Tig for body work...

[mitch_04]

I have a couple questions for the body shop guys. I'm considering switching to a TIG for body panel replacement. I've read that many people tack on the panels with a MIG and finish with a TIG.

Can you weld longer stretches before you risk warping a panel? I know with a mig you don't want to push your luck, going an inch or less before going to a different spot and letting it cool.

I've also read a TIG weld is much easier to form if it does warp a little, or if you just need to "move" your weld in or out a little. Would you agree?

What are some of the ups/downs of TIG for bodywork, and where do you prefer TIG or MIG?

Thanks

[americaniron racer 1]

Tig welds are much cleaner and softer than mig welds. It is also easy to control the height of the weld, less to grind away and you can work it a little. I know people who say they weld the hole panel and hammer form it back to shape. I haven't had time to experiment so I still take it kinda slow. I think tig is always the way to go.

[SShep71]

If you have the skill TIG is the way to go! Softer weld, easier to work, easier to clean up, and nicer bead. The downside would be the learning curve, the machine is more expensive, and the heast input.

The heast input can be gotten around with the right machine and teh right skills. i.e. a HF welder with Pusle control is the way to go. You can weld any metal with it and teh Pulse make the heat input more controllable.

I say TIG all the way! Find user: metalshaper on here and talk to him about it. He knows may more about TIG welding light gauge and body pannels than I do.

[mitch_04]

Sounds good. I currently use MIG and it's easier to overheat the panel and builds up pretty high. I'm not afraid of learning how to tig, I can make the time. I'd like to get a Miller, seems to be the way to go, but may try out a budget one. Depends on the funds at the time of purchase.

Anyone else have inputs?

[benno505]

just replaced floor, firewall, front chassis etc. etc. in my friends 67 mustang fastback and i used a TIG, defintly the way to go, easier, cleaner does take longer though

[daredvl22]

Have you looked at HTP? That will be my next TIG machine.

[mitch_04]

http://www.longevity-inc.com/productcategory-38-tig-welders-php/tigweld-200ex

My dad wants to get this one for his shop, any opinions? They have faked all their amazon reviews, so that's no help.

[mitch_04]

Just purchased an Everlast 250EX. The more I read about Longevity, the less comfortable I felt about it. There weren't any huge bad stories, just not enough good ones. The Everlast seems to be well liked among those who have had it, and what problems showed up were taken care of. It has pulse ability, which I've read is important in body work to keep heat down, and the ability to upgrade to a water cooler should I want to go larger. It has quite a few other features as well. Now I just need to learn how to TIG weld...

[jlcustomz]

I got the miller syncro 200 approx. 5 years ago & no problems yet. Worst complaint is the huge size of it next to the newer smaller types, but according to the welding supply salesman at the time of my purchase, there were far more smaller units coming back for service than the larger types. He also said that while Lincoln made nice stuff, miller was better at taking care of issues.

[mitch_04]

My Miller MIG is a great welder, has the Autoset feature that works great. I had thought about waiting around for a used Syncro, since the prices are pretty good, but I wanted the inverter and the price/features worked well. Everlast seems to have pretty good reviews, has a good warranty, and seems to follow up on their warranty well. Miller customer service isn't even questionable from what I've heard, great stuff, maybe down the road I'll have a Diversion! Now, however, I'm hoping the Everlast does me well.

Do you use the TIG for bodywork? If so, do you like it and any helpful hints towards the sheet metal side? That's the main thing I'm hoping to get good at, I think the heaving tubing will be easier to get the swing of. Thanks in advance!

[todd8525]

i started out with gas welding,yes torches.as was said before go slow,i find tapeing an air blower to the weld tip cools things off.myself when the weld "rises" from heat tap it flat with hammer n dolly.practice with scrap panels like a hood edge.if you can patch this your good.as the metal is thin and dont allow access to the back.(a damp cloth helps)but everyone is different.practise,practise,practise.good luck.n have fun