What welder would you choose for floor pans and general light duty repair?

[Polishmeatballpizza]

Stick, MIG or TIG? NOTE: I only have 120V in my garage, no easy way to add 220V. I would have to run power from the hallway and tear up the ceiling and walls.


I would like to learn TIG, so that was my initial choice. I know there is an additional cost for gas cylinders, etc.

I heard MIG is easier, however, I have read about some issues with the wire feed working properly.

I could choose a stick (arc) welder that has TIG capability.

[option B9]

  Seven years ago I was looking to buy a MIG/flux core welder, I did some shopping around and decided on the Lincoln 140. It runs on standard 120V household current. I purchased it from a local Lincoln dealer that can service it if something should break down.. it was very easy to set up and I practiced welding on scrap metal for several days plus I watched some welding videos on YouTube. I started welding using the flux core wire first (no gas) first on the floor pans of my 65 GS project. I found this welder very easy to use and the welds were great. then I switched to MIG (Gas) to install the right rear quarter and other exterior work, its not as easy to MIG as to flux core but practice I did and it came out great... the only drawback is switching from MIG to flux core, you have to reconfigure the unit each time, and since I do a lot of both kinds of welding now it can be very time consuming, so I decided to leave the Lincoln a MIG welder and purchase just a flux core welder. I found a plain flux core welder in the Northern Tools Catalog its a Ironton 125 it got good reviews so I called and they said if I was not happy I could return it, so I spent $130 on sale+$20 for a 2 year warranty,  no tax and free shipping right to my door !!! I've been using the welder for 4 months now welding floor/trunk pans in a 64 Riviera and other jobs around the garage and its working fine. its definitely not the Lincoln but it does the job. I know nothing about TIG welding so I will leave that up to another member...    Tony G

[Rollaround]

Here's a couple of videos on MIG welding. I've been using MIG with gas, I prefer the cleaned weld. Hope it helps.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxEsFxTgyJQ

eastwoohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxEsFxTgyJQd mig welding

[Weldar]

Kevin,

I use a Miller Econotwin bought new in the early 80's. Nothing special about it other than AC High Freq for aluminum. For light guage materials either MIG or TIG will be fine. I prefer TIG due to the fine control that can be achieved although this process takes a lot of practice to perfect the skill. I believe that weld joint prep, joint fit-up, and limiting heat input are more important then brand and arguably the process used.

Dwaine

[WkillGS]

I've had a Hobart Handler mig since the 1980's. 120v, I use a Co2/Argon gas mix with it.
Solid unit, fairly versatile. I did try to weld aluminum with it, but it was very difficult due to wire jams.... which is why most recommend using a spool gun for aluminum.
Modern units are still around $500.
  I learned gas welding with oxy/acetelyne. Not good for sheetmetal due to the extra heat. I do like the control you have with gas welding.
Tig has more in common with gas welding than it does with mig.... as far as heat control and filler feed rate. I think I would prefer tig over other methods but I've never tried it.

Mig will do the job, Tig would be a luxury item due to the higher cost.