The_Wraith

whats the best way to go,I got a 90AMP mig welder that requires no gas and only a plug it uses some kind of flux wire.Is this type of welder ok for doing floor pans ,and some sheet metal patch work? arc welders seem to go cheap are they better for this kind of stuff?

thanks

Timz2882

iTrader: (1)

mig is the best but most would recommend gettin a mig welder that can be use with gas and regualr wire and not flux-core wire. the flux-core wire youll have to chip/wire brush off the slag that is left over from the flux after its burned up.

Sonix

iTrader: (1)

Which exact brand/model of welder is it?
You should be fine, it won't look as pretty as if you used gas (you can usually buy a conversion kit so you can use gas with it...)

Arc Welders are cheaper for a reason, the scope of what you can weld with them is smaller, usually just thicker stuff....

Floor pans are fairly thin, 18AWG maybe? I have no idea, no experience...

Yea, that welder should be fine for sheet metal, if you can, upgrade to gas rather than flux-core, it's easier to work with on thinner stuff, and prettier.

The_Wraith

I also bought a cambell houseford? 75amp arc welder i was told arc welders give a stronger weld.

Timz2882

iTrader: (1)

yes arc welders do but on thicker metal youll most likly blow thru the metal with the arc welder enless you have good practice with it.

Sonix

iTrader: (1)

haha, that's kinda odd...
You bought a cheapo unit of each, you coulda saved some $ and bought a better gas mig, gotten the best of both worlds, and been essentially able to weld anything...
(ie, for the same money, buy a gas MIG that's bigger, been able to weld at higher currents, etc.)

Basically now, anything you could weld with the arc welder, you can weld with the MIG. So you probably won't use the arc welder much... I would return the stick welder if you still can, IMHO.

rjmcgee

I had better luck running the flux wire in my mig welder when I was welding my SFC under the car.

The_Wraith

I actually returned the 90amp mig because it was cheap piece of junk.The plastic handle began to melt when I tried it on a piece of scrap.I went with the arc because it is kind of a dieing art.I'll pratice with it and get good.I was also told that arc welding is alote stronger then most.

83 Crossfire TA

iTrader: (2)

The only real way to do body sheet metal is with a gas shielded MIG. Flux core and arc are not controllable enough (put too much heat into the weld/too much penetration) for body sheet metal.

Stick welding really isn’t any stronger then mig, strength is mostly up to technique and prep.

nickdiesel

Use 6013 its an easy sheet metal rod 3/32". I would start with the welder set around 60 and move up as needed. I would also reccemend circular motions when welding. This rod should give you less headaches. Shorter welds at a time so you don't blow through or warp it. Make sure metal has paint removed and metal is butted up nicely.

Pablo

iTrader: (1)

your advice is about 7 years late

7thdarkangel

articwhiteZ

iTrader: (56)

AND the flux core can be used...18Ga Sheet steel for a floor pan is hvy enof to hold up if you doing patch work,

it take using the flux core wire. and getting the welder set up to the feed rate..there not all the same..after a few time using it. ya get to know, the low setting Hi setting and feed speed to set it at..

stuff your not going to see or show, like mini tubs floor pans it's fine.
seat rails. and small fixes all the way up to 1/8.... anything more..get somthing Better.. But I love mine... (90 amp flux core wire feed)