TH99TJ
TJ Enthusiast
It's a good idea to learn all types of welding. There are things you can do with stick that you can not do with any other. The rod selection is huge allowing for enormous welding potential. Yes it is more difficult to learn but when you have it in your pocket, it is a skill you will not regret spending the time to learn. Learn how to Oxy acet Braze too! I have Stick, Mig, Tig and OA in my shop, I heavily use Mig then Tig but will never get rid of my stick welder and would actually like to find a gas/diesel powered unit for off site away from power work/repairs. I have welded with quite a few different stick welders of differing capabilities but never the battery method(unless you mean that one time I was taking a side terminal off and burned a pot hole in my snap on wrench, new at the time, very not happy moment). I need to try the batteries so I know I can. I would also like to build a welder from a Delco alternator when I have time.
Back to the main topic, I put an 8.8 in my TJ with a Barnes truss and plan on an OX locker very soon with a re-gear. I am also learning as I get a little older, many times we are money and definitly time ahead just buying the after market fab parts vs making our own. I have found lots of sources for tabs, gussets, mounts etc for general fab work that save endless hours and usually make me look like a super hero fabricator LOL. (BTW The Barnes TJ truss is bad ass, stupid easy to get on the axle RIGHT and looks good!)
Back to the main topic, I put an 8.8 in my TJ with a Barnes truss and plan on an OX locker very soon with a re-gear. I am also learning as I get a little older, many times we are money and definitly time ahead just buying the after market fab parts vs making our own. I have found lots of sources for tabs, gussets, mounts etc for general fab work that save endless hours and usually make me look like a super hero fabricator LOL. (BTW The Barnes TJ truss is bad ass, stupid easy to get on the axle RIGHT and looks good!)