Welding questions .....(numpty)

BoxCleva · Jul 9, 2010

Hi folks,
I contemplating trying a little welding on my Landy myself. I did have a go at mig welding many years ago, but I didn't have a clue on what wire to use, what materials to weld etc etc.

So I have a few Q's.

I'm looking at hiring a 140amp mig welder, can you tell me what wire I should be asking for to weld a small plate in my n/s footwell?

Can repair plates/sheets of mild steel be purchased from auto factors ? If so what thickness should I be asking for?

Any other tips on heat/speed would be very much appreciated.

I know there is high chance that I'll make an arse of it, but I would really like to at least have a go :doh:

Wriggler · Jul 9, 2010

If you hire a welder it should come with the wire already on (0.6 or 0.8mm)

Most motor factors sell small sheets of steel or you could try a local fabrications place for an off cut or two.

Most car body work metal is between 1 and 2mm, you can go for either but don't go too thick as there is a skill to welding thick to thin without burning through the thin

Get a some off cuts in the thickness you intend to weld and have a bit of practice, everyone will set their machine differently to weld.

You need enough heat to make the weld and enough speed not to burn through. ( Not really helpful but that's all there is to it)

Have fun, it's not really that hard once you get the hang of it.

BoxCleva · Jul 9, 2010

Thanks Wriggler. My local hire shop only has gasless Mig welders and all the web tutorials I have read use gas migs. Is it much different or am i wasting my time with gasless ?

bobbler · Jul 9, 2010

stay away from gasless they are a pain, yes they can do the job but you will get a better weld with a proper set up.

BoxCleva · Jul 9, 2010

bobbler said:
stay away from gasless they are a pain, yes they can do the job but you will get a better weld with a proper set up.

Bugga! LOL..... I did wonder if that was the case. Cheers

[JP] · Jul 9, 2010

yes, stay away from gasless...

man.. you have a land rover, its likely you'll end up needing the welder again.
just go on ebay and buy a MIG...you dont need anything powerfull for small repairs...
I have a SIP100 and does the job brilliantly....

yes fair enough that sometimes i have to stop for it to cool down, but we all need a break now and again...

I've welded my rear arches, front arches, sills, floors, etc... did a brilliant job.

I've saved a **** load of money by buying the mig, learning how to weld, and doing it myself...

btw, I've used 0.8mm plate for floors...
I get all my metal for free, I just go to the local metal fabricators and ask for the off cuts...

BoxCleva · Jul 9, 2010

[JP];1132957 said:
yes, stay away from gasless...

man.. you have a land rover, its likely you'll end up needing the welder again.
just go on ebay and buy a MIG...you dont need anything powerfull for small repairs...
I have a SIP100 and does the job brilliantly....

yes fair enough that sometimes i have to stop for it to cool down, but we all need a break now and again...

I've welded my rear arches, front arches, sills, floors, etc... did a brilliant job.

I've saved a **** load of money by buying the mig, learning how to weld, and doing it myself...

btw, I've used 0.8mm plate for floors...
I get all my metal for free, I just go to the local metal fabricators and ask for the off cuts...

Yeah, I hear what you are saying. But I own a landrover without MOT so funds are tight. LOL

andyb66 · Jul 9, 2010

[JP];1132957 said:
I get all my metal for free, I just go to the local metal fabricators and ask for the off cuts...

And you'll be surprised what they call an off-cut.

I paid £5 for a 6x4 foot sheet of 16 gauge; good enough for footwell repairs.

[JP] · Jul 9, 2010

yes!! you are right, first time I went there and asked for an off cut, they gave a 6ft long sheet of metal and as wide as a laptop screen.. (that's my measurement as im looking at one!

)

[JP] · Jul 9, 2010

you could always leave tyre stingers under the wheels everyday.... if they drive away it will be cheaper to get new tyres then getting your landy nicked?

GRATCH · Jul 9, 2010

[JP];1132957 said:
btw, I've used 0.8mm plate for floors...
I get all my metal for free, I just go to the local metal fabricators and ask for the off cuts...

andyb66 said:
And you'll be surprised what they call an off-cut.

I paid £5 for a 6x4 foot sheet of 16 gauge; good enough for footwell repairs.

0.8mm is really too thin, 16g sheet is 1.5mm which is ideal in my opinion.

Welding questions .....(numpty)

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