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  #11  
Old 03-07-2022, 04:56 PM
exline exline is offline
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It does not need to be a hand held unit. Each part gets 56 spot welds. I dont do them all at once. I would do 16 then about 20 minutes later do another 16. Then the rest would be done over another 20 minutes. I have 10 of the same part to make right now. So it would be 560 welds total.
I would not mind buying a used spot welder since I wont use it every day. But it would save a lot of time over a few years.
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  #12  
Old 03-10-2022, 01:11 AM
skintkarter skintkarter is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by exline View Post
It does not need to be a hand held unit. Each part gets 56 spot welds. I dont do them all at once. I would do 16 then about 20 minutes later do another 16. Then the rest would be done over another 20 minutes. I have 10 of the same part to make right now. So it would be 560 welds total.
I would not mind buying a used spot welder since I wont use it every day. But it would save a lot of time over a few years.
Kenny, on that basis I'd be looking for a big old static unit from a disposal sale. Generally speaking none of that stuff costs very much as none of us as Countries make anything any longer, so many of the smaller sheetmetal shops have gone out of business. If you stop making whatever you are making, you probably won't lose money on a good old machine. Have a look at your local machinery dealers and get an old machine making stuff again! If you found something at a machinery dealer, they could probably power it up for you and you test it out. Obviously some of this off the cuff advice depends on what power source you have where you will be working. They suck a lot of juice for 2x 16swg.
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  #13  
Old 03-10-2022, 04:05 AM
Chris_Hamilton Chris_Hamilton is offline
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Just out of curiosity Kenny, what are you making?
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  #14  
Old 03-13-2022, 09:49 PM
exline exline is offline
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I am making tailgates for 1960's Dodge trucks.
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  #15  
Old 03-20-2022, 12:58 AM
Ryan in Melbourne Ryan in Melbourne is offline
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it might also pay to look for a tip dresser while your shopping for the spot welder.
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  #16  
Old 03-22-2022, 09:38 AM
rustreapers rustreapers is offline
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Default Spot welder

Read the manual and do the research!!
I purchased this Chief spot welder for $1000.00, yes quite the deal.
Despite the literature saying 3 layers of 18 gauge ( .144") I am having trouble getting a full 1/4" dia spot on 2 x 18 ga. (14" tongs). I am still working out the settings. The main reason for the buy was to acquire the internal spot welding attachment for the tub to quarter panel. Its 40 amp.

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  #17  
Old 03-22-2022, 11:47 AM
Chris_Hamilton Chris_Hamilton is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rustreapers View Post
Read the manual and do the research!!
I purchased this Chief spot welder for $1000.00, yes quite the deal.
Despite the literature saying 3 layers of 18 gauge ( .144") I am having trouble getting a full 1/4" dia spot on 2 x 18 ga. (14" tongs). I am still working out the settings. The main reason for the buy was to acquire the internal spot welding attachment for the tub to quarter panel. Its 40 amp.
That's an early one from the 90's. Used the same model at one place I was at. It's finicky. You need a special ground strap (name escapes me ATM).

That was a 3 phase machine. You have 3 phase power? The one I used was. If you are using some sort of trick to run it single phase that could very well be the issue. Also make sure you are not running an excessive length extension cord. If you have to run a cord you need to have the wire size very large larger by at least a step or two than what the wire is on the factory cord. If not you will get a voltage drop and not have the power. Could very well be what is going on.
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  #18  
Old 03-22-2022, 01:11 PM
norson norson is offline
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Can anyone tell me if one that size would work with a 15hp rotary phase converter?
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  #19  
Old 03-24-2022, 08:36 PM
Rsanter Rsanter is offline
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i have the miller 220v 2.5kva model
i fully belive this one will work well on two pieces of 16ga
i know I have welded 18ga to 12ga with it and it fused them together no issues
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  #20  
Old 04-03-2022, 08:42 AM
ojh ojh is offline
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I have a foot operated Miller 2.5kw and use it for 16 & 18ga often, I find it can do a dozen or more welds and needs to take a break, like it feels weaker or something, its still welds but not as aggressive. It really is a great machine.
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