Auto Body Welding and Air Compressors

My suggestion to RogerN would be to try both at a welding shop. Be sure to try it on metal of the thickness you plan to weld, e.g. 24 gage autobody steel.

Indeed. I can say its better than sliced bread, and it gives him crappy results, or he says its impossible, and it works well for someone else.

Shrug.

Try it and write up a report.

Gunner

One could not be a successful Leftwinger without realizing that, in contrast to the popular conception supported by newspapers and mothers of Leftwingers, a goodly number of Leftwingers are not only narrow-minded and dull, but also just stupid. Gunner Asch

A maintenance man I used to work with was telling me he knew a good welder that welded cracks in cast iron engine blocks with ordinary steel electrodes, the welds held and the man guaranteed his work. It is interesting what can be done with certain technique.

I read about a guy that won a bet by welding two pieces of aluminum foil together using an ordinary electric welder and steel rods, he laid the aluminum foil together, laid a piece of 1/8" steel on top, ran a bead down the steel, the heat welded the foil together.

RogerN

I didn't know Century ever made one with continuous heat control. Years ago there was a guy named Altovoz who swore by Century equipment. Most others swore at Century gear (and Altovoz) but the proof is always the welding. In your case, the trick will be whether or not it'll turn down far enough to work well on thin body metal. With continous voltage adjustment, AG25 gas and .023" wire it just might.

I regard them as indispensable, especially now that they've become so inexpensive. You can get a very acceptable one with variable shade (darkness) for under $50 at Harbor Freight. I got one for my daughter, tried it, and found it completely acceptable. Don't recall which stock number now, sorry.