Thanks everyone for the input. I live in an apartment and I had to twist enough arms to get my landlords to put the 20amp 115 in the garage for me, so I doubt they're willing to put a 220v in. I don't even want to bug them about it.

I actually read through some of the reviews on that one a few days ago. I've come to expect that any included "extras" are more than likely going to be junk (including the cart). I am going to seriously consider that one.

What are you guys paying for gas cylinders? And opinions on flux core? From all my research, I'm seeing that flux core should be avoided, especially for sheet metal. Thoughts on that? Also, here is part of the section I need to fix.



seeing all the rust on the inside is what sealed the deal for me that I need to weld this sucker to fix it right. I've been reading all the 2x6 threads I can find and getting ideas. Huge undertaking for a general Jeep novice like myself, but I have the confidence and determination.

 

In Pennsylvania 80 tank is biggest u can own outright. If u want any bigger u ll have to rent it.
If u do welding work once in a while, it's better to buy a tank. If u do a lot of welding all year round, rent it, it's cheaper.

Hobart are nice. I have a millermatic 211 myself. It's really nice.
Why don't u check into millermatic 140? It should be good for your application. U can use .23 wire for better results on sheet metal.

 

Also don't use flux cored wire on sheet metal. U ll burn holes. Since it penetrates deeper than solid wire.

 

Flux is perfectly fine on sheet metal. Just adjust it accordingly. You will have more clean up with flux, but a flap disk is fine for that.

 

U ll have big fat weld beads with flux which is hassle to grind down smooth when there's a lot of material to sand down.
Gas shielded beads are more flatter. And less clean up.

 

Yeah, flux is pretty messy. I wish I had gas when I did my floors.

OP, do you plan on having an apartment forever? At least look into dual plug setups. That way when you have 220 available your able to use it.

 

Agreed. A bit pricey but totally worth it.

 

I just googled that one, and it is WAY out of my price range. I'm trying my hardest not to spend any more than 500 on a total setup. I know that's a stretch, but any more than that and I'll be in trouble.

I see a lot of arguments about this. The thing is, if I can save a few hundred dollars, I don't mind grinding welds/spatter to make it look a little better. As long as the weld is a good solid fix, I'm happy.

Of course I don't plan on having an apt. forever, but it's certainly going to be nearly forever until I am at a point that I can buy a house. Years down the road. I'm not too concerned about that--I want to get what I can use for now. I can always sell it and upgrade later, if need be.

With all that said, I'm still stuck on a decision. I'm still really looking at the original Hobart AutoArc 130 that I posted. Seems to be a good middle ground. I can practice with flux core on some pieces of sheet I have lying around and decide how I do if I can do this fix with that. And, it will work with gas when I'm ready for that. Even a 20 cubic foot bottle is over 100 dollars from what I've seen! If I can manage a true gas MIG setup for at or under $500, that would be the most ideal.

 

Do u have any friends with small mig units nearby that u can go and try out?

I don't know where u are but I live in west Chester and if u want to try something out. I'll be glad to help

 

It's a ***** to weld sheet metal with the flux core but it's doable. It's not going to be pretty but it can be done...

 

I live in York, PA. I don't have any close friends that do, or that I'd want to bother. A big thing for me is that I really want to do this on my own. I hate the idea of burdening someone else with my project or my specific plans and ideas for it. Not sure when I'll be up near the west chester area! lol not too far off though

 

Thoughts on this one? Seems like a good deal and reviews are mostly positive.

http://www.eastwood.com/review/produ...stomer-reviews

 

Thoughts on this one? Seems like a good deal and reviews are mostly positive.

http://www.eastwood.com/review/produ...stomer-reviews

 

Eastwoods are good units. They are equal to a miller or Lincoln unit. For your situation that 135 will work fine. Once you learn how to use it, you can weld what you need.

 

That Eastwood 135 is the same one I am going to get. It was on sale 2 weeks ago for 299, with free shipping. Thats just the welder though, not the cart or lid. If you have the means to build your own cart, or repurpose something else for one, I would just buy the welder alone and get a helmet from HF or some where for $30 or so. That will free up some of your $500.

The Eastwood has infinite amperage settings, while most all other small welders in the class have 4 tapped settings you are stuck with. Works fine for most stuff, but even on setting one can be a bit much on sheet metal. Especially on old, thin sheet metal.

I just replaced my rocker with my Lincoln Weld Pak 100 flux core and it worked ok, worked best to stitch weld. Actually got nice looking welds after I figured that out. I could add gas to this welder for less than $100 but then I am still stuck with the 4 settings and only 100 amps.
Sorry for the book here, but thought you could use some of the things I have found.