New guy here, got a few questions...

[super vw]

Well i just got myself my first welder(Hobart handler 135) a few days ago from cetral welding supply in washington. i got the machine to do some body work (floor pan replacment, patching...ect) and since i dont have a gas bottle yet i was wondering what to look for before i go out and get one.

also since im doing thin metal what kind of wire and gas should i use? i have been doing some practice welds with the .30 flux wire included with the welder and it seams to be to thick for what i need to do... even if i try not to, it penitrates ALL the way through the other side of the metal, and i think that means it to heavy of a wire (even at the lowest settings, including wire speed) im no expert so im not sure.

Thanks!
Jonathan

[Guest]

Re: New guy here, got a few questions...

Originally posted by super vw
Well i just got myself my first welder(Hobart handler 135) a few days ago from cetral welding supply in washington. i got the machine to do some body work (floor pan replacment, patching...ect) and since i dont have a gas bottle yet i was wondering what to look for before i go out and get one.

also since im doing thin metal what kind of wire and gas should i use? i have been doing some practice welds with the .30 flux wire included with the welder and it seams to be to thick for what i need to do... even if i try not to, it penitrates ALL the way through the other side of the metal, and i think that means it to heavy of a wire (even at the lowest settings, including wire speed) im no expert so im not sure.

Thanks!
Jonathan

Welcome to the forum, Jonathan...here no question is irrelavent or dumb.

For your question, go to the post by P455 titled"New Member, project" in the PROJECTS section. This guy has done it right, and has done some fine documentation of replacing a floorpan. Notice how he did the welding procedure...it's a perfect answer to your question.

[CHRIStical]

I prefer to buy gas from a major supplier as opposed to owning my own bottle. The supplier takes care of any necessary hydro testing of the bottle and any needed repairs.
For body work I and most everyone else uses 0.023" ER70S-6 wire with 75%Argon/25%CO2 (C25) gas. Practice with your settings once you get these products to find what works best, but you will probably using a voltage of 1 and a wire speed of 10 to 20.

[Roger]

Most parts of US smaller sized bottles are considered owned by customer and larger bottles are leased for monthly fee. Dealer will try sell you nice new bottle with free gas fill that you will bring back trading for full bottle. You then loose you new owned bottle but don't have to worry about hydro test fees. Dealer charges more to cover that cost. Filling larger bottle is often same or little more so better off with larger bottle that will last longer. Most dealers don't post gas prices and will charge less if refill bottles often. Leased bottle is cheaper to fill because of monthly fee.

Try to get used bottle for purchase as it will be traded. Keep sales slip to show you bought a bottle that size at another dealer.

[super vw]

thanks guys!

Hopfully i can get into town soon and see what Norco has to offer (gas/welding supplies)

[Bob]

Super VW ... means ??

Do "go to town" to deal directly with a local gas supplier. I got lazy and mail ordered and wasted some money.

Bob

[super vw]

well since im a total air cooled Volkswagen nut and own a 74 Super beetle i thought "Super VW" fits fairly well hehe

[R. Nelson]

Re: New guy here, got a few questions...

Originally posted by super vw
Well i just got myself my first welder(Hobart handler 135) a few days ago from cetral welding supply in washington. i got the machine to do some body work (floor pan replacment, patching...ect) and since i dont have a gas bottle yet i was wondering what to look for before i go out and get one.

also since im doing thin metal what kind of wire and gas should i use? i have been doing some practice welds with the .30 flux wire included with the welder and it seams to be to thick for what i need to do... even if i try not to, it penitrates ALL the way through the other side of the metal, and i think that means it to heavy of a wire (even at the lowest settings, including wire speed) im no expert so im not sure.

Thanks!
Jonathan

I bought my bottle from the supply house where I bought my welder and when I take it in they re-fill my bottle there on site so I still have the same bottle that I bought.

[Bob]

Mine is '73 Super Beetle, mostly stock.
Bob

[P455]

Super VW: Here's a great page dealing with Bug restoration, welding, etc.

http://www.thebugshop.org/bsp57_.htm

Good luck with your resto!

Mike

[P455]

And here's another, dealing with floors:

http://www.superbeetles.com/resto/resto.htm

[super vw]

thanks!

Its nice to see a V-dub guy in here . im only 16 so i havent really gotten to drive my beetle other than around the block when i was 13 (Thats when i got it) so i really want to get this restoration overwith but i still want to do it right.... whitch might take a while Im going for the "German look" as they call it

[Darrell]

Super VW,

To weld thin material, get some .024 solid wire and some tri-mix gas.

The .030 cored wire is too hot for thin material.

Remember to switch the output polarity of your Handler when you change to the solid wire. Check your manual or door chart if you need directions as to how to change the polarity.