Restoring a car takes more than just hours of hard labour, as it is important to choose good quality equipment for the best results. The welder is one of the essential items you need when it comes to assembling a car, so it is always a good idea to use a high-quality piece that can help you get the results you want for welding body and frame panels.
There are multiple types of welders that are suitable for car restoration jobs. With all of them, the goal is to produce a high quality bond between two or more pieces of metal, so it is important to consider what kind of metals you are going to use as well as their strength.
The most common types of welders used in car restoration are MIG, TIG, and stick welders. Gas welders, also known as torch, also exist, but they are not a suitable option for car restoration projects mainly because it is difficult to learn the skills to use such a welder, and the fact that these welders require a high number of safety precautions because of the use of acetylene and oxygen tanks.
MIG (Metal Inert Gas) Welders
The most common type of welders used for auto restoration, MIG welders involve a consumable wire electrode and shielding gas. The welding head comes with a trigger that turns on the electricity and flows the gas at the same time, so the welding is quickly done with the wire touching the metal.
The main advantage of using MIG welding for car restorations is the fact that this is the easiest process to learn if you have never welded before. As a rough time, it takes about an hour to acquire the necessary skill to use this type of welding equipment. Moreover, MIG welding is fast and any overhead welding can be done easily.
The cost is another advantage of MIG welders, because these kids of equipment come in a wide range of prices and you can purchase one for less than $400. However, if you are looking for a welder that you can use on a regular basis with professional like results, expect to pay slightly more than that.
TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas)
These welders use a tungsten electrode together with a shielding gas that helps preventing contamination on the metal surface. The main advantage is that you can use it in all positions with excellent results. This type of welding is suitable for the majority of metals, including aluminium.
Welding with TIG equipment takes about twice as much time than using MIG welders. They also require a constant water supply with outlet and inlet hoses, and it usually takes more to learn how to use this type of welder.
Stick (ARC) Welders
These welders use a flux-cotes electrode and they work well with various kinds of metals including steel, cast-iron, and stainless steel. According to Welder Station the main disadvantage is that stick welders do not work well with thin metals and they require more attention when it comes to cleaning. It is also slightly difficult to walk overhead because of the significant quantities of flux and sputtered metal.