Re: welder advice

[Kevin Trent <trentkc@domain.elided>]

Alfa Bill asks for advice about a "budget" welder - Lincoln 100 for light
duty sheet metal welding,

I purchased a Lincoln SP85 (predecessor to the 100) 8 years and two
restorations ago.  This is a wire feed welder that will handle either gas
shielding (MIG) welding or self shielded flux core wire welding and runs on
110 volts.   I have been delighted with the capabillities of this welder.
My welding has ranged from panel replacement to frame/crossbar replacement,
and tool fabrication of 3/16  steel, and have not run into anything that
could not be done.  I've never missed  having a 220  volt welder, but then
I've had fairly modest demands.  Having a welder enables a significant leap
in the home restorer's  capabilites, and  combined with an equally modest
air compressor, will give you the means to do the entire scope of rust
repair:  cutting out rust, sandblasting, welding replacement panels,
grinding and smoothing, and finally fillers and sanding...not to mention
painting.  Most body shops cannot repair a rusty alfa properly for a cost
that does not exceed the value of the car.   The only option is to buy
yourself some tools, books, and then spend several years learning how to
use them while you practice on your first project or three.   By the time
you get the hang of it, you will probably be divorced and a garage hermit
with several extra cars that you've picked up just because you know that
you can fix them...

Kevin Trent, Powell, TN

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