Welder type for body mount chop

I have the plates for the body mount chop but I have never welded before. I have to chop my Tundra as well as my GX460 so I figured it would be cheaper for me to DIY myself and do it rather than drop $500 for someone to do both vehicles. My question is what kind of welder do I need? I am a woodworker so I understand precision in making things fit nicely but never welded and want to learn. Any advice is appreciated. I plan to do this on Sunday this week 12/19.

 

Journeyman welder here. You have a professional who will do the job for $500? Have him do it. You won't be able to buy a proper machine to do the job well for less than $500. This isn't the type of project to learn on.

 

I’m also a woodworker. I bought the Century FC-90 for this project because I wanted to learn how to weld for the price of a BMC. I read a ton up on it, watched a bunch of videos, practiced a bunch on scrap metal, and taught myself. BMC done.

 

If this is the only job you see yourself doing with it, pay someone. If you want to get into fabricating other things, then learning is great and you should invest in a quality hobbyist setup. You're looking at a grand minimum for a basic mig welding setup with shielding gas and associated tools and PPE necessary to do the job. This is coming from someone who taught himself how to weld because he didn't want to pay people to do welding jobs on his truck.

 

Not trying to argue, but I'm pretty sure this is mostly a cosmetic remedy. Yeah you don't want dirt and or water in there, but it isn't exactly like welding on a fuel tank where one needs to displace the oxygen during the process. I say, DIY and buy a used welder to do it, then sell it for 100% ROI.

 

I thought body mounts were a structural component. If it's mainly cosmetic, then the OP should be fine. I'd still spend more than $500 and get a good welding machine, especially if he plans to do more projects down the line.

 

My understanding is this process is basically shortening of a tubular followed by welding on a preformed mostly flat endcap plate for aesthetic value and to keep the mud from caking internally.

 

I thought the body mount section of what is being removed is cosmetic and the plate helps keep dirt,grim and water out. It prolongs the rubber from being fully exposed. I have read most people don't even cap them back after cutting them.

 

Pretty spot on.

 

You should be good then. Find a good Miller, Lincoln or ESAB machine. If you can, check the used market. Usually can find a better machine for the money that way.

 

Pick up a few scraps of similar thickness mild steel to practice and spend an hour on youtube. Most importantly be careful with high voltage plugs and don't allow the heat to affect the body or else you will have bubbled and scorched paint. Disconnecting your battery cables and having a fire extinguisher handy would also be an excellent idea.

 

I will start looking at a basic wire welder like the one mentioned above. I was not sure what kind I needed so I was very hesitant. I am comfortable giving it a shot. I understand its not high end wood furniture but it is steel and I want to do it right.

 

Hell yeah, go for it.

 

Do it! Just know that you can spend as much on your helmet as this job would cost at a shop… Used for sure, unless you’ve just got some spare money burning a hole in your pocket.

don’t forget to budget for a shielding gas cylinder, regulator, gloves, a spool of wire, and other items that don’t come with a new welder….

 

I bought this welder

$480 YESWELDER MIG-205DS PRO MIG Welder, 200Amp 110/220V Dual Voltage MIG Welding Machine, 5 in 1 Gas MIG/Flux Core MIG/Spool Gun MIG/Lift TIG/Stick Multiprocess Aluminum MIG Welder, Spool Gun Compatible

https://www.amazon.com/MIG-205-Welding-Machine-Gasless-Voltage/dp/B07TVCWDGW

and have been extremely happy with it. It's 110/220, stick, mig, and lift tig, also holds 10lb wire spools. I've been welding 13 years now, and I've welded quite alot with this machine and it's been comparable to all the Lincoln and Miller machines I've ran, and this one has a few more settings than more expensive machines, can't beat it for the price, it actually burned through 3/16 steel on 110v when I cranked it up, so 110v would be fine for your body mount chop. You can get Flux core wire to start with if you don't wanna buy or rent shielding gas, just gotta chip the slag off once the weld is complete, before making another pass. Practice on some scrap for awhile, and play with the setting to get familiar with them.

I've had this for over a year now and it's been awesome so far. Got a couple buddies to get them after using mine, and they haven't had any issues either. Good luck and have fun!