Welding Q's
#16
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 660
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From: Hampton, Virginia
Model: Cherokee
Engine: none other
i think i paid for mine close to 400 buck from norther tool. if you get any kind of MIG i wouldnt go less that a 140 amp thats just me. i kinda want to get the handler 180 but this thing is awesome. and i agree with smoothlandin as i have been making money here and there with mine too.
#18
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,048
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From: Georgia
Year: 2004
Model: Grand Cherokee (WJ)
Engine: 4.0 Inline 6
So if one chooses a wire welder, what size wire do you use for different thicknesses of metal? Is there a "one size fits most" metal thicknesses?
Can anyone tell me the welder settings for different thicknesses of metal? Stick, MIG, or both?
Can anyone tell me the welder settings for different thicknesses of metal? Stick, MIG, or both?
#19
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 660
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From: Hampton, Virginia
Model: Cherokee
Engine: none other
with the MIG the wire depends on if your useing flux or solid wire. also depends on what welder you get too. like 120 or 220. the welder should have a nice little chart on it telling you the suggested wire size for metal thickness. there are too many variables still to really help. first chose a welder then ask. and practice practice practice.
#20
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,048
Likes: 0
From: Georgia
Year: 2004
Model: Grand Cherokee (WJ)
Engine: 4.0 Inline 6
with the MIG the wire depends on if your useing flux or solid wire. also depends on what welder you get too. like 120 or 220. the welder should have a nice little chart on it telling you the suggested wire size for metal thickness. there are too many variables still to really help. first chose a welder then ask. and practice practice practice.
#21
CF Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,844
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From: Warsaw, IN
Year: 2000,1990,1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I got my lincoln 180 mig kit for like $650 brand new. Just wait, you'll find the right deal.
#22
Former Sponsor
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 470
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From: Edwardsburg, MI
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 ho
i got a real gear mig, its made my miller but cheaper i love it, i paid 675 for the welder, cart, tank, gloves, auto shade helmet and 10 n 1 welding pliers
#23
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,048
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From: Georgia
Year: 2004
Model: Grand Cherokee (WJ)
Engine: 4.0 Inline 6
Any thoughts on the Harbor Freight 140amp flux core/mig welder? Looks decent at decent price as well. Been checking craigslist but everyone wants big bucks for used welders.
#24
CF Veteran
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,844
Likes: 4
From: Glen Burnie, MD
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 H.O. K&N, Borla headers, custom down pipe, magnaflow hi-flo cat, flowmaster to turn down tip
i have a little 110 amp flux welder, and i use .035 wire for just about everything. from 1/16'-1/4" it does a fairly good job. just make sure you use good wire, like the stuff home depot sells, not the crap HF sells. also read up on technic and how to use each type of wire/welder. it will help you learn faster.
#25
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,048
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From: Georgia
Year: 2004
Model: Grand Cherokee (WJ)
Engine: 4.0 Inline 6
i have a little 110 amp flux welder, and i use .035 wire for just about everything. from 1/16'-1/4" it does a fairly good job. just make sure you use good wire, like the stuff home depot sells, not the crap HF sells. also read up on technic and how to use each type of wire/welder. it will help you learn faster.
#26
ericFX has said good things about the HF welder your talking about. I think I remember him saying they are rebadged Clarke welders.
#28
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,048
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From: Georgia
Year: 2004
Model: Grand Cherokee (WJ)
Engine: 4.0 Inline 6
I plan on getting it this coming weekend. I will let everyone know how it does.
#29
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 763
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From: Warren, PA 16365
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
I bought a used Lincoln Weld Pack 100, 120V gasless mig with some .35 flux core wire already in it for $60. My friend's dad was closing down his shop and sold it to me cheap so I could learn. Win? I would like to think so.
Keep an eye out for shops in your area going out of business, or estate sales. Lots of old timers have migs and stick welders laying around cheap.
Keep an eye out for shops in your area going out of business, or estate sales. Lots of old timers have migs and stick welders laying around cheap.