Carl:
Actually, if you are fairly skilled with oxyacetylene, Tig (GTAW)
welding would be quite easy for you, but this is an expensive way to go,
and is not that suitable for auto-body work. As Lou says, inert
gas-supplied Mig welding (GMAW) will allow you to make passable spot
welds with about half a 1/2 hour of practice (I'm not sure about
"master" ;) Flux core ("gasless") wire feeders (FCAW) are cheap and
popular, but are also less suitable for autobody work because they
require chipping flux and removing spatter, which damages finish. I
would go the extra expense of buying a gas-supplied Mig, (will also do
FCAW) and you will be able to do far better work. (Oxyacetylene welding
generally is unsuitable because of the high heat input and consequent
distortion on thin sheet metal).
I would agree with Jan that a reciprocating saw might be better than
your shear in some places, but I think both can be used, if the least
possible metal is removed (you don't want to be filling large gaps!)
However, a properly done plug weld is much stronger than a resistance
weld, and I wouldn't hesitate to use them anywhere you have drilled or
punched out a resistance weld. I think what Jan meant was that that this
is weaker than butt welding seams.
If you want some specific brand and type recommendations, let me know.
Ron Tebo - Alberta Journeyman Weldor
110156.3206@compuserve.com wrote:
>
> Hi there.
> I'm going to be cutting parts from the chassis of our parts car--like the
> battery
> compartment and spare tire well (they're in good shape somehow). Rather
> than use a torch, I want to do it the clean way with an air-powered metal
> shear.
>
> What gauge is the steel used in these cars? (It's a Series 5)
> I want to make sure I get a cutter that's adequate. Also I need to get a
> punch
> for doing plug welding on the body work.
>
> Another question for the experienced welders out there:
>
> I've got a fair amount of oxy-acetylene experience from the marine repair
> shop
> I used to have. I would say I have a "medium" skill level. I never had or
> used an
> arc welder. I have read that MIG welding is the way to go for the average
> guy
> who is doing a restoration. Also, I've been told that if I can gas weld
> properly
> then it would be easy to learn arc welding. My oxy-acetylene torches and
> all
> the related equipment went with the business when I sold it.
>
> With this stuff in mind, would you guys recommend that I get another torch
> set
> and do gas welding, or get a MIG welder and start arc welding?
>
> Hey thanks
> Carl
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