Was hoping to start my overhaul of my floorboards and exhaust system on Wednesday but my welder I had lined up fell through. Looks like I'll be sitting on parts for at least another month probably more. So bummed. Took vacation and everything. Now I'll be sitting around doing nothing got a week while I'm off work unless I can get someone to trade me.

 

Buy a welder off craigslist and do it yourself. Those little wire feed machines are cheap and you can use flux core wire so you don't need gas.

 

Look up welders in the phone book and get some prices.

 

I picked up a Campbell-Hausfeld that is factory reconditioned. $100 delivered. Looked brand new. Purchased direct from factory with warranty.
90 amp, 115 volt, Flux Core. Has worked good for 2 years on my small projects.
I have had great luck with factory reconditioned equipment.

 

I have thought about trying it myself. I have never touched a welder in my life though. I have always wanted to just never have.

You guys think flux core would be fine? Everything I look at says use MIG for sheet metal and that flux core will blow through it.

I have looked up renting a machine. About $100 a day. It's a nice machine and I think if I did a good job with the prep I may be able to get away with 2 days but if I need any more than that then it's just not worth it. Well may be worth it but spending that much on rent just doesn't make sense when you can but a pretty decent unit new for not much more.

 

Correct, the flux core is nasty. Looks like asteroid impacts and space debris. I use it on 1/8" and thicker material.

 

That's pretty much what I have read. While out doesn't need to be perfect I don't want "asteroid impacts" everywhere. I'm thinking I'm going to give this a shot. I've got some scrap 18 gauge I can practice on.