Hello everyone

[kampftrinker]

Hi,

My name is Mick, currently living just outside of Aberdeen (originally from North East England).

I'm looking to buy a welder for working on a project car (MX5). After looking around the forum i'm assuming that a TIG machine would be best for working with thin plate, is this the case?

I have used MIG in the past, but it was a long time ago (and also just as a hobby).

Thanks for reading
Mick

 

[optima21]

I'm trying to learn TIG, after using MIG for years for working on cars (as a hobby). unless you're making new parts in a clinically clean environment, I'd say that MIG welding is the better option. for TIG welding the preparation and fit of panels is more important than MIG welding. Also when welding out of position e.g. under cars, MIG is so much easier than TIG, as MIG is more point and shoot with the torch, but with tig you need to keep the electrode in the torch positionally accurate with one hand while feeding rods with the other hand. I applaud people who can sucessfully TIG weld cars while working out of position.

if you get a MIG welder with a 30amp minimum current, it should be fine for car bodywork down to 0.8mm thick.

if you plan on doing aluminium or stainless steel, a TIG welder would be nice, but I'd get that at a later date in addition to a MIG for working on steel.

 

[kampftrinker]

Thanks for the reply,

Having had a further read after your reply, I am considering going for a Portamig, it seems to have very good reviews especially for working on thin steel.

Mick

 

[Cobbler]

I'll be interested in your MX5 project, I've got a standard mk1 & my sons got a mk1 with the later variable valve timing engine fitted along with the 6 speed box & a turbo. It's sat in my garage at the moment after an engine rebuild, just waiting completion. Welcome to the forum as well.

 

[kampftrinker]

I'll be interested in your MX5 project, I've got a standard mk1 & my sons got a mk1 with the later variable valve timing engine fitted along with the 6 speed box & a turbo. It's sat in my garage at the moment after an engine rebuild, just waiting completion. Welcome to the forum as well.

Hi Cobbler,

My first MX5 was a MK1, what a fantastic car. at the moment I have a 2013 2.0 Sport Tech which is very nice, but I do prefer the look of the MK1.

So at the moment I'm keeping my eye open for another MK1 and that will be the project car, I'll be looking for one that needs a bit of work so should get it at a decent price.

I'll post on here when I get it and let everyone know how i'm getting on.

Mick