Hey guys, I am new, this is my 2nd post after reading quite a bit. I have just built a large garage to make a backyard shop. I am a beginner with novice skills (pretty close to finishing my first car)but I have ambitions to do alot more in my new gargage. I would like you'r opinions on a welder for my shop. I see alot of stuff on the Lincoln 110 and would like some input. My intent is to use it on floor pans, trunks maybe some body panels once I pick up some skills. I understand this is not an overnight education but I have enrolled in a night welding course and intend to learn as much as I can. I would really appreciate any opinons provided by those who have been there and any idea of how much I am biting off would also help- Thanks

Go with a 220 unit. You will find that the more you weld you will need a welder that will handle heavier gage material. Been there done that.

Others on the board will be able to tell which models are the best. Im getting real tired of having to borrow my brother in laws 220 Lincoln for half of the work i need to do.

you'll be glad you did. the day will come when you want to cut and weld some frame rails, and you don't wanna not have the 220v. i can kick myself.........

get at least a 175 amp mig or bigger, if you can 220 volt try and get one with varible voltage settings not the 3 or 4 position voltage settings,you will pay more,but you will only pay once,a good welding course is a plus talk to your teacher too

my friend has a 135 amp wire feed welder with the gas bottle,it can handle up to 1/4 inch steel with no problem.he bought it on sale with the gas and the permit for the gas for under 1,000$ canadian. a good deal.mike

I have a 170 amp mig,with a bottle. it welds 3/8" in one pass, but i still wouldn't trust frame welds to it..........
you have to have a permit for a bottle of 75/25 argon co2 in canada???? ***?

Hey-thanks for all the replys. I have not sheetrocked the garage yet, so I will definately put the proper wire in for a 220 unit. Here's another quick question for you guys who have burns on you'r bodies from past experience. How would you rate the learning process for auto welding. Not talking major jobs, just floor pans, maybe trunk and eventually replacements pieces for fenders etc...(Small repair holes, moderate rust) These are not concourse repairs I'm talking, just backyard rod work. Thanks

Welding sheet metal is like painting, you have to have the nack for it ,some people can never learn it.

To me it`s not that hard. But do each project as though it`s a concours one.

I learn something new every time I do one.

Off the subject,sheetrock will not stand up very well in a shop,
try chip board and paint it white. HTH

Troy;

If you haven't already checked it out, I can't tell you how much there is to learn in the knowledge base. It's freakin AWESOME. heres a link to the BODY section.

I'd also suggest finding you an old hood or a door or two or some type of body sheet metal, and go to town on it. that way you don't have to worry about screwin' up on something important.....

and like Troy-curt said, make all your repairs like concourse work.... after all, it is YOUR ride. thats why i do it myself, no one else would put in the love that I do................

anyone can be taught to weld or do any job that needs to be done on a car. I disagree that you either have it or don't have it. The key is taking the time and learning all you can and practicing. I am neither a great welder or painter, but I can do either and get a satisfactory result on both that anyone would be happy with. Hey it will always be better than Macco.

If everyone could do or learn everything, no one would have a job.

It just don`t work that way. I tried for 20 years to learn to play a guetair (and I can`t spell it yet).lol

Troy;

Well, I guess I got the expected answer to my question. I expect I will be working a door panel for practice by winter. Thanks

Take your class,and practice/practice/practice and the practice some more. Goooooood Luck;

Troy;