I am planning on shaving my engine bay and would like to know what MIG welder you guys recommend for closing up all the holes in the bay. I dont plan to use it much so I would like to keep it as cheap as possible, hopefully under $300...

Thanks!!!

 

harbor freight sells them cheap if you don't plan to use it full time

 

Thats what I was looking at. Which would you guys recommend?

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Cate...?CategoryID=292

 

easy, get the one under $300

 

Depending on how thick the sheet metal is. As mentioned above you can get a basic flux-core (gas-less) welder at HF for less than $100, but they burn hot and the lack of adjustments means they are not ideal for welding thin gauge sheet metal. You will need to be very careful, pay extra attention to metal temperature and do multiple quick tack welds to avoid burning holes even bigger.

 

so i guess I will need to buy one that is not gasless....

 

gas is a way cleaner weld

 

Welding sheet metal with mig is tricky and requires practice, can be done with either one, but you'll save yourself a lot of trouble with a welder that has greater adjustment range to avoid burn through. Gas-less welders are budget models and rarely have any real adjustments, but a decent mig welder and a tank will exceed your budget, a small gas tank alone costs more than the cheapest HF welder.

 

Chilli is right. At least get a base model main stream brand like Lincoln, Miller, or Hobart. You may not PLAN to use it much but you'll find yourself getting more use out of it than you thought. I did. A welder and the skill is an investment you can use for a very long time. If you find yourself wanting to get rid of it later a brand name will hold its value a lot more than a HF special.

I've burned about 60-70lbs of flux core in my Lincoln pro mig 135 and its a hell of a little welder. I "stole" mine very lightly used at Lowes for $200. After using it the past few years it is easily worth the ~$400 retail price.

 

I guess im gonna see if anyone is willing to rent theirs out. I don't think I'm at a point where I can spend like $500 or more on a welder alone right now.