autobody work

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hey guys, i have a hobart AC/DC stickmate. i found some rust of the back of my cab that i would like to repair.. i know dc would be better for this kind of work. what kind of rod ,amperage, technique would work best on sheet metal. Also would an oxy setup be better suited for this? I don't have one nor do i know how to use one but i would try (and i know of one i can get for $75 complete).. Mig welding is not an option for me (don't have one and really can't justify the expense. although i will admit this is optimal work for gas welding
Reply:well after looking around a bit it seems no arc welding ac or dc is good for body work and the oxy/ace would distort the metal due to heat. i looked at prices and if i bought the hobart 125 mig  110v (smallest they have) would that be ok for all types of sheetmetal body work. that's all i would use it for ever...
Reply:yea it should be fine
Reply:new stick--  it will work but  if you want quality you might think about a gas mig ,,,will be cleaner welds less splater  and if budget allows go bigger amp welder ya never know you might want to weld some thing heavyer than sheet-metal just a thought
Reply:You might want to read down though the link below. This question was asked and was beat around a lot. Some very good info and worth the read.http://www.weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread...t=arc+autobodyMiller DVI2Lincoln Precision Tig 225Thermodynamics Cutmaster 38Everything else needed.
Reply:In the middle 80's the major auto mfg. said for warrenty work use plasma to cut with and mig (.023) to weld with.  20 years later, that would be called old technology, but still the best option.  Just my .02 worth.  JohnSMAW,GMAW,FCAW,GTAW,SAW,PAC/PAW/OFCand Shielding Gases.  There all here. :
Reply:Originally Posted by prop-doctornew stick--  it will work but  if you want quality you might think about a gas mig ,,,will be cleaner welds less splater  and if budget allows go bigger amp welder ya never know you might want to weld some thing heavyer than sheet-metal just a thought
Reply:Originally Posted by jamlitYou might want to read down though the link below. This question was asked and was beat around a lot. Some very good info and worth the read.http://www.weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread...t=arc+autobody
Reply:so i am going to get the hobart 125 110v mig with the gas conversion kit..and couple of questionsa. gas cylinder, buy or rent? what size? i'm leaning towards renting since its only a hobby, but...b. does everyone agree that this unit will be able to handle ALL of my auto body sheetmetal work. as stated i have a stick for the bigger stuffthanks
Reply:a=buy, 125 cubic feet b=sheetmetal yes,frame or suspensionVictor SuperRanger O/A                                         Solar migLincoln Powermig 140Southbend 9in lathe350# kohlswa anvilMiller Maxstar 150 stl etc....
Reply:Don't know what part of the country  you live in, but down south or anywhere there is a TSC store, they have a buy program thats reasonable. when you buy you fill the bottle when you want to, ( when its empty) with a lease,  if you dont refill every month, you you pay a monthly fee,  ( demerge)  Can get expensive.  Just my 1 cents.  ( not worth a lot )the gorilla that made it hold Ranger 8  15 yrs old SP150 mig 25 yrs old several Victor sets Snap On 130 mig  25 yrs old Lincoln 225 buzz box SA200  F163  78 mdl they all work just added a Idealarc 250/250
Reply:Do not puy or lease, it will cost you a fortune.  Clark is right (125) most LWS's will exchange the cylinder with you.  JohnSMAW,GMAW,FCAW,GTAW,SAW,PAC/PAW/OFCand Shielding Gases.  There all here. :
Reply:Do not puy or lease, it will cost you a fortune.  Clark is right (125) most LWS's will exchange the cylinder with you.  John    SMAW,GMAW,FCAW,GTAW,SAW,PAC/PAW/OFCand Shielding Gases.  There all here. :
Reply:Originally Posted by clark-kentskia=buy, 125 cubic feet b=sheetmetal yes,frame or suspension
Reply:In the Hobart 120V line up, the Hobart Handler 140 is the unit you want for thin automotive sheet metal. Thin ga sheetmetal performance was the engineers main focus in the design of the 140. Having ran a Hobart Handler 125 and 140 on thin ga sheet, I'd go with the 140 over the 125, because the  low end performance of the HH 125, with solid wire, isn't one of its strong points
Reply:I agree with the above.first Buy the cylinder for hobby work. No sense in paying every year for a bottle that might not be used that much.Also I would recommend the HH140 over the HH125. You should be able to get a good price so their isn't much difference. I know everyone has their personal preferences but if you are getting a great price the HH140 this will do fine for sheet metal and more when you learn how you can push it limits. As you stated you have a good stick welder so any major strength parts can be done with that. I do a fair amount of sheet metal and I believe the 110 migs are the best for this. Have fun and post pic's. Have any question post here or PM me.Have fun,Miller DVI2Lincoln Precision Tig 225Thermodynamics Cutmaster 38Everything else needed.
Reply:Originally Posted by DanIn the Hobart 120V line up, the Hobart Handler 140 is the unit you want for thin automotive sheet metal. Thin ga sheetmetal performance was the engineers main focus in the design of the 140. Having ran a Hobart Handler 125 and 140 on thin ga sheet, I'd go with the 140 over the 125, because the  low end performance of the HH 125, with solid wire, isn't one of its strong points
Reply:Originally Posted by newstickwelderyou and Jamlit make a good point. The cost of a HH125 is $300 plus $75 for the gas conversion.. the HH140 @ $450 is only $75 more so....i guess its a no-brainer, these prices are from Northern so they should be rock bottom, but if any of you guys have heard of cheaper prices, i'm all ears....
Reply:well i ordered it. should be here next week sometime.. i'll post up pics when the project starts although i'll probably spend a few weeks practicing with sheet metal before my truck...thanks again
Reply:Gald to here its all coming together for you. As I mentioned let me know if I can help. I just purchased a new mig myself and I am looking forward to getting some time with it. New tools are always fun.Miller DVI2Lincoln Precision Tig 225Thermodynamics Cutmaster 38Everything else needed.
Reply:Originally Posted by jamlitGald to here its all coming together for you. As I mentioned let me know if I can help. I just purchased a new mig myself and I am looking forward to getting some time with it. New tools are always fun.