whats everyone using to weld panel??

**jaft** · 08-12-2014, 10:40 PM

Hi

Looking at buying a welder and was wondering what's, everyone using.

Pros and cons..

Cheers jaft

**husky srt** · 08-12-2014, 11:25 PM

Mig, don't buy a cheap one from super cheap or gas weld, go to someone like mino mag or someone like that. Your going to have it for years and you will end up welding more than just panel steel. Oh and don't buy gasless, they are crap.

**Vombil** · 09-12-2014, 01:07 AM

Unimig 190 gas/gasless. $400 or $440 new in the box. havent used it yet though! my mate swears by CIG 150 but i had one it it was good when it was good but too often jammed the feed

**wbute** · 09-12-2014, 08:41 AM

WIA 270. Have been very happy with it.
I notice a lot use TIG and gas weld on car panels though.

**stickthis** · 09-12-2014, 10:47 PM

Cant go wrong with any of the following brands. This is also in my preference of order. (im a machinist/welder by trade)

Miller
WIA
CIG
Lincoln
Boc
Uni Mig

I haven't included all brands. But that gives you a rough list.

For the hobby bloke/farmer if you can afford it a WIA is brilliant! But they don't come cheap.

a little 150 or 180 is enough to weld 6-8mm max thick steel.

For the backyarder that uses once in a while. gas isn't cheap. But gasless wire is pure crap. For the backyarder you cant go past a unimig. Good value for money. Not a bad unit. But at the same time not the best unit.

TIG... If you haven't done it keep in mind its not easy. Somy MIGs will have a tig setup as an option. Myself I wouldn't bother with TIG. MIG is perfect for cars.

Or you could just be like me with my HZ GTS and lead wipe everything. ;) Time consuming!!!!!!! but neat! bugger all heat too!

MIG is good if you go SLOW!!! tack. Don't do weld runs. tack in different spots. not next to each other. Cool with a wet rag as you go.

**wbute** · 09-12-2014, 10:54 PM

Hey Jason can you explain lead wiping?

**Calum** · 10-12-2014, 12:33 AM

Originally Posted by wbute

Hey Jason can you explain lead wiping?

Try this

Old school stuff !! good if you have the knack also they make body filler that can 'rival it'

**stickthis** · 10-12-2014, 11:00 PM

thanks Calum. Yep that's the process. Neat aye!

**jason.ruff** · 11-12-2014, 10:54 AM

I tried the small disposable argon bottles, but they are quite expensive. I ended up finding a mob in Brisbane who sold me a small cylinder and I mail it back to them for refills. A lot cheaper than a standard bottle from one of the big outfits where you have to pay bottle rental.