Spot welder?

[fireguyfire]

I've noticed a few decent quality used air cooled pincer style 110v spot welders for sale in my area in the classifieds and I have been considering adding one to the tool arsenal.
I'm replacing a full quarter on the challenger right now and it would be nice to spot weld along the trunk edge, the wheel lip, and the bottom pinch weld.
Do any of you guys and gals out there own one of these, and do they work like they should?
I'd hate to use one and wind up with bad spot welds that pop in the future.
I've got no problem with continuing to plug weld but a spot welder would be quick and give a very correct weld.

Opinions?

[truckinman466]

I have both a 110v and 220v. The 110 is ok but the 220 is much better. Harbor freight has them for a pretty good price. I made a 220 extension cord and just plug it in to the socket for my air compressor.

[Cuda Cody]

   220 is the way to go.

[fireguyfire]

So is the difference the amount of penetration between 110 and 220, or is it about how long you need to run the tool to get the needed penetration?

[Cuda Cody]

220 will do better for penetration oin a spot welder.

If you are using MIG, the 110 is better and gives you more control.  You don't want to much penetration in the MIG, but you will need it with a spot welder.  Any paint, primer or sealant makes it hard to spot weld.

[fireguyfire]

Does anyone know if you can use weld through primer with a spot welder?

[fireguyfire]

I see Cody posted just as I asked the question; doesn't sound like you can use weld through primer.
It almost sounds like I might as well stick with plug welding and sanding the plugs flush.

[Cuda Cody]

With my spot welder, Yes it goes through the weld through primer.

[jimynick]

As a wild ass guess, I'd think "weld through" meant just that? But, as was also said, the machine makes a big difference. 

[JS29]

As a wild ass guess, I'd think "weld through" meant just that? But, as was also said, the machine makes a big difference. 

[HEMICUDA]

  220 is the way to go.

Looks like we have the same spot welder Cody.  Irreplaceable tool doing this type of work.

[fireguyfire]

The hand held 220 one I'm looking at seems to have very sharp "tips" on it, and I'm guessing it would make a fairy small diameter spot weld.
Does anyone have an opinion on whether this type of spot weld would be appropriate for a structural spot weld, such as a quarter panel?
Was looking at YouTube videos of guys using it and the welds seem smaller than the factory originals.

[RUNCHARGER]

I've heard of guys filing/grinding the ends to make them wider, I haven't done it myself though. I wouldn't trust my safety to a 110 volt spot welder that's for sure.

[cuda hunter]

I've seen prices for those pro spots between 800 and 3500. 

Seems I have to call to get a price on a new one. 

Suggestions on where to find a good used one? 

[RUNCHARGER]

This ones $300 CDN. Not professional quality I don't imagine but perhaps good enough for a hobbiest?
I generally try to find used, professional quality tools but I think a 220 volt spot welder suitable for autobody use might be a tough find.

https://www.princessauto.com/en/detail/240v-spot-welder/A-p8784720e