Expert: william [bill] tuma - 8/20/2009

Question
Hi Bill
Would an ARC welder with the stitch/spot gun be OK for welding car panels and body sections?
Apart from safety gear and the angle grinder what other tools for the job would you recommend?
Many thanks.
Peter

Answer
Peter, I have not tried to weld body sheetmetal with a [stick or rod in 40 years]arc welder.The reason is it is too hard to control the penatration and warpage which also is hard to grind to a smooth finish. Many inclusions in the welded bead. I would suggest you try your hand at it on some scrap panels ie old fenders   and see if you like the results. You will also need some body hammers  and dollies, vice grips and patients.I recommend a cheep M I G welder,not a gasless unit but one with a gas cylinder over a stick machine BTDT HTH Bill