I am looking to start building an old Model A. I think I know enough about the mechanial end to get that all squared away. The part I am unsure of is the welding. I have never welded anything in my life. My question is this...What type/size welder would you recommend for building this car? Obviously I will need to weld in panels to whatever body I pick up. Not to mention various welds on the frame and such. Any advice would be helpful. The good thing is I tend to be a quick learner.
I have never welded anything in my life. My question is this...What type/size welder would you recommend for building this car Personally I would take it to a pro welder or at least some-one with some experience to get the chassis welding done,whilst there ask questions and watch what is going on,then when you know a little bit about how it is done then have a go at doing the less important stuff such as the body panel repair. Remember your life might depend on them chassis welds. just my2c john
This subject comes up, let's see, about every week or so...use the search feature and you'll get tons of opinions....
your best bet is to get a cheap MIG setup...you can pick one up kinda cheap...but there last forever... i wouldn't start on the 'A' though...you REALLY dont wan to be rumblin' down the road and start havin welds break....that would be disaster..... i'd say practice for at least a few weeks first.....
For what you are trying to do, a mig welder is a great versatile choice, and one of the easiest to learn. But of course it doesn't mean that you should buy a mig and build your frame the next week. Like any skill, it takes practice to do properly. That said, the biggest mistake most make when choosing a welder for the first time is under-buying the unit. If you want to safetly and properly mig weld doing frame and chassis work, the smallest unit I would choose would be a 175 Amp unit that will allow you to use gas. And if you have 220Volt available, pick a welder that allows 110V or 220 V use. (and most of the better 175Amp models do). If you're on a budget the Hobart handlers are nice, durable welders, and are made by Miller. Its kind of a lower line Miller, but a great hobbyist unit that will last you many years. I would highly recommend taking a Welding Course, look in your area at Community Colleges or Vocational Schools. And for a good online forum with helpful skiller weldors is http://www.hobartwelders.com/mboard/ Once you learn to weld you will be addicted, and find how great it is to fabricate all of your own parts, instead of farming it out. Good luck
I'm with Meester P when he says take it to a welder when its chassis or something your life depends on. I've got a Hobart Handler 140 its a great little unit (110volt) works great on sheet metal but I wouldn't risk my life on it.
110 machines are OK for sheetmetal. For any type of chassis work,I'd recommend a 220 machine, AND take some formal classes on MIG welding at a local college or something.
Before you spend a dime you owe it to yourself to take a course at the local community college. This will help you sort things out and quite possibly save you from making a mistake in selecting your first welding rig. Pay attention, also, to the advise on this board. Don't trust your life to welds you make on critical suspension components until you know for sure what you're doing.
Do all the above, then build yourself something like a trailer or something else you can use. It's always more interesting and educational if you have a real life project to work on. There's a lot more to metal fabrication than knowing how to lay a nice weld bead. Do some homework, practice, listen look and learn. Then build a Rod. Pete
Get a MIG and tack important things in place and get a experienced welder to finish the welds. Do a welding class and if you have a problem you will have it answered, maybe a good place to find a good welder to finish your stuff.
yep, I just had to have a mig.....bought the lincoln 135+ (nice setup) but I'll be using my stick for my chassis stuff......better penetration..... if you buy a mig, buy the 220v BTW anyone want to buy a brand new Lincoln 135+?
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