Welders

[SEB]

Greetings,

I have scraped together enough $$$ to buy myself a Welder, but I'm not sure what type to get. Being an old holden owner I have lots of rust repairs to do now and over the next 50 odd years. I have used Gas and Arc Welders in the past (20 Years ago) but I think Mig is the thing I need.

What's recommended ?

Best regards,

Steve.

[nicko]

a mig is the go, but make sure you get at least a 150amp preferably one about 170 amp and also must be gas type, as the gasless ones are nearly useless

[Sarge]

Personal choice, & what you know how to use. I prefer to use a TIG as the finish is near perfact and the heat transfer is very low so less panel destortion. Some like to use Gas some Mig, as I said it a personal choice.

Regards
Mark

[SEB]

What's the damage on a TIG unit ? and is it any harder to use ?

Best regards,

Steve.

[Sarge]

Steve Tig welders start at about $1200.00. They are just like  useing gas (brazing) but it electric. Much easyer to control heat spots, and the flow of the weld.


Regards
Mark

[Ed]

Your choice is also dictated by the type of work you want to get into as well.

IF you look at a MIG, check out the duty cycle not only the stated number on the housing, as this more often than not, is a crap number for marketing purposes.  IE a 150 model welder may only have a duty cycle of 10% @ 130A.

meaning can only weld at 130A strength for say 1 minute out of 10 (ie 10% of the time).. and what good is that???

MIG is great for sheet, and can do structural items too, provided u have enough amps.  The draw back is the bead is very hard and subsequently difficult to work smooth if doing body work.

Another great thing, you can use them on almost any angle including up side down, if you can endure the burns.

hope this was of some help.

Cheers

Ed

[son of a restorer]

G'day,

Now being a Son Of A Restorer ::), my father has one. Now I'm not sure excactly what it is but on the side it has CIG Australia on it. It looks to be a desent one but i couldnt be sure. Maybie a should ask him to post here- I'm sure he could tell you all the details needed!

[Murray]

If you decide on the mig I can highly recommend the CIG Brumby 180

[son of a restorer]

ahh yes, my father has a CIG Comet 3.

[Effie C]

ahh yes, my father has a CIG Comet 3.

Which is an Oxy Act. Set (Gas),

I think it is horses for courses,all the different types are best at some things and hopeless at others, an oxy set can weld brase and cut if you know what you are doing, stick welder is good for heavier welding, a mig can do both car bodies and the heavier stuff (depending on model bought) and a TIG is good for the stranger metals (Stainless etc.) as well as normal welding.
But you have to know how to drive this gear, suggest doing welding course at tech, there you get to try the lot without first buying, or visit GIG depot and talk to the sales rep. don't have to buy but they should point you in the direction of the best unit to buy to suit what you want to do (be honest with what you actually want to do)

Good Luck
John M