Welding ?'s

[CincyZJ]

After installing the Atlas on Sunday it became apparent that I will need to modify the Goferit Offroad Skid. I could take it somewhere after marking it but would prefer to do it onsite, which means i need a welder. I loooked around but don't really understand what I looked at.

More amps I asume allows work with heavier gauge metal.
MIG vs Arc which is better for Jeep skid repairs, mild fabrication. I haven't the skill or desire to fab bumpers, recovery points, just repair of things.

I can run a 220V outlet into the garage from the basement.

Any suggestions on what I might purchase? Sears seemed to have some nice ac/dc 225 amp models.

[AthlonAJ]

If you are looking to build/repair things like skidplate, rock rails...then get an arc welder. A decent AC 220 arc welder usually runs about $200. If you think you might want to use your welder for autobody metal, thinner stuff then look into a wire welder. You can do it with an arc but it's a lot harder to do. You can use flux core wire and not have to mess with getting a tank of shielding gas. Wire welders are generally more expensive than an arc too but people say they are easier to learn on. Just don't waste your money on some no name cheapo welder, it's money down the drain.

[the brother-n-law]

You'd be surprised at how much "skill" you can acquire in a short amount of time. before you go and drop a wad on a welder why don't you try and take a few classes to learn more about and do some welding almost free.

Through Community Education (evening classes) at a nearby high school or by Auditing a welding class at a local Community College you can learn a lot, get hands on welding experience and build lots of cool stuff for your rig very cheaply.

And when you are done you'll have actual experince with different kinds of welding equipment and knowledge about the abilities and limitations of what you might want to buy for your garage

[JeepGOB]

BTT, i have the same question. So arc 220W should be good enough to make rockers???

[dysfunction]

I've built an entire jeep with a 220 arc welder. Yes you can make rocker panels with it. And a whole lot more, hitches, benches, etc etc etc. about the only thing that you wont want to do with it is body work