20 replies to this topic

[pump]

Hi peeps, just wondering is it possible to use an arc welder to weld in foot well repairs panels and boot repair panels?

Kinda new to this kinda thing, thanks in advance.

[Magic jason]

I would doubt it, thou I'm not sure how low arc welders go. My old one would just melt the metal and I would end up with a even bigger hole. They are really only good for thick metal. Invest in a decent mig welder and you won't regret it!

[callum2464]

ok i have used this and it makes a real mess and you will need a welder that has very low amps, because the metal is so thin it just makes holes, if you want to do it proparly then use a mig if you can, but if not have a practice and if your confident then have a shot i really wouldnt try useing full pannels i would just patch it if you are arc weling because it will more then likely just ruin the repair panel, hope this helped

[pump]

Thats what i was kinda thinking all right. I use it for welding brackets and box section, never tried on sheet metal, prob best thing to do is try it on some sheet metal. For me to replace the pan, should i cut out whats bad or more even, and the cut panel exactly to fit and then weld the seams??

[Algordo1100]

My mate can. he is an absolute genius. Hes a machine fitter of some 35 years experience and ive seen him seem weld a mini boot floor beautifully with an arc welder. He won't entertain a mig.

I have no idea how he does this. Must be magic.


Al

[stoneface]

Yes it can be done but will not be as easy as mig welding, unless you are experienced.
You can get attachements to reduce the amperage of an arc welder from http://www.frost.co....attachment.html
They also sell a low amperage arc welder.

[mini-luke]

My mate can. he is an absolute genius. Hes a machine fitter of some 35 years experience and ive seen him seem weld a mini boot floor beautifully with an arc welder. He won't entertain a mig.

I have no idea how he does this. Must be magic.


Al

It's witchcraft!

[pump]

My mate can. he is an absolute genius. Hes a machine fitter of some 35 years experience and ive seen him seem weld a mini boot floor beautifully with an arc welder. He won't entertain a mig.

I have no idea how he does this. Must be magic.


Al

It's witchcraft!

It must be just gave two bits of sheet a go, just blew holes in it on its lowest setting.

[callum2464]

wouldnt cut it exactly the size i would leave a extra overhang on nearly all the sides then weld its but you will have to be very carful, also keep in mind that it is really hard to strike an arc at some angles so make sure you have plenty of room to around the place that need welded, i tryed welding from underneath the car when it was jacked up and i could barly get a good arc to weld haha

[callum2464]

My mate can. he is an absolute genius. Hes a machine fitter of some 35 years experience and ive seen him seem weld a mini boot floor beautifully with an arc welder. He won't entertain a mig.

I have no idea how he does this. Must be magic.


Al

It's witchcraft!

It must be just gave two bits of sheet a go, just blew holes in it on its lowest setting.

i have a mini sip welder i think thats what its called and it has a setting for 1.5mm and it works pretty well

[tiger99]

The big problem is that you have to use the thinnest rods, and they are so flexible that it is very difficult to strike the arc. I know, I have tried it years ago, when MIG welders were not DIY tools.

You will be able to weld the 1.2mm thick panels, just, but it really is not viable on the majority of the panels which are only 0.9mm.

[pump]

wouldnt cut it exactly the size i would leave a extra overhang on nearly all the sides then weld its but you will have to be very carful, also keep in mind that it is really hard to strike an arc at some angles so make sure you have plenty of room to around the place that need welded, i tryed welding from underneath the car when it was jacked up and i could barly get a good arc to weld haha

wouldnt cut it exactly the size i would leave a extra overhang on nearly all the sides then weld its but you will have to be very carful, also keep in mind that it is really hard to strike an arc at some angles so make sure you have plenty of room to around the place that need welded, i tryed welding from underneath the car when it was jacked up and i could barly get a good arc to weld haha

So i cut the repair panel say 10mm wider allround weld top and bottom joints? Am i correct in saying that?

[minidaves]

did a mk1 escort as my first car with a arc welder 1 box of rods arc eye and a suntan :)

[Shifty]

Unless you are very good with an arc welder I wouldn't even attempt it. Arc welding is a bit tricky at the best of times and on rusty thin steel, welding at strange angles is a nightmare.

There no real reason to use one now, MIG is cheap enough, gives better results and is easier and quicker to use.

Buy a mig, use it a few times and then stick it on ebay, you won't lose much money and you'll have saved a fortune paying other people to do it for you.

Its also important to note that your life may depend on your welding one day, ground back bird crap ,can be made to look ok but its still going to be a weak joint. I don't like grinding welds back to nothing as it weakens the join, just flash the top off and leave it.

[callum2464]

wouldnt cut it exactly the size i would leave a extra overhang on nearly all the sides then weld its but you will have to be very carful, also keep in mind that it is really hard to strike an arc at some angles so make sure you have plenty of room to around the place that need welded, i tryed welding from underneath the car when it was jacked up and i could barly get a good arc to weld haha

wouldnt cut it exactly the size i would leave a extra overhang on nearly all the sides then weld its but you will have to be very carful, also keep in mind that it is really hard to strike an arc at some angles so make sure you have plenty of room to around the place that need welded, i tryed welding from underneath the car when it was jacked up and i could barly get a good arc to weld haha

So i cut the repair panel say 10mm wider allround weld top and bottom joints? Am i correct in saying that?

thats what i would do it leaves room for some small error, but shifty is right