I need help to choose

[Mec]

Hello, I'm Mariano from Argentina. I want to buy a MIG welder, but unfortunately the options here aren´t so wide as in Europe. We have less options and more expensives. Well, I want to restore my Citroën 2CV and I must choose between a welder who works with a minimum of 30 A but uses wire of 0.8 mm and others that work with wire of 0.6 mm but works at 60A minimum. Wich one is better for that job? Thanks

 

[Country Joe]

Welcome to the Forum, Mec.
The 60A min will be no good for your 2CV - definitely go for the 30A.
All the Best,
CJ

PS - Old french cars have quite thin steel, even when new! I'd be inclined to take a good look at the "thin metal technique", shown elsewhere on this forum.

Right here:-
http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/thin-metal.htm

 

[Mec]

It's what I figured based on what I read in the guide and in the forum, but I wanted confirmation from someone who knows more about it. Thank you very much

 

[mike 109444]

Welcome Mec
It might be possible to alter the machine that only takes 0.8 (and up?). You may be able to get a new wire feed roller madeup like the orignal but with a 0.6 mm groove on it then fit a 0.6mm tip and away you go

 

[Country Joe]

Even if that's not easy to get made up, it's still probably do-able as it is.
I think Gavuk (and probably some others) does ok with 0.8 wire, and using CO2 as far as I remember.
CJ

 

[Mec]

I donçt know. But I think I would lose the warranty

 

[Country Joe]

Not sure what you have over there in terms of choice, anything we'll have heard of here? There was a guy joined up recently here from Salta. Most of the ones he mentioned were un-familiar, to me at least!

Here's the thread:-

http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=30777

Seems welders are quite expensive around there! Definitely don't want to lose your warranty, at those sort of prices!
All the Best,
CJ

 

[mike 109444]

Mec What I sugested should not invalidate the warranty as the tip and feed roller would be parts you would be expected to replace/maintain with use and ware. There may even be an off the shelf replacement roller to match the motor shaft in the welder you get. What make/model min 30amp welder are you looking at?

 

[Mec]

This one:
http://www.gammaherramientas.com.ar/productoDetalle28-380.html

 

[gavuk]

I think Gavuk (and probably some others) does ok with 0.8 wire, and using CO2 as far as I remember.
CJ

Quite right Joe,I always use 0.8mm and co2 ,and whilst i don't work on french cars I never run on the lowest settings on my thermal arc 180 either...but i do use the "thin metal technique",mostly mot work and not restoration ,but ground and painted who would know?

 

[Country Joe]

Quite right Joe

Phew! I'm at an age now where I tend to doubt my "memory", even when I'm sober!

Mec, that looks a decent piece of equipment. It appears they do the same marketing tricks there, as they do here - calling it a 210, when it really goes up to 190 Amps. Not a problem, as 190 should be all you'll need. Just odd that they insist on doing it, seems a bit mis-leading. The euro connector is handy too, as you'll never have to learn how to fit a new torch - something I've managed to avoid, so far.
All the Best,
CJ

 

[paramedicpete]

My mate has loads of 2 cv's he is welding one the now with (wait for it) a kende 150 .8 gasless at minimum setting of 50 amp !!! and doing a good job of it too I have persuaded him to try and get something a little more user friendly LOL

Pete

 

[Mec]

Thaks for all the responses. Very useful