Diy Spot Welder - Anybody Use One?

[260DET]

The simple type with two jaws that clamp together to effect a pinch weld, any experiences or recommendations?

[C.A.R.]

Like this?

 

I have the Tecna one pictured - fantastic machine. It's been faultless.
All parts are available from Hare & Forbes - different length arms & electrodes etc.

[260DET]

Bit expensive for me Lurch.

[260DET]

This is more my price, $300, rated at 2.5 kva which is good, 30% duty cycle not so good. https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/beenleigh/miscellaneous-goods/new-240v-portable-spot-welder-2-welding-tip-sets-2mm-5mm-/1155117812

[Andrew_L26]

 

I've been thinking about making one of these for awhile.

 

Andrew

[C.A.R.]

This is more my price, $300, rated at 2.5 kva which is good, 30% duty cycle not so good. https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/beenleigh/miscellaneous-goods/new-240v-portable-spot-welder-2-welding-tip-sets-2mm-5mm-/1155117812

 

I use mine for long joins, so I stumped for the more expensive unit.

 

You don't run the machine 'continuous', so I doubt the 30% d/cycle will be a problem for your home workshop needs.

[gav240z]

On the topic, and because I've been putting my bonnet back to together, how does the factory spot weld through the primer? I know you can get spot weld primer usually (copper based) but the factory stuff isn't like that.

 

I can post pictures if it helps?

[CBR Jeff]

On the topic, and because I've been putting my bonnet back to together, how does the factory spot weld through the primer? I know you can get spot weld primer usually (copper based) but the factory stuff isn't like that.

 

I can post pictures if it helps?

 

Are you joking Gav?

Primer under welds or between joints from original?

I haven't found any evidence of that on my car. Even when I recently pulled the door hinges off it was bare metal underneath on both the door and the A pillar.

 

 

Jeff

[aircobra]

i had a massive LENCO 240v spot welder - nowhere near enough power from single phase.

Need a 3 phase unit to make the proper 6mm structural welds, my one would would do weeny 2mm units

[gav240z]

Are you joking Gav?

Primer under welds or between joints from original?

I haven't found any evidence of that on my car. Even when I recently pulled the door hinges off it was bare metal underneath on both the door and the A pillar.

  

Jeff

No joke mine had been painted internally, but I'm guessing maybe my bonnet wasn't original to the car and perhaps bought as a spare from Nissan at a later stage and maybe they started priming them? Certainly would explain why so little rust.

[260DET]

Looked at that DIY one Andrew thanks, the problem with it is the weak electrodes he uses. I plan on getting the $300 one, it has pretty good electrodes and if the inverter? needs replacing look at using one from a microwave oven or whatever.

 

Going to use it to double up on the pinch welds around all the big openings of the project Z31, doors, windscreen and so on. Two mm max.

[kamarchi]

Like this?

 

 

I have the Tecna one pictured - fantastic machine. It's been faultless.

All parts are available from Hare & Forbes - different length arms & electrodes etc.

 

 

Hi Lurch

 

I am in the market for a spot welder, in your opinion is this model powerful enough to accomplish a floor pan (Zedd Findings) and outer sill replacement?

[240ZBUILTBYME]

On 8/7/2017 at 10:05 AM, C.A.F. said:

Like this?

 

I have the Tecna one pictured - fantastic machine. It's been faultless.
All parts are available from Hare & Forbes - different length arms & electrodes etc.

Hey CAF 

I have the opportunity to buy one of these tecna second hand for $350 but has no arms. Was thinking 250mm arms nights be more versatile. Arms are worth $200 new, so $550 total for a second hand one, apparently only used a handful of times. 

Do you agree with the 250mm arms being more versatile or do you find the original 100mm is sufficient. 

I’d plan to use it on:

- new frame rails (might only get to the bottom side...)  

- inner and outer rocker replacement 

- rear wheel arches 

- rear hatch slam panel

- some of the rear valance 

- some of the tool compartment

- some of the rear hatch door repairs 

i think that’s about it..

i figure it will give a more factory finish and save me time punching holes, plug welding and grinding down plugs. Do you think it’s worth getting?