tools for a newb.

[Cuda416]

I am about to start outfitting a home shop in prep for restoring a 70 Barracuda Vert. I have a couple of questions regarding tools..

1. What should I look for in a welder for this purpose.
2. Where can I get plans or drawings of the body dollies I see people using?

Thanks

Corey

[Chryco Psycho]

I would buy something high quality
 Miller is the best , Hobart or Lincoln are good , probably 110  powered , 220 is preferable but you need to make an extension cord from you dryer plug or wire a new plug into the panel
a mig with gas capabilities is a must , huge amperage is not an issue with body work welding .
 Grainger had a killer deal on Miller last month , that have an auto feed setting so you set the heat & it will feed in the correct wire speed .
 the typical dollie I have seen bolts to the front spring hanger mount , you can build a bridge to bolt onto the K frame holes in front .

[Cuda416]

I would buy something high quality
 Miller is the best , Hobart or Lincoln are good , probably 110  powered , 220 is preferable but you need to make an extension cord from you dryer plug or wire a new plug into the panel
a mig with gas capabilities is a must , huge amperage is not an issue with body work welding .
 Grainger had a killer deal on Miller last month , that have an auto feed setting so you set the heat & it will feed in the correct wire speed .
 the typical dollie I have seen bolts to the front spring hanger mount , you can build a bridge to bolt onto the K frame holes in front .

Sounds good. I'll look for the Miller stuff. Any particular model I should look out for?

-C

[Chryco Psycho]

I just bought the Millermatic 140 Autoset , they have a $75 rebate until Nov

[Topcat]

I have a Miller 175 now it's called a 180. It's a 220V unit and covers a wide range of metal gauge. Darn good unit and worth the money. Granger was selling those at a pretty low price recently.

[Cuda416]

I have a Miller 175 now it's called a 180. It's a 220V unit and covers a wide range of metal gauge. Darn good unit and worth the money. Granger was selling those at a pretty low price recently.

Mind if I ask what constitutes "low"?

Corey

[Chryco Psycho]

I picked up the 140 for $340 , I believe regular price is $1000

[Topcat]

Mind if I ask what constitutes "low"?

Corey

Don't know if this sale price is still good.

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/MILLER-MIG-Welder-1TKC5

guess not! Was from 6/9. Like $390 I recall.

[Cuda416]

Been looking at different welders and what people say about them. Lots of people have recommended the Millermatic 175/180. others swear by
Lincoln for sheet metal because they "start quicker".  I've also been looking at the units from Eastwood http://www.eastwood.com/mig-175-welder-cart-and-helmet-kit.html
and wondering if anyone here has had any first hand experience with them. Getting the welder a spool gun, helmet and cart for a hair over six bills
sounds good. Is it too good to be true?

[Topcat]

Been looking at different welders and what people say about them. Lots of people have recommended the Millermatic 175/180. others swear by
Lincoln for sheet metal because they "start quicker".  I've also been looking at the units from Eastwood http://www.eastwood.com/mig-175-welder-cart-and-helmet-kit.html
and wondering if anyone here has had any first hand experience with them. Getting the welder a spool gun, helmet and cart for a hair over six bills
sounds good. Is it too good to be true?

Ceveat Emptor on the Eastwood unit. It's a re labeled...(who knows what it actually really is) mig welder. Then they put 175 on it to lure you in and make it look just like a Miller 175. Which I doubt it is. Miller hasn't re labelled before to my knowledge and I doubt that they are doing that now. It's definitely not a Miller 175. Handle and power button are different on Millers.

[Cuda416]

Aright I have two leads on used welders.

1. Millermatic 175
2. Hobart 140

The price difference is about $50 between the two. Is there any real advantage of the Miller over the Hobart?

Thanks

_C

[GoodysGotaCuda]

From what I've seen a Hobart is basically a Miller... but for $50...GET THE AMPERAGE!

Be sure you have 220v available however, or that won't do you much good. Frame work and other HD stuff you will want the higher amperage and longer duty cycle of the 175.

[Topcat]

Get the Miller 175 or 180 if you can.

[Cuda416]

Hey guys thanks for the input. I ended up getting the MM 175, and the guy even tossed in his NexGen auto darkening helmet to sweeten the deal. Now all I have to do is finish the basement and I can start on my car!

[Chryco Psycho]