which weld process for bed/fender work?

[pjtoledo]

If you own a tig (and…..no offense) know how to use it, it’s better.

That’s the excuse I used to buy one, it works better.

That having been said, I still use a true MIG most of the time. Using a small solid wire with gas and spacing my welds. Being PATIENT and letting things cool works best for me.

I’m also really good at warping steel. Be patient with whatever method you choose.

of course I know how to TIG, it's right there on the shelf.

one of my biggest concerns with TIG will be my right foot. it doesn't work due to spinal damage so any foot pedal is a challenge.
I'll need torch controls.

 

[Roert42]

Without the pedal you loose a lot of the advantage of the TIG.

With the foot pedal you can start, stop, and adjust the amperage on the fly. Lot harder to do that with a thumb nob.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

one thing I have perfected is warping. didn't matter how strong the jigs were, it warped.

Yeah, that too. Get too much heat into it and no matter what you do, it’s gonna warp. Being in a hurry is usually what gets me. I should know better by now, but I often repeat my error.

 

[rumblecloud]

...With thin materials, heat control is the key, in my opinion, regardless of which welding method. Do good layout. Make sure the pieces are lined up. Tack the seams to lock in the positioning. Then careful welding. ....
Do some practice pieces and watch some "good quality" YouTube videos.

YES! What CH ^ said.
I'm not a welder. I'm a beginner. I use flux core. Been doing some repairs on my bed. Thin metal is really hard to do without burn-thru.. For me. low temp, low speed and spread the tacs around to keep the temps down. But again, I'm just a beginer...these guys know way more than I do.It's just from my rookie experience what works for me.
Would really like to see some pics of you progress and what you are working on.

 

[pjtoledo]

pics??
well, maybe after a lot of grinding

 

[pjtoledo]

Without the pedal you loose a lot of the advantage of the TIG.

With the foot pedal you can start, stop, and adjust the amperage on the fly. Lot harder to do that with a thumb nob.

time to become a leftie if I really want to TIG

 

[Curious Hound]

My motto; Grinders and paint, Grinders and paint, make a welder what he ain't.

 

[Roert42]

time to become a leftie if I really want to TIG

Just think of it like a clutch for your magic wand.

You also need to be able to use your left and right hands to do completely different motions.