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Spot welder for panel replacement

pro-streeter

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Looking at doing some body panel replacement was wondering if anybody has recommendations for a good spot welder. I have a Lincoln 110 V wire feed that I’ve used before to do a series of plugs welds. Would preferred to use a spot welder if space permits and wire feed if necessary.
Thanks for any suggestions
 
in the shop I have always had a Lenco sitting by for use it`s a model 3000 its an older unit but works great the 4000 is the newer model look around ebay or craigslist for a used unit they always pop up cheap
 
http://www.lencocanada.com/admin/uploaded_pdf/61155956.pdf the newer model
1049772_709BC6ABA8BF4AFB90E77FF2D21432EE.jpg
the older model
5370_9970757.jpg
 
I have put on many full quarters with a hand held spot welder from harbor freight.
 
in the shop I have always had a Lenco sitting by for use it`s a model 3000 its an older unit but works great the 4000 is the newer model look around ebay or craigslist for a used unit they always pop up cheap

Thanks
I will start looking. Is there any trick to aligning the electrodes to each other?
I would guess good clean metal and a good eye. How does it work with weld through primer?
 
I purchased the 220 volt Harbor Freight spot welder and it did well. I had a problem with the switch early on and they replaced the spot welder. The key to success is clean metal and practice on some scrap.
Good luck.
 
That’s 2 for the harbor freight. Wouldn’t of expected that.
 
I myself have bought & used many harbor freight tools. electric & air never had a problem.
 
Has anyone done the tear test after using a harbor freight spot welder ?
 
Has anyone done the tear test after using a harbor freight spot welder ?
yep I spot welded two pieces then clamped one end in a bench vise & the other end to my hydraulic puller. It took a couple of times to get the right weld for a really good hold. What I mean is how long to hold the electrodes together & how tight. If that makes sense. Do some test panels. The only places I couldn't use it was the door jambs & rear sail panel. For the wheel wells I had to buy other electrodes & cut them shorter. Just like any other welding all 4 sides have to be very clean.
 
yep I spot welded two pieces then clamped one end in a bench vise & the other end to my hydraulic puller. It took a couple of times to get the right weld for a really good hold. What I mean is how long to hold the electrodes together & how tight. If that makes sense. Do some test panels. The only places I couldn't use it was the door jambs & rear sail panel. For the wheel wells I had to buy other electrodes & cut them shorter. Just like any other welding all 4 sides have to be very clean.


You used a harbor freight unit and changed the electrodes to a sorter set.
Where did you purchase the short electrodes?
Thanks for your input.
 
You used a harbor freight unit and changed the electrodes to a sorter set.
Where did you purchase the short electrodes?
Thanks for your input.
ebay under Chicago electric spot welder electrodes they come in 6 8 10 12 in long they are expensive I just measured the length I needed & bought the cheapest ones & cut to length I needed
 
ebay under Chicago electric spot welder electrodes they come in 6 8 10 12 in long they are expensive I just measured the length I needed & bought the cheapest ones & cut to length I needed

Thank you I appreciate your input it’s been very helpful.
 
I borrowed a Miller 220v hand held spot welder last summer to weld quite a few panels on a dart at work. Worked really well and the welds are strong and look factory. I liked it so much I bought the identical one. $2000cdn from the local miller dealer.
 
I have the old school turquoise greenish blue Leno panel spotter as pictured originally in the first couple of posts along with a Miller 18" tongs spot welder. They are both probably 25 or 30 years old and still work great. I bought them used and have had them almost that long..
 
The new Lenco 4000 Is rated for 20 gauge automotive steel max. You guys say you had no problems? I would think it wouldn’t work welding 2 pieces of 18 gauge?
 
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