New Toy: Welder...Finally

[Mikeyworks]

I went to the nearby Sears the other night and dropped about $450 for my newest toy:

Here's some of the specs:
Product Overview:
Item Weight - 90.0 lbs.
Welder Type - Wire Feed, MIG Welder
Welder/Cutter:
Max. Gauge - 3/16 in.
Min. Gauge - 24 ga.
Torch Length - 8 ft.
Welder Duty Cycle - 40 percent @ 60A
Power:
Circuit Amp Rating - 15 amps
Electric Rating - 120V AC
Type - Electric

My best friend has the same one and it's been really great. I think its basically a re-badged Lincoln.

I will mainly use it for light body work on my VW's and for some light welding around the house. I have some body panels to replace on the Super Beetle and this should do just the trick!

I just noticed though that the online cost is about $50 less than what I paid for it in the store. I will have to call Sears and firgure out what the deal is there!!!

Mikey

 

[MXtras]

New stuff is always cool! Congrats on the new machine!

Don't even mess with the flux core wire, Get yourself set up for using gas right off the bat for sheetmetal. Co2 will work fine - no need to spend extra cash for the mix unless you have extra cash. I ran straight Co2 for many years welding exactly the same thing you are preparing to.


Scott

 

[leocato]

I have the same welder and love it. It's made by Clarke.
http://store.weldingdepot.com/cgi/weldingdepot/WE6523P-1.html

 

[Mikeyworks]

Don't worry, I am going to get a gas bottle this weekend for it. I will yank the flux core wire that came in it and hang it on the shelf. I have a neighbor who works welding supply and can get me a good deal on the gas and wire...maybe even a nice mix at a very discounted rate!

Thanks for the kind words.

Mikey

 

[sberry]

You will find mix like C25 a little better on light sheetmetal like body work.

 

[PAToyota]

The mix will definitely give a more stable arc - which is an asset when doing sheetmetal work.

 

[Inetmonkey]

Sweet welder Mikey. I was eyeballing one of the Craftsman ones myself so I'll be curious to hear how it performs for you. Be sure to write something up here.

 

[MXtras]

The mix definately gives a sweeter arc - no argument there.

Scott

 

[Mikeyworks]

Sweet welder Mikey. I was eyeballing one of the Craftsman ones myself so I'll be curious to hear how it performs for you. Be sure to write something up here.

It's a great unit. My buddy and I have used his to no end on his bug and various stuff around the house. The speed is very easy to control, as is the temperature. I really like how easy it is and how smooth it is.

I will take pics of my welding as I go along. Granted, I am no pro, but the right equipment really helps!

Mikey

 

[the_duke]

how's it's work with like framework? or did you only use it on sheetmetal and bodywork? i'm looking around, kinda looking more at a 180 for framework and stuff, but just curious i suppose.