielding gas will give better results, less splatter and nicer welds. I have not tried a gasless MIG with the flux wire so I can only guess at this. You can buy timers for the MIG so that you will not overheat what you are working on and cause the panels to warp. It is always best to do the welding in very short increments to keep the heat from warping the surrounding panel. You can also by a heat shielding putty to surround the work area to minimize warping due to the heat.

Brazing will work, but with the heat needed to braze, you may warp the panel. Brazing will not be as strong as a good MIG weld.

Just my opinion, since I am a "shadetree" welder at best.

[thunderstreak]

Hello,

IMO spend the money and go TIG if you can afford it. Maybe $1500. The control you have is far superior to that of MIG. The signifiant difference is that to apply heat with MIG filler rod is being applied and you can have a overbuild up of filler metal. With TIG you add the filler rod as necissary controlling the heat with a foot controler and the torch. Learn the skill of TIG and you will hate MIG except for quick jobs around the house. IMO TIG is the only way to go, especially for body panels.

Gene

[mattymatmat]

Thanks again everyone for the feedback!