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Author
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Topic: mig welders for floor pans and simple welding
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rmousir
Gearhead Posts: 1124
From: Amelia, Ohio
Registered: May 2003
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posted 10-02-2006 09:40 AM
 
Hey all,The floor pan in my mustang and my wife's jeep cherokee are in need or replacement. I figure I can learn on the jeep and be ready for the mustang. He He... Anyway will this mig do the trick for what I am wanting to do: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=44567
I figure that I can use it for all sorts of things but I can defentily get my money's worth with floor pans in two vehiciles.
Let me know. Thanks very much. Richard. ------------------
rmousir
'66 Mustang Coupe
Ford Blue & white stripes
95 roller 302, C4 Auto
Offy 360 intake & Holley 4 bl carb
grab-a-track 620s, 4.5 leafs, 1.25" drop blocks
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Dreamcometrue
Gearhead Posts: 903
From: New-Brunswick,Canada
Registered: Apr 2004
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posted 10-02-2006 10:59 AM
Hi Richard.
I bought a Millermatic 135 with the CO2 shielding gas and I am very satisfied.
See this link:
http://www.millerwelds.com/products/mig/millermatic_135/
http://www.weldingmart.com/Qstore/c000024.htm
Of course it's more expensive than the other one but the 135 amps allow you to weld thick stuff. Also it has a 20% at 90 amps.
I tried the fluxcore mig, without the gaz and it spatters a lot, which means messy work.
Good luck, Rino 
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rmousir
Gearhead Posts: 1124
From: Amelia, Ohio
Registered: May 2003
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posted 10-02-2006 11:10 AM
Would this one be a better set up for working on cars/trucks???http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=55250 I want to keep costs down and other than cars/trucks I don't know what I would use it for. Thanks.
Richard.
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mellowyellow
Gearhead Posts: 8198
From: So. Fl.
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 10-02-2006 05:12 PM
One like the Millermatic 135 is a plug in to garage current and is big enough to handle anything from frame up. Argon/C02 is the ticket over the flux core. Nice thing about the Miller is that it has dial settings rather than clicks. I bought a Daytona 135 several years ago and have done a few cars with it-wish, though, I had ponyed up and sprung for the Miller. Definitely go for the gas.
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Dreamcometrue
Gearhead Posts: 903
From: New-Brunswick,Canada
Registered: Apr 2004
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posted 10-04-2006 07:37 AM
Hi Richard .Check this one on ebay. http://cgi.ebay.ca/MILLER-115v-Wire-Feed-Welder-Millermatic-135_W0QQitemZ280034682898QQihZ018QQcategoryZ113743QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem And it's in Ohio too! The only thing missing is the cart and a bottle of CO2. Used with the cart, you can still get $600.00 for it if you decide to sell it. Rino
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rmousir
Gearhead Posts: 1124
From: Amelia, Ohio
Registered: May 2003
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posted 10-04-2006 08:54 AM
I am looking to spend less than $200 if possible. If it can do body work that is great but as long as it does floors and stuff that I would do on the car that people won't see. The work that everone sees (body etc) I am thinking that I will have a pro shop do. Not sure I am a body guy. Would hate to really mess up my car but I am learning.Richard. ------------------
rmousir
'66 Mustang Coupe
Ford Blue & white stripes
95 roller 302, C4 Auto
Offy 360 intake & Holley 4 bl carb
grab-a-track 620s, 4.5 leafs, 1.25" drop blocks
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lonewolf
Gearhead Posts: 419
From: Colorado; M&M #3117
Registered: Jul 2003
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posted 10-04-2006 11:21 AM
Going less than $200 might be tough. You really want to do this on the gas rather than flux core. Other than the obivous cleanliness of welds, MIG welds are generally cooler with less warpage and less chance of blow through. The weld quality is much better on lighter steel. You will have $100 just in the filled bottle. You will also want a helmet instead of the goofy face shield you need to hold up to your face. So add in another $30 or so for a cheap one. Another option would be to check into the mobile welding guys. You do all of the cutting and fitting, all he has to is show up and weld them in. If the hard work is done, it should only take him a couple of hours. Then you dress the welds and seam seal them up. Personally, I use my MIG for all sorts of stuff from car work to building a tubular bed frame for my kids, to fixing stuff around the house. I have upgraded to a Lincoln SP-175 which is a bit over the stated price range, but I used to use a Lincoln WeldPak 100 converted to MIG before this. Home Depot carries them for a fairly reasonable price. I seem to remember Steve L. buying a light weight Lincoln unit a couple of years ago that he seemed real happy with. I searched for the post and can't find it. Maybe he will chime in here. HTH, Rick ------------------
Lonewolf
1968 Coupe in Pieces
99 1/2 F250
FFR MkIII
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Blacksmith
Gearhead Posts: 604
From: Front Royal, Va., USA
Registered: Feb 2006
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posted 10-04-2006 12:13 PM
The cheaper one should work for you, but with a 10% duty cycle you'll have to take lots of "cool down" breaks.
The more expensive one would be better if you have a 220 outlet available.
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rmousir
Gearhead Posts: 1124
From: Amelia, Ohio
Registered: May 2003
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posted 10-04-2006 01:10 PM
Thanks for all the suggestions. Giving me lots to think about.I found this one on sale from $299 for $199. I think this may fit the bill a little better.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=6271 For stuff like floor pans and other thin metals I can go with out gas right? Or do I use the gas for thin metal work and with out for thick? I am also going to buy a book and do some pratice work. Also use my brother-in-law for refrence when needed. My primary goal is the floor pans and not having to spend a lot on the mig. Anyone live near me that has one and wants to come over?? Richard.
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Blacksmith
Gearhead Posts: 604
From: Front Royal, Va., USA
Registered: Feb 2006
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posted 10-04-2006 02:10 PM
Flux core wire will work, but there will be lots more weld splatter to clean up.
I have a 90/105 amp output Craftsman that I've been running .035 flux core wire through for about 5 years now. It welds everything I need to in my blacksmith shop, but I do go through grinder wheels cleaning up the splatter.
See if you ccan find some anti-splatter spray, that may help to minimize some of the clean up grinding
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mellowyellow
Gearhead Posts: 8198
From: So. Fl.
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 10-04-2006 02:56 PM
Let's say you bought that HF welder and got a small "bottle" of Argon/CO2. You would get better welding, practice on scrap will make your a good welder in not too long a time. You will get good welds, no spatter, stronger, etc. Best of all: If, when done, you could take your, say 275, purchase and sell it for at least 100, maybe a bit more.
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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator Posts: 48752
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99
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posted 10-04-2006 04:43 PM
I'd bet you'd regret buying a Harbor Freight welder, especially since a Lincoln or Miller if probably around the same money. I got my Lincoln on sale at Summit for around $250 and it's been a great little welder since I added the gas it.My Harbor Freight media blaster hardly ever gets used because the cheap components on it always ends up pissing me off. ------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 - '70 Mustang Convertible - '72 Mustang Sprint - '94 F-150 XL
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coupe3w
Gearhead Posts: 137
From:
Registered: Mar 2004
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posted 10-05-2006 08:08 AM
Richard, why don't you buy a used one. Look on craigslist.net. You might find one in your area.coupe3w
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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator Posts: 48752
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99
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posted 10-05-2006 04:56 PM
That's an excellent idea. Have them show you it works before you buy and you're golden.------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 - '70 Mustang Convertible - '72 Mustang Sprint - '94 F-150 XL
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bonfire
Journeyman Posts: 45
From:
Registered: Mar 2005
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posted 10-06-2006 04:56 PM
I agree. I wouldnt use a HF welder unless i absolutely had to. I've seen some great deals on welders on craigslist. The one truth to welders. Buy more than you need cause you will end up using it more and more. i went with a Miller 175 and suddenly I'm building and reapirs friends and neighbors toys, wagons, furniture, etc. In hindsight I wish I would have bought some of these used miller 210 for the same price as I paid for my 175 new.
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pmhvps
Gearhead Posts: 734
From: Burlington,ON,Canada ,in the heart of the Golden Horseshoe.
Registered: Oct 2003
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posted 10-10-2006 11:15 AM
quote:
Originally posted by SteveLaRiviere:
I'd bet you'd regret buying a Harbor Freight welder, especially since a Lincoln or Miller if probably around the same money. I got my Lincoln on sale at Summit for around $250 and it's been a great little welder since I added the gas it.My Harbor Freight media blaster hardly ever gets used because the cheap components on it always ends up pissing me off.
I concur....see my post
https://mustangsandmore.com/ubb/Forum11/HTML/000514.html Mike.
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rmousir
Gearhead Posts: 1124
From: Amelia, Ohio
Registered: May 2003
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posted 10-10-2006 11:10 PM
Well I spoke to my brother-in-law and he is going to go shopping with me and make sure I get a mig with gas. He is going to take me to some welder supply shop. Sounds like a plan. Thanks very much for the input folks.The floor pans are going to be a winter project. Should be a good one. 
Richard.
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Jerry Davidson
Journeyman Posts: 17
From: Cleveland, Ga. 30528 USA
Registered: Nov 2006
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posted 11-22-2006 05:02 PM
The Dual-Mig 151 is a 220 volt gas or flux core welder. All you have to do is reverse polarity to change it. I have a 151 T/2 and it does a really good job. I agree the Miller and the Lincoln are better but they cost more also. The Dual-Mig is made in Italy for Chicago Elec. welding Co. which is one of the oldest in the business. I don't think you'll be sorry if you buy one to save money. The resale holds up good also. Jerry
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Bulldog66
Journeyman Posts: 96
From: Lake City, Fl.
Registered: Nov 2006
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posted 11-22-2006 07:52 PM
Some info I will be needing in my near future. Thanks ------------------
66' A code 289 Coupe.
95' F250 5.8 on 6" of Rancho lift and 35" MT Baja's.
06' Explorer - wifes truck.
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67stang
Gearhead Posts: 2687
From: Panama City, FL
Registered: Jun 99
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posted 11-26-2006 02:33 PM
Although I absolutely LOVE the Lincoln 175 and plasma cutter/TIG that I just recieved as X-mas gifts to myself...I bought a Century 110V welder at Sams Club 8-9 years ago and have always used it flux core (I end up doing most of my welding outside). This unit has served me great and I have did everything I needed to do with it, from welding sheetmetal to 1/2 inch thick steel. The unit cost $199 brand new and has been well worth it. My FIL bought one some time before I moved down to Florida and when I got here he used mine for something and said mine worked much better than his did... HMMM... I took a look at his and he was running the polarity for sheilding gas, which needs to be reversed for flux. After changing it around, his ran like a champ too!
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