Is a spot welder a worthwhile investment

RENNWAGEN Seriously Crusin Dubber

158 posts · joined Sep 2003 · 14 Aug 2013, 11:25 pm

#966482

I'm just about to start cutting and welding on my split bus. Are the $350 spot welders ( they claim to weld up to 3.5 mm mild steel ) you see around worthwhile. A lot of the work around the sills, nose etc were originally spot welded and if these machines are good enough they would be a lot easier than drilling and plug welding with my mig.

Governor Wolfsburg Wizard

414 posts · joined Nov 2008 · 15 Aug 2013, 7:28 am

#966490

How long are the arms??
The ones I have seen only have arms at the most 200mm long
I doubt a store bought spot welder will be able to be used doing sills or the front nose?
Maybe just the bottoms but not where the new sill or nose meets the original panel.

AndrewB Seriously Crusin Dubber

141 posts · joined Jun 2011 · 18 Aug 2013, 9:22 pm

#966869

i have used one of the 300ish mm arm units... After puting a plug on it, i used it once lol. It will do all the lips of most panels....

vlad01 Compulsive Aussie Vee Dubber

4,270 posts · joined Jun 2010 · 20 Aug 2013, 1:48 pm

#967034

AndrewB wrote:i have used one of the 300ish mm arm units... After puting a plug on it, i used it once lol. It will do all the lips of most panels....

did it work good? I wouldn't mind a spot welder 😉

71 notchback,
Past owner of, 70 NB, 73 SB and 72 FB TLE

AndrewB Seriously Crusin Dubber

141 posts · joined Jun 2011 · 23 Aug 2013, 9:47 pm

#967402

It was alright, Came from that yank mob, harbour freight I believe they are called... I only used it to fix some dual carb aircleaner brackets and stuff

RENNWAGEN Seriously Crusin Dubber

158 posts · joined Sep 2003 · 26 Aug 2013, 3:29 pm

#967750

Mine just arrived today. Im going to be using it for the edges of the sills nose window openings etc where the factory used spot welds. All body panels will be but joined and stitched with the mig. I'll have a play and let you know how it goes.

HappyDaze Superannuated

2,887 posts · joined Jun 2009 · 26 Aug 2013, 3:36 pm

#967752

Make sure you wear safety glasses, Shane.👍

I'd rather wear a Beetle out by racing it than by polishing it!

RENNWAGEN Seriously Crusin Dubber

158 posts · joined Sep 2003 · 26 Aug 2013, 5:46 pm

#967765

Yeah, apparently no need for welding mask but safety googles a must. if the tong preasure isnt quite right it spits a bit but first few welds on two pieces of 1mm steel nice little 6mm wide circle takes about 3 seconds and i cant get it apart with a hammer and a chisel. Pretty happy with the purchase and I'll save on gym fees swinging this thing around.😎

vlad01 Compulsive Aussie Vee Dubber

4,270 posts · joined Jun 2010 · 27 Aug 2013, 8:52 pm

#967864

can you post some pics of the welds? where did you buy it from?

71 notchback,
Past owner of, 70 NB, 73 SB and 72 FB TLE