I decided to take up the task of shaving my own engine bay. I have never welded before, but have gotten a couple of scrap fenders to practice on. Once I get my skills up to par I will start the process of shaving my bay.


I know nothing about welders, but am currently researching. This is the probably the only job that the welder will ever see, so the cheaper the better.

What welders do you guys recommend?

I read that a harbor freight welder will do the job fine. Any one using one of these? Will a used welder be fine, or should I stick to new?

Thanks alot!

 

If your trying to fill areas in I would use a TIG or MIG with sheilding gas, do NOT use a flux core welder your will spend more time cleaning and grinding then you can imagine.

I typically say "you can do anything if you work/try hard enough" but honestly, I would take it to a welder and pay to have to done if this is your first, and last welding project, I think you will save money/time and be happier in the end.

 

A gas fed MIG, 110 volt. Stay away from the Flux Core stuff, even though it's cheaper. You might want to grab a few fenders to practice on, and work on welding joints for a while before you try and smooth out your engine bay. There is no need for a 220 welder, especially for sheet metal.

 

Ok, I've got a ton of scrap fenders to practice on. And let me rephrase, shaving the bay will probably be the biggest job the welder will see. But I can see myself using it a good bit in the future for random brackets and other small fab work.

What do you guys think of this one? I know you said stay away from Flux, but this seems to be a good deal even though Harbor freight is a hit or miss. Should I consider, or like both of you said absolutely do not get a flux?

It will be on sale for $89 this weekend, and I have a coupon that will make it $78.
http://www.harborfreight.com/welding...8887-8494.html

 

If your doing body work, or really anything but exhasut work, get a gas sheilded MIG. I built my whole first turbo setup with flux, and while it worked, as soon as I switched to gas, and later TIG, I will never use flux again except for exhaust and fencing projects.

Used welders are a good way to save money BTW

 

Ok, gas shielded MIG it is then. I'll search CL and see what I can find, if not I will buy new.

Thanks for the help!

 

A good 110v welder that uses gas is normally in the $300-$400 range. There may be a few cheaper ones but the duty cycle will also be much lower. You then need to add in the cost of the flow regulator and a steel mix bottle. I bought my bottle many years ago. Expensive but cheaper than an annual rental. When the bottle gets empty, I take it back to the welding supply shop and swap it for a full one. Lastly there are other options to buy. A cart to mount the welder and bottle on, helmet since most welders may only come with a cheap hand held shield. Welding gloves, wire, nozzle tips etc.

Although I wouldn't recommend the cheap harbor freight welder, much of the other stuff you'll need is fine from them. If you plan on doing a lot of welding, a large spool of mig wire is better. You'll probably do better with .023 wire. .030 is pushing the limits of a 110v welder and .035 needs 220v to provide enough amps.

 

grab a copper spoon too while your at harbor freight. You'll need one to patch up holes

 

Some scrap aluminum works well also

 

This is the welder I just bought not to long ago. I'm not an expert and only used it once to weld an exhaust pipe so far but compared to the cheapo welders I've used in the past this one is great. http://www.eastwood.com/mig-welder-1...5a-output.html

 

I have a miller 180, .030 wire, works very well. You can usually find a nice used one on cl or ebay. The old lincoln 175's were good welders too.


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