Ideal MIG welder set up for body work... What to use? What works best? HELP!

[wjaholic]

I have a 220 Millermatic 210, It works great and I love it. But when I get to some really thin sheet metal I really have to fight it. I am using .030 Flux core wire which isn't the best for welding/repairing sheetmetal. I am looking into shielding gas (75/25) and switching to solid wire. I am tempted to stick with .030 but was wondering if it would be better to go with a smaller dia. like .023. Would that just cause me more problems later on?

With the single phase 220v mig welders like mine, What have you guys found that works for you? I know some applications a TIG will work out great but... I don't have one.... at least not yet.

Thanks!!!   

[Ryan (Strange246)]

Switch to gas, use the .023 solid core wire and you'll be amazed how well it works, just practice practice!

Ryan

[Bakaruda]

I agree with Ryan.

[doug 371]

 

[loiq]

I use .030 solid wire.

[flyboy01]

I use a Lincoln Handy Mig 110v Mig welder that I am using with C02 gas, it work OK for light duty work, 3/16" is the heaviest it will do. But it works for body work. For $230 (sale) it was a good buy, it handles small fabrication, bodywork, exhaust, etc. It would probably not be the best for welding up a rollcage, but its fine for what I need it for. 

It even works better when you read the instructions and set up the wire feed properly. 

[signet]

i am with the .023 wire and the argon mix crowd,but with a minimum of 30 amps you will have to pulse it manualy.

in my opinoin you have got to be real good to run a bead on the thin metal.

i am a little impatient and go for 1/2-1.25" final tack welds before filling it all in with pulse mode,bzzzt,bzzzt,bzzzzt.

flux-core is hurting except on a floor pan or something.

[tcihla79]

i use a millermatic 135 and i absolutely love it. .023 wire and argon mix.  remember patience will be your best friend,  heat your biggest enemy.

[abqdart]

im with them I use .025 and 75/25 . works great!

[wjaholic]

Thanks guys! I am going to go spend the time, money, and effort in to switching over to 0.023 solid wire with shielding gas. I am going to track down a new liner and tips as soon as I can so that I can start practicing.

Anyone ever tried this stuff?

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-JW-Harris-20-Gauge-Cored-Welding-Wire-030-2lb_W0QQitemZ300147129679QQihZ020QQcategoryZ34097QQcmdZViewItem

[jamesdart]

Thanks guys! I am going to go spend the time, money, and effort in to switching over to 0.023 solid wire with shielding gas. I am going to track down a new liner and tips as soon as I can so that I can start practicing.

Anyone ever tried this stuff?

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-JW-Harris-20-Gauge-Cored-Welding-Wire-030-2lb_W0QQitemZ300147129679QQihZ020QQcategoryZ34097QQcmdZViewItem

 i was going to ask the same thing. i know my spool is running low and i think im going to try it.