10 replies to this topic

[Minitrio]

Hi All,

 

I have been lucky to be given a SIP Weldmate T140P Arc welding machine. The guy who gave me the welder said it would be ok for welding bodywork on my 97 MPI.

 

I have read a variety of info on general arc welding and most say arc welding is mainly used on 2-3mm metalwork and thicker.

 

So my first question is: How thick generally are mini body panels?

 

Second is: Has anyone else on here used Arc welding to repair body panels and if so any tips?

 

Thanks

[littlewimp]

Hi, I've been a welder/fabricator for 35 yrs and even I wouldn't want to tackle any bodywork with a stick set,  get yourself a decent mig welder they are more user friendly and suited for the job .

[Daz1968]

As above most metal on mini is 0.9-1.2mm thick, mig or spot welder are best.

[sonikk4]

There was a member on here who welded his car with a Arc Welder. To put it bluntly I think the car may have been scrapped. More holes blown than Swiss cheese. The welding was awful. I know Arc welding can be difficult to master but when used on thicker steel there is far less chance of blowing holes. Mini panels in the main are 0.9mm thick with the minority 1.2mm.

Go MIG or TIG.

[minidaves]

i have done a car with a stick welder (mk1 escort) and it was a nightmare, but then in 1989 a mig was 400quid for a cheap handymig

 

 

dave

[Minitrio]

Thanks guys. Just by reading through various online guides and welding manuals, I guessed that it would be a nightmare. This would be even more, due to the fact that I have never welded before.

 

Could any of you guys recommend a decent entry level MIG welder?

[bluemini1979]

Clarke welder a are good for the money. Slit of members on here use them but I can't remember the model number

[Hedgey]

Clarke 135 TE is generally the recommended model. A lot of members on here including myself use one and I can't fault it

[sonikk4]

Clarke 135 TE is generally the recommended model. A lot of members on here including myself use one and I can't fault it

+1

[Jools33]

I have recently bought a GYS SmartMIG & I am impressed with its versatility. It's the 162 standard package with the gas upgrade kit. Top end is 150amps more than you will need for body or chassis welding.

I run it with 5Kg spools of 0.8 & 0.6mm dia wire.

Go for gas for best results.

[Minitrio]

Brilliant, thanks for all your advice guys