Need to know how much of a welder I need for basic exhaust/ body work?

Question

I don't have much experience with welding, and I only need to do some basic things, like exhaust system repair, replacing floor pans, that kind of thing. I don't have much room either, so I was thinking of just getting a cheap import ARC welder, but I have no idea how much power I need to do this. Anyone have any advice?

Answer 1

The best welder for a novice is a MIG unit.

Which means "Mechanical Inert Gas".

These units do require a shield gas, but there is no need to remove slag from the weld.

Next and cheaper is a "Wire Feed Welder" which is much like a MIG unit except that no shield gas is required. But there will be slag to remove because these units run "Flux Core Wire".

You can find a flux core at walmart.

Stick welders that operate on 110 are also out there, but these are difficult to use on thin materials that you find on cars.

So I would suggest a medium priced MIG unit. These are the easiest to use and require the least amount of experience to master.

Answer 2

ARC welder does not suit weld with sheet metal for automobile body and exhaust work,a mig welder will be better for you.

Answer 3

arc wlder is not going to do you any good for what u want to do....its more for welding frames that exhausts.....you need a mig welder...and u should have some argon gas to....some of the cheaper wire welders uses wire that u dont need argon gas for...but the gas makes for a better weld with much better results....arc welding a body pannel will warp it beond use and will burn holes in exhaust pipes and components...you can buy a cheap mig for 250.00 to 300,00 that comes with everything you need except the argon gas...

Answer 4

Most welders, even small ones require at least a 220 volt 50 amp circuit. A lot of houses don't have this capability