89k5350
1/2 ton status
i need to replace the cab corners on my truck and ive already got new ones picked out would a sawzall work decent for cutting them off? and what kind of welder would this job requier?
CK5
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cab corner problem
- Thread starter 89k5350
- Start date
The best choice in welder is one with adjustable and very low current, but almost any MIG can work. You can't weld continuous beads because you will blow holes in the sheet metal and/or warp it all up. So you use a lot of shorts bursts. Either a sawzall or a cut-off wheel would go through that sheet metal. Be careful not to cut anything underneath that you don't want to cut.
Join and check out our paint and bodywork forum to learn lots of secrets.
Join and check out our paint and bodywork forum to learn lots of secrets.
89k5350
1/2 ton status
thanks for the help
chulisohombre
1/2 ton status
a cutoff wheel would be more precise than a sawzall.i use mig to do body work.i got a cheapy sears flux core welder and works real well.
89k5350
1/2 ton status
mind me askin how much you paid for the welder?
89k5350
1/2 ton status
ok would a 90 amp 120 volt wire feed welder do the job?
That is plenty of power. More important is the number of current choices, especially down low. The BEST is continuously variable current, but there are no cheap units with that (except used). Now if you have plans for the welder beyond bodywork then it pays to look into higher current and 220V supply.
Flux core will cost you some time on sheet metal work. You'll be cleaning flux all the time between your tack, tack, tacks. If you can get a real MIG setup (with shield gas) it's better. There are plenty of cheap welders that can be used either way, so you could keep the opportunity to upgrade.
Do yourself a favor and practice on a junk fender or something so you learn how to stitch the metal together without blowing holes through it.
Flux core will cost you some time on sheet metal work. You'll be cleaning flux all the time between your tack, tack, tacks. If you can get a real MIG setup (with shield gas) it's better. There are plenty of cheap welders that can be used either way, so you could keep the opportunity to upgrade.
Do yourself a favor and practice on a junk fender or something so you learn how to stitch the metal together without blowing holes through it.
89k5350
1/2 ton status
i was looking at flux wire welders like a 90-120 amp and 120volts from harbor freight could i have a decent looking weld after some practice with one of those?
tourus
Registered Member
how about that new epoxy glue ?? I have never usued but have heard alot of good things. but I am getting ready to do some body and was going to start asking pros and cons of it.
89k5350
1/2 ton status
is it simalar to permapoxy?
Gas setup with a welder is SOOOO much easier for sheet metal. It doesnt penetrate as deep as the flux core so it makes it much easier, and the fact that you dont need to clean slag off makes it much easier when your tack tack tacking sheet metal together. Just know, the bigger the welder does not mean it only welds bigger stuff. The higher amperage welders will also weld the thin stuff just as good. So dont think you need to find only a smaller rated welder to do sheet metal. That way you can do lots more fabbing in the future 
chulisohombre
1/2 ton status
i paid 200 for mine.its been going strong for 5 years now.not even a hickup.it doesnt leave behind a lot of slag and for what you are doing you gota clean up the weld and grind it flush after stitching the panels together anyway.the harbor freight ones are cheap and i wouldnt trust them.they are chicago electric but i dont know how long it would last for 89 dollars.bigger welders are nice if you got the money and are going to use it a lot or start building things with it.but for the money and the stuff i weld i didnt need a huge welder.i can still weld 1/4 inch plate with mine and id say thata all i really need it for.i wouldnt waste a lot of money on my first welder as not everyone was born to be a good welder.definitely whatever you get take some scrap metal and practice before you start in on your truck.it will make the patching of panels that much cleaner and easier to do when youre ready.
89k5350
1/2 ton status
could you give me link to your welder on the sears website i def wanna buy it.
chulisohombre
1/2 ton status
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00920568000P?mv=rr .thats the closest thing they have now to what i have.mine is 5 years old now so the price went up a bit.
