Double Down

[Baskinator]

When you do the floors, 18 or 20 gauge steel is the thickest/thinnest you want to use. Anything thicker, you won't be able to shape it, and anything thinner probably won't be strong enough. I used a flux core welder for most of mine (started with an arc welder, but that would be way too difficult to do all the floor welding with). Using gas would be your best bet, because you can see the weld much better than with flux core and it is a lot easier to weld thin metal. Butt welds were very difficult to do even with the flux core welder. The nice thing is that a wire feed is basically point and shoot, where an arc welder takes a more steady, skillful hand.

I would suggest trying to find a sheet metal brake, it would be extremely helpful for shaping.

[rohnk]

Thanks for the info Baskinator.

I made the trade today and got a nice Lincoln Electric welder to use. It has flux core wire in it right now and spatters everywhere! I'll get oxygen for it and some standard wire when I am ready to get serious. For now, I think I'll go to the scrap yard and pick up some steel pieces to practice with. I also need a mask, gloves and good wire brush. If anybody has any of that stuff, I could sure use it if you want to donate it to the cause!

For now everything is on hold until we get out of this heat. I almost passed out in Lowe earlier today and have been trying to stay hydrated since. I took a nap too since I felt like crud anyway. 99 degrees and high humidity today makes it feel over 100. With the meds I'm on, I just can't take working in it.

[Draekon]

Some of the spattering might be due to cheap flux core wire.  But it could also be nonideal settings.

[priya]

Anybody know about the Lincoln Electric welders? I have read online in different forums that LE is a good brand name and make nice welders.

 

That's what I've got and I'm really happy with it 

[rohnk]

Cool. Thanks Priya!

I said oxygen before for the gas to use, but I don't think thats right. Don't mig welders use ARGON or something like that? Also, can anyone give me a sense of what wire to use? Flux core preferred over regular? Just some info.

My last days welding were spent with an ARC welder in my dads garage and high school summer career center. I was good at it but I've never used one of these new fangled wire feed gizmos (I'm 38 for those wondering so I'm being a little silly). 

[priya]

You're right, its not oxygen, if I remember correctly its something like 93% argon, 5% something else, and 2% something else although a variety of formulas are available.  I think most welders prefer to use a gas shielded solid core wire over flux core, but I don't know why.

[shaggimo]

Yup argon co2 mix (what I run in mine), some reasons for solid core vs flux core: cleaner, considerably less spatter (if you've ever welded above your head, you'll know why), prettier weld in many cases, cools as you weld so less warpage on thin stuff. Not saying that flux core is bad though, before I got my lincoln I used to borrow a miller from my dads work that was running flux core. I loved that thing, it worked great, plus it worked better on heavy stuff vs my mig hooked to gas.

[mach1mustang351]

I rock a Millermatic 135 welder.  It is the 110 volt.  I usually run solid core wire but I keep some .035 flux core around too.  If you use the gas and the flux core you make a makeshift dual shield setup and you can do well on thick material.  It isn't a replacement for the proper setup but it can get the job done.  Just some ideas.

[rohnk]

Thanks for the info everyone! I am really excited to have the welder as I have wanted one for a long time. I was checking out wire at Lowes and noticed they have aluminum wire too! That will be fun to try someday.

Before I get into any welding though, I need to finish the interior and paint the exterior of my 82 SX4. Then I plan to build some bumpers like EagleFreek did on his wagon. I think he used a small welder too so I am confident that with some practice, I can do a good job.

[Prafeston]

Really wish I had a welder...did you say you traded for it? Glad you saved Double Down, but I'm looking forward to see more updates on PRT!

[rohnk]

I know right! It has been so hot lately that I haven't gotten anything done in a while. I did get it back into the garage tonight though and start taking the interior out. Hopefully it will be done next month!

[mach1mustang351]

I know right! It has been so hot lately that I haven't gotten anything done in a while. I did get it back into the garage tonight though and start taking the interior out. Hopefully it will be done next month!

Done next month??  I dont even have ambitions to start mine until next month.  You're the man!!

[rohnk]

Thanks! I've been working on the engine and getting that all updated and running smooth since March. With that finally done, I went onto stripping the exterior trim and cleaning the car to find out whare the bad spots were. Now I am at the point of sanding the entire car and primering it. Should be blocked and in primer by Sunday.

I still have to work on the spoiler I'm adding as well as fabricating a roof rack from the old style used on wagons. I want it done or mostly done by the show in August.

[Prafeston]

Did you ever get an old rack? I still have mine..

[darjeeling]

Hi Rohn,

So glad you're working on this. I'll keep watching the forum and maybe I'll even see this thing in action some day.