I made the call on Lincoln - got the HD3200 kit - nice part is that it has the little mounting piece with the mount/brackets for the gas, sweet!

manual says to hold the tip 3/8 to 1/2 from tip so I am going to give it a try this weekend - I just got it put together, been working like a dog

 

Go to a computer repair place and see if they will let you haul off any old CPU's. then take the backs and sides off and practice with those. If you can weld that thin metal together without making a mess of it, you can weld any panel on your car and have a good looking weld. Practice makes perfect. Good for you in getting the Lincoln. You won't regret it. Your grandson will inherit it.

 

thanks soaring, just finished connected the handle and feeding the wire, we are ready to rock as soon as I get off work tomorrow. I have pounded some sheet metal pieces into shape to cover the holes some idiot cut in the shock towers - I am shooting for getting this welded in place by end of weekend - did an ok job, will have about 1/8" of bondo to smooth things out at most

 

I've seen guys pull off the outer brass shield so they could keep the wire closer to the tip, and still get a nice "gas" balloon over the puddle. I prefer to leave the sleeve in place and let the wire run a little further out. The 1" distance was a tip I got from a pro, when I was having a tough time getting a clean weld without spatter on some nasty old metal. Since then, I've stayed with it, and been very happy. I can't remember the last time I stuck a tip, and clean up is a breeze.
Let us know what works for you.

Good luck!

Scott

 

Thanks Scott. finished connecting all the lines and fed the wire so tomorrow we rock

 

The only disappointing feature of the Home depot lincoln Ive seen is it doesnt have an infinite power
it has click click click A - B - C - D - Etc. And just thought I would give a little tip Ive found useful. They
sell these copper pieces in Eastwood that you can put behind the the seam your welding. I make my own
by taking 3/4 copper pipe and flatten it out. It works great behind a butt joint of say a qaurter panel. Ive
always steered clear of lap joints , to me its just one more pocket to capture moisture. Thats just my 2 cents.
Enjoy your new toy.