Thread: MIGs for car bodywork - do any go lower than 30A?

Originally Posted by homemechanic

I'll update when I get my hands on a welder and gas bottle!

Heh, came back to browse the forum for info on TIG and realised I never updated this

I ended up getting a good deal on a well-used Esab MIG welder - a Power Compact 200 (comedy name.. its not small, and weighs something like 80kg - but it has good wheels).

I also bought an E-size cylinder of argon/CO2/O2 mix for mild steel, from Speedgas (they're local to me).

I've used it for a few jobs - modifying my blast cabinet, making small pipework brackets for engine restoration, removing stuck sheared bolt shanks etc. I'll be using it on car bodywork in another month or two (progress dependent on other work on the car), so will be buying some thin steel sheet to practise on and to make the actual repair with.

I'm pretty happy with the machine - I find it much easier to lay a good bead with the Esab than the Cigweld I previously rented from Kennards whenever I had saved up enough welding to do.

The only advise I'd give to people in the same boat as me is consider the cost of the gas - it has occurred to me that if I just got a decent AC TIG welder to start with, I could use a single bottle of Argon for everything.

As it is, with MIG, once I start to do stainless or aluminium, I'll need a second gas bottle

If I was planning on having one welder only, it would be a MIG everyday of the week. Much more versatile than a TIG.

Originally Posted by AxelVK

If I was planning on having one welder only, it would be a MIG everyday of the week. Much more versatile than a TIG.

I would agree with that.

Not to mention better in terms of learning and getting good results quickly.

Still want a TIG though. One day.

Cheers

Justin

Originally Posted by Jarh73

I would agree with that.

Not to mention better in terms of learning and getting good results quickly.

Still want a TIG though. One day.

Cheers

Justin

Most definitely, every household should really have a TIG. Not necessarily one in every room but at least one per address.
Speaking of which; I just bought a Kemppi MasterTIG which means that I have a 200 Amp EasyTIG AC/DC, HF start, used approx 2 hours for sale and it will go very cheap.
Interested?
PS. Just realised you're in VIC. Nevertheless, if you or any is looking for a TIG, PM me.

Originally Posted by AxelVK

Most definitely, every household should really have a TIG. Not necessarily one in every room but at least one per address.
Speaking of which; I just bought a Kemppi MasterTIG which means that I have a 200 Amp EasyTIG AC/DC, HF start, used approx 2 hours for sale and it will go very cheap.
Interested?
PS. Just realised you're in VIC. Nevertheless, if you or any is looking for a TIG, PM me.

You got me thinking!!!!!

As in really thinking.

Might PM you shortly.

Cheers

Justin

Originally Posted by Jarh73

You got me thinking!!!!!

As in really thinking.

Might PM you shortly.

Cheers

Justin

Please do. Like I said, good price.