[no69x-44]

I need to weld in two front floor pans and my trunk center pan. I really don't fore see using a welder too much after this. Below are the specs on a Mig Welder that have seen. The fact that this unit uses 110 power (which is what I have in my garage) is a nice feature. I was wondering if it was worth the 120 bucks they are asking for it or if I should just forget it. Keep in mind that this a first time welding project for me. Thanks for any advice:

Chicago Electric 90 AMP Flux Wire Welder
No gas required. Specifically designed to use self-shielding flux-cored welding wire, eliminating any need for gas and regulators normal MIG welders require.

* Self regulating feed control
* Thermal protection with warning light
* Input: 115 volt, 15 amps, single phase
* Welding current (2 settings) 63 to 68 amps (low), 79 to 90 amps (high)
* Duty cycle: 12% @ 80 amps, 20% @ 60 amps
* Wire capacity: 0.035'' or 0.030''

[HwyStarJoe]

For sheetmetal like pans I'd stick with a machine that uses .025" wire with gas. It'll be tough with that size wire and the flux makes for a dirty joint.

[bruce69camaro]

I agree with Joe, try and use .023-.025 wire. The wire you mentioned is a little heavy and you may have troubles with it burning through. If that machine can go down to that size, I'd say buy it if your not looking to do a lot of heavy welding.
Bruce

[no69x-44]

Thanks for advice guys. You expertiece is always welcome.

[MARTINSR]

Try to step up as far as you can possibly go. A Miller 135 for about 500 bucks is money VERY well spent. I hate to see you throw away 120 bucks on that thing. I mean it, just toss it in the garbage.

Click here to see the "Basics of Basics" to buying tools, could save you some headaches. [img]smile.gif[/img]

[MARTINSR]

By the way guys, remember that .030-.035 is not SOLID, it is flux, so it doesn't carry the same current as .030-.035 solid wire. This machine is only 90 amps so it isn't going to be very "Hot" to begin with.


Besides that, you can use the .030 for sheet metal with no problem.
I actually used .030 Solid for years on bodies with my Century 205 220 volt MIG.

My problem with this machine is that is just a junk "pretend" tool. [img]smile.gif[/img]

[Infamous]

I have a Miller 135.

I love that thing. I'm thinking of leaving my Wife and marrying it.

[olympic69]

About 15 years ago I bought a MIG from Daytona MIG, with some reservation. I still have the welder and it works fine. I bought it thinking that I would only use it a few times then sell it. I have enjoyed useing it now over the years and feel glad I made the investment. It is a gas shield unit and has a range (4 settings) from 30-140 amps. The lower setting on your prospective unit sounds a little high. I have also heard that gas shielding is recommended for thin metal. The Miller 135 is also a unit that I have used and it is also great. It is dual polarity so you can use flux core or gas shielded wire. Not too expensive- you get what you pay for. My opinion would be buy something that you can count on. I have welded some intricate work on sheetmetal, and a cheap machine- or at least the one I was useing- almost ruined the project. Another thought is resale value. If you dont want to keep the welder, a brand name like Miller will fetch more used IMO.

Rob

[Tony67SS]

Ive been using my Miller 135 for about 6 months and it is great. If you have the cash, upgrade to a 135 or something similar. MArtinsr's article on tools is dead on.

[Guido67SS]

Allright guys I am going to throw this out just to see what you think. Check this link about making your own tig and let me now what you think.

http://www.turbomustangs.com/forums/...0&pagenumber=5

[HwyStarJoe]

That's an idea. If you could build one that doesn't break down and works for half the price of a commercial unit, why not?

[no69x-44]

MARTINSR and all ... Thanks for your replys and responses. Guess I'll trash the "cheap" idea and save my $$ for a more useful machine. Martinsr -- I did read your acticals, and you make some very valid points. I was thinking that I could maybe save a few dollars on "tool" that I would use once. But guess if a tool does it's job, and does right, you will always find use for it in the future.

[emtcee1973]

what about checking in the paper.someimes you can pick up a decent used one cheap.i bought mine used through a friend, its a $2500 snapon(century makes it)mig for $800.now i'm not saying to spend that much but there r pretty good deals out there.

[stingr69]

I bought a cheap one first.

Sent it back.

Bought a Miller 135 and finished the car with it.

Do yourself a favor and buy the Miller first. You will not be sorry.

-Mark.

[bowtiepower00]

Here's another vote for the Miller. It will definately be money well spent, and if you need to do any welding in the future, you will be prepared. If not, sell it and get your money back. At the very least, spend the money on a MIG unit, as opposed to a flux core only machine. You may want to check out Hobart welders for machines that are just about identical to the Millers, but that are a bit more affordable.