Welding advice, Can a cheap flux welder do what I need? Options

[Deusexmachina77]

I have to weld in a new front trunk pan replacing the hole left from an AC unit. I have taken two MIG classes. Beside being a newbie, I have other limitations to consider.

I don’t have access to a 220 line.
I’m inexperienced.
It would cost me $1000 to have it professionally done. And I don’t want to buy a bunch of equipment for one job.

Can I use a flux welder? There a couple cheap units at Harbor Freight (under $150) on sale right now. What don’t I know that I should know?

Thanks (IMG:style_emoticons/default/welder.gif)

[IronHillRestorations]

True MIG (shielding gas) is the only way to go for any body work. Without the shielding gas you have slag on every weld, and invariably you will get weld inclusions (bad spots) as a result. With shielding gas you can weld on a prior bead without knocking the slag off. You can also use a .023 wire which is better for thin metal. I’ve never used a flux wire welder, so I’m not sure what size wire.

[stownsen914]

As a self taught hobbyist welder, I'd have to agree that the right equipment is important. Good you took a class, so you are off to a good start. It's worth spending a little more and/or being patient to find a deal on a quality used unit. It's hard enough to learn to weld well without poor equipment stunting your leaning and/or contributing to mediocre outcome.

Another option - I borrowed a good MIG for a while at one point before I had my own.