Which MIG to buy for auto bodywork?

[welder_rodriguez]

Hi everyone,

This has probably been asked lots of times before, but which MIG would be best for welding bodywork?

I'm restoring an old Mini. I've borrowed a Cebora 130 for a while and it was OK, but I'd like to have a welder that has a lower range, so that I don't burn through the thin sheet metal so easily! And save time with proper stitch welds, not just lots of little spot welds.

I see that the Clarke Pro90 and the Weldmate T130P go down to 25 amps, but would anybody recommend buying a different welder?

Cheers!

 

[cumbriasteve]

Welcome and yes it has been asked a few zillion times, the Portamig is one of the best due to it's low settings, experience is probably as important as the low amps so perhaps some more practice on some scrap metal will help.

The Cebora if working well, is as good as any hobby machine you will find so another purchase may not offer the fast improvement you are looking for.

 

[marlinspike]

The Cebora costs £150 more to buy new than the Clarke so I would imagine it is a better overall welder. I don't think the extra 5 amps lower setting will make a huge difference. Have you read the info on the thin metal technique? If the Cebora is set up correctlly then it may just be a case of more practise and getting used to the machine.

If you post the wire and settings you are using on the Cebora, I am sure the guys will be able to give a bit more advice.

 

[welder_rodriguez]

Thanks cumbriasteve and marlinspike for your replies.

I was using the Cebora on the lowest of its 4 power settings and about 25%-30% of max wire feed speed and it was ok, but sometimes punched through the panel. I will re-read the site's info on thin metal technique.

Anyway, the Cebora has gone to back to its owner because he needs to get on with his own projects, so best for me to buy my own welder and be able to weld whenever I want.