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Fri Dec 27, 2002 3:01 pm

Anybody ever used a stitch welder? I'm considering doing my own body work, so I need to buy a welder. These things look pretty idiot proof. Eastwood has a package with the welder, a stitch attatchment and a spot gun for $230. I figure it is a safe buy. Cheaper than $1500 in body shop fees. I can stick two pieces of metal together, maybe even weld, but I want to make sure it's worth it.

Also, My father-in-law says to just rivet and Bondo. Don't think this will work on wheel wells. Anybody ever used this method?

Fri Dec 27, 2002 3:27 pm

DON'T RIVET AND BONDO!!!!

that's deplorable!!

the bondo in theeeel wells will just crack and the rust will start again.

if you have the money...buy yourself a regular MIG welder..they are fairly cheap and are more versatile..just make sure you get one that can handle both flux core as well as shielded gas wire.

Fri Dec 27, 2002 8:29 pm

I had never welded before and I used the stitch welder from Eastwood to install the floor pans in my '67. It worked well with some practice and experimentation. If you are welding the pan to the chassis, set the current at 40A and do not use the reduction diode. If you are welding two thinner pieces together, I suggest possibly dropping the current down. You want the current high enough that the rod is not constantly sticking yet low enough that you do not blow holes through the metal.

Secondly, remember to clean the slag often. If you weld a small spot and stop to inspect it, before you start again definitely clean the slag as the next weld will not adhere to the old weld cleanly (you will get a small crack between the two).

Finally, it is easier to work with the stitch welder if the rods have been cut in half. Take the other half and save for later.

The three points that I mentioned are in the instructions posted on the Eastwood web site for the stitch welder.

While it was cheap and worked well for the floor pans, I will need to practice a good bit more before I attempt to use it to install patch panels. Also, it is extremely difficult to fill a hole with the stitch welder and Eastwood doesn't recommend it.

More than likely, I will switch to the mig pak to do the panel replacements if the stitch welder starts to give me any trouble.

As for the spot welder, I only played around with it and have not used it on the car yet.

Good luck.

Sat Dec 28, 2002 8:52 am

GOD Do NOT pop-rivet and bondo

that's why he's your father-in-law(jk)

take a look in the gallery of my pop-riveted
rockers on my panel that some moron "fixed"

Mon Dec 30, 2002 10:13 am

Pop-rivits & 2 truckloads of bondo.
That's what someone used on my Ghia's fenders.
Might as well use sheet metal screws & Elmers!

Mon Dec 30, 2002 11:39 am

LMAO!!!!

ahhhhhh nothing better than some high-speed missle tape

Mon Dec 30, 2002 9:29 pm

Belly button lint, and ear wax!

Cheap, easy to get, and hardens fast!

Sun Jan 05, 2003 1:47 pm

I have used the stich welder from Eastwood and it is a nice tool. Remember that stick welding even at lower amperage ratings which is what the stitch welder does is still a less desirable way to repair thin sheet metal.I agree with the other posting. With a Lincoln mig welder costing about $400.00 starting this is a much better tool for car restoration projects.(Though with this model designed for thin metal applications)

Sun Jan 05, 2003 5:18 pm

Hello i have never weldedbefore but i have to repaire some body panels in my 66 bus i just last week bought a craftsman mig with the gas option cost me 325.00 not bad for a new welder and seems to weld very nice even better when your useing the gas.. well worth the investment for a do it yourselfer..chris

Mon Jan 06, 2003 11:16 pm

hehehe I got same welder off ebay for $150, guy only used it once

CAAAAACHING!

Mon Feb 10, 2003 9:43 am

I use the lincoln mig welder, The craftsman doesn't work as nice. Don't get me wrong, every other hand tool is craftsman, but nothing power. The aren't really a power tool company.

Wed Feb 12, 2003 1:21 am

Stick with one of the big three! Lincoln, Hobart, or Miller! Get one that doesnt use an aluminum coil! (Some of the bottom of the line big three (like the stuff you can find at Home Depot) welders use them, and I think all craftsman, and Campbell do too.) The Miller 135 can weld soda cans!! (if you want) great for sheet metal! It has an infinite heat control rather than 4 pre-selected settings (nice!) Whatever you do, use gas too!!
Johnny