delurk

[nronketti]

Hello everybody,

I've been lurking here for some time now, and have picked up some very useful information, ta. The reason for wanting to learn how to weld is for my latest project:

http://www.neil.nu/635CSI.html

I've never welded car bodywork before now, but this seemed like as good a time as any to learn, so in for a penny, in for a pound.

I've 'inherited' a Ferm mig100 welder, which I can find precious little information about, and haven't actually got around to picking up yet. From what I have found, it seems to have a minimum power of 55A, which appears to be just about right for blowing holes in bodywork, but not all that useful for actually welding it together. Has anyone used one of these units before now? Or would I be better off adding a couple of hundred quid to the budget for something more useful?

Anyway, I've waffled on enough. Thanks for all the advice so far.

 

[malcolm]

Well de-lurked Under £500 is a heck of a price for a 635CSi even if it does need the off job doing . Looks quite tidy from the photos.

I think the Ferm 100 has a range of 55 to 80 amps, so it's ideally suited to welding 1.5mm sheet in all sorts of configurations. Not really suited to bodywork welding, and a quick internet search pulls up some negative comments about ease of use too (rubbish wire feed allegedly).

Something like a Clarke might be more suitable. You'd want one that goes from 30 amps to 130 amps ideally (or if you are feeling flush then the Clarke 160 at £200 plus VAT is a good buy). Clarke do have a bad reputation for some of their more horrible tools, but the welders seem OK at the moment. I used one for 14 years.

There's also the choice between using a separate gas bottle or flux cored wire. Many do use flux cored, and it's cheaper for smaller jobs, but it's not as easy to use or as forgiving as standard wire and a bottle of gas. The gas makes learning a lot easier. If you do go down that route then a bottle of BOC gas is the way to go. They come on a yearly rental, and you can take them back when you've finished and get some of the rental costs back. Still looking at up to £100 for a year for the bottle with everything included. On top of that a helmet, angle grinder, goggles, wire will add another £50.

Sounds expensive, but the welder will have some residual value when you've finished the job, and the more annoying auto repairers will charge that for a really rubbish patch.

On to the important stuff - do you really have only one cup of coffee a day?

 

[Silas (son of Silas)]

Nice looking car. I read your web page and had a squiz at all the photos. I think you're right when you said

I've never welded car bodywork before now, but this seemed like as good a time as any to learn

It looks like a really interesting project. Don't worry about how daunting it seems now. With a little patience and practice it becomes therapeutic and almost addictive. The actual welding bit isn't fun in itself, but seeing the results is very gratifying.

I look forward to seeing your progress. (that reminds me I really should start scanning some of my project photos! )

 

[nronketti]

On to the important stuff - do you really have only one cup of coffee a day?

I must have been having an off-day. Either that, or I was away from my desk most of the day. My tea consumption is normally measured in gallons...

 

[lexi]

Yeah nice blog and nice project. When you look at the Aston Martin that Malcom did............Anything can be done!
Alex

 

[malcolm]

Anything can be done!
Alex

Anything can be done once! Although the BMW looks like an easy job from the photos, and being mass produced ought to have a sensible construction so even if the sills did need completely replacing it wouldn't be the end of the world.