sorry if this has been covered before but i can't find exactly what i need with the search button.
I want to get a welder that i can use to weld up a simple exhaust system (mild steel) but also use if i need to make small chassis mod's later in the cars life (maybe engine swap)
I know you get what you pay for but money is thin on the ground at the mo so can i just get a sample arc welder for these tasks??? and if so what power do i need???
There are some companys quoting 140amp welders will weld 8mm thick, can this be true?
welds don't need to be a work of art, they just need to be solid!
all info and opinions are most welcome... thanks

Forget the arc welder and get a MIG welder
you will pay a bit more for a mig but far superior then arc for the work you are talking about
Iv been welding for 35+ years

Get a mig on ebay. You will probably pay a little extra but welds will be much more suitable

As above, but if you insist on an arc welder i doubt whether you'll need one for 8mm steel, at least not on a car, at a guess it's better to go for one with the lowest start point, machine mart do one that starts at 30 amp which uses 1.6mm rods, i dont think you'd need bigger rods than that for a mild steel exhaust.
they're hard work on a car, migs the way to go.

oh ok, mig it is then thanks.
my workshop (if you can call it that) is not all that wind proof (yes its very cool in the evenings lol)
am i right in thinking i need a gasless welder with some sort of flux core welding rods?

dont get a gasless one,they are poo,get a proper gas one,if money is tight try to bribe a local with a welder to do the deed for you

If you do look at arc welders make sure they are the inverter type which run much smoother than the crude buzz boxes from SIP and Clarke.

If you've got a bit of a breeze through the garage a simple shield and turning up the gas will in all likelyhood do the trick. I've welded outside on moderately windy days without a problem.... You can even just use your non-gun hand (as long as you've got gloves on) to act as an impromptu wind shield (if you're welding a flat surface).

Buying a cheapo MIG off Ebay seems the best option. Lots of people buy Clarke 90s then sell them on for something more powerful. It's not that you *can't* weld thick material with these but you'ld need to notch a V and fill it in with multiple passes....

That's what I've done in the past anyway and no limitation. I think I paid £50 for the welder on the bay and wacked in a new liner and job's a good'un....

quote:

---

Originally posted by pocket rocket
welds don't need to be a work of art, they just need to be solid!

---

Magnificent welding 1

Magnificent welding 2

Nothing a flap wheel (or 30) on a grinder won't sort out

thats as ugly as a war wound! ha ha ha.