Kevsta Posted September 9, 2014 Share Posted September 9, 2014 Hi all, Pretty much as the title suggests. I have a mini I am going to start restoring soon and need to replace a lot of panels. I've mig welded successfully before but it was a long term loan a few years ago. Now I'm looking to buy my own and wondered what people recommend. Obviously the pricier the better but I don't have an endless pocket of cash (or I'd pay someone else to sort the body of this mini!). So can anyone recommend something that would have reasonable level of control and variability to do the job? Cheers Kev Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 9, 2014 Share Posted September 9, 2014 Some years ago I bought a second hand Cebora Turbo 130 with the intention of restoring a Mini. My research at the time suggested that similar power models from Clarke, Sealey etc were much of a muchness for this sort of thing, the one I bought came up locally at a reasonable price. Spares are readily available and cheap enough. If I was buying again I'd probably get one with a Euro torch though. The main point of advice I received was to get a full size bottle regulator, the small disposable bottles cost a packet and last next to no time. Unfortunately I was optimistic with trying to undertake a bare shell resto in a small single garage so it eventually went to make space for the 7. The Mini itch came back of course so I now have a nice 1275GT, no doubt the welder will get that Mini restoration eventually though. I have used it for some small patch up jobs on a couple of cars which it worked OK for, although my welding skills are very much novice level. Lots of good stuff on The Mini Forum in case you weren't aware. More details on the Mini please! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bricol Posted September 9, 2014 Share Posted September 9, 2014 Take a look here. here Bri Edited by - Bricol on 9 Sep 2014 21:51:10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RS2000 Posted September 9, 2014 Share Posted September 9, 2014 some info here I used a SIP 130 Turbo many years ago to rebuild the front end of a Mk2 Escort (ok...and floor, wheelarches, sills etc ) - a bit notorious for wire feed problems but I was lucky and had a good one Check out the welding forums, lots of info available Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RS2000 Posted September 9, 2014 Share Posted September 9, 2014 SNAP Bricol 😬 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GF04RCE Posted September 10, 2014 Share Posted September 10, 2014 Is there a view if MIG or TIG is better for car body work? David M Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Jonathan Kay Posted September 10, 2014 Member Share Posted September 10, 2014 I don't think there's a Yes/No answer to that. (Note topical reference.) Have a look at this thread, and Guy's and others' words of wisdom. Jonathan Edited by - Jonathan Kay on 10 Sep 2014 08:33:06 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2GBR Posted September 10, 2014 Share Posted September 10, 2014 Consider getting a Tig as the weld is so much neater, you can weld tin without distortion, stainless is then a breeze to weld, and with the correct filler rod you can braze, and with a carbon arc torch accessory you can heat metal to bend or free rusted componets. All this for around £450 Down side is you need a none rental cylinder for your argon mix but they are out there if you ask around. HF start up is a great help Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevsta Posted September 10, 2014 Author Share Posted September 10, 2014 Many thanks all . Much to think about, and costs to weigh up (to make sure I buy the best I can as I'm not a fan of buying twice!). The plan continues! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Jonathan Kay Posted September 10, 2014 Member Share Posted September 10, 2014 Any suggestions from that that you need more than a 13A supply in the garage? Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevsta Posted September 10, 2014 Author Share Posted September 10, 2014 Hi Jonathan, That wasn't how I read it. My dad is an electrician and so I will discuss with him but from the looks of it then a 13A supply will be sufficient (if I purchase an appropriate welder). Cheers Kev Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2GBR Posted September 11, 2014 Share Posted September 11, 2014 I run mine of the standard garage ring main 13amp and all is fine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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