Quick question on Mig welders...

[jopes]

Walt, go pick up some .023 wire, tips and be sure your welder has the proper rollers for it.

welding sheet metal with 023 is day and night difference compared to the .035

[spikedzombies]

Originally Posted by MajSuckelton

Do they know how to weld or do they think they know how to weld?

well a few of my friends have been welding for a few years and my neighbor does it for a living at work for 20+ years.

[waltman]

Originally Posted by jopes

Walt, go pick up some .023 wire, tips and be sure your welder has the proper rollers for it.

welding sheet metal with 023 is day and night difference compared to the .035

When I need a new roll I will do that, but it will be a while since I have a near new 10 lb. spool right now and don't do a whole lot of welding with my mig.

[jopes]

a 1 lb spool of 023 lasts a really long time. It's nice to have both on hand.

[under construction]

just a thought but have you bean to a pown shop lately. i found a lincon welder for 300

[Gillamonster]

Originally Posted by spikedzombies

why is that? My neighbor knows how to weld and a lot of people I know weld also that could teach me what I need to know.

detailed patient instruction, the teachers are there to teach you, thats it, you will learn to do things correctly, not the bad habits of people who are welders, cause we all have them, no need to worry about running up your buddies power bill, buying steel to practice on, buying wire, gas, tips, liners, rollers, cups and insulators. its all there, its set up right and they will get you welding correctly faster than your buddy could.

[BRONCONUT]

Just my 2 cents but I think you would be a lot better off to learn stick first, something like 5p. 5p (6010) will help you learn to controll your puddle. I like mig welders and all but to me its boring I would rather use stick or mig, dont get me wrong mig has its place.

[Shadofax]

Originally Posted by waltman

Then just bring over some beer and practice on their machine. Once you get the hang of it, go spend closer to 1k for a good 220 volt machine or less for a good used one. 220 volt welder uses less electricity and is better overall.

Agree, go to friends and watch and learn and try if they will let you. I would pass on the 115 machine for now, but if you really want to get going and don't want to mess with plugging in at dryer outlet in apartment, you can multipass weld decently up to around 1/4", or so I'm told. But 1k for a 220 Walt???? c'mon

Originally Posted by waltman

0.35 hard wire is just fine for sheet metal...I've never actually seen or heard of .23 wire but then again that is not a wire I would run into in the shops I've worked in




I bought a mig welder in my early 20s for $1500, it was rated for 3/8" but after using it to weld a 1/4" bracket to tighten the chain on my mini bike and having it break in the bush...twice, I realized it is useless for welding in areas with stress. I should add, I was just learning myself so it is truly possible I just sucked at welding at that time but still, for sliders and the like, I would not buy anything rated for less than 3/8" then you are pretty sure your projects will hold up. I should add too that I believe my MIG is good for max 1/4" plate now so if you buy used, keep in mind that the max it can weld effectively may have dropped.

Also, I've used a few brands over the years and I like Hobart and Miller, but after using some new Millers in the last shop I was in, prefer Miller simply because the machine was so versatile with it's welding options which means the sale price was pretty hefty I'm sure

This also suprises me. I've thought your advice on welding to be pretty straight. but c'mon, I've used my hobart 175, 220v mig to do all my welding, including tranny crossmember, frontend steering stuff, etc. and have never had an issue. The mig machine is fine, penetrates fine and is plenty strong, and this machine is rated single pass .25" not 3/8". Though I'd have no issue welding 3/8" but with an extra pass or so.

This hobart was a super special at a farm place in Oregon, $499, about 5 yrs or so ago.

never picked up a book, though I am an avid reader of tips/advice on line, plus reading the manual front to back multiple times. The mig is so easy to learn on, you just set it up and start practicing.

Added cost for sure Spikedzombies:

Your first project should be a welding cart, this can be real cheap (I'll post a pic of my tennis racket handle cart if ya want).

need C25 bottle ,this gas will change your welding from using flux core (the gas is in the wire, so to speak), to solid wire (needs gas fed down welding gun).

assorted clamps, welding tips, wire, gloves, etc.

****auto darkening welding helmet****** put this baby on your holiday list.

Welding table project.

[waltman]

Yes anything for less than 1k is not worth buying for what I would want it for.

I don't understand what you mean Shado. Are you saying my welder after almost 20 years IS still capable of welding 3/8", that I don't know my own machine?
I should add my machine is a 110 volt, but I would not feel comfortable using it for anything other than sheet metal or light duty components, it just doesn't penetrate enough for my liking. If you say you machine can weld important components then I'll take your word for it.

[Shadofax]

Originally Posted by waltman

Yes anything for less than 1k is not worth buying for what I would want it for.

I don't understand what you mean Shado. Are you saying my welder after almost 20 years IS still capable of welding 3/8", that I don't know my own machine?
I should add my machine is a 110 volt, but I would not feel comfortable using it for anything other than sheet metal or light duty components, it just doesn't penetrate enough for my liking. If you say you machine can weld important components then I'll take your word for it.

You only mentioned it was capable of 3/8ths. I find it hard to believe any machine that is 110v, would be capable of that, new or whatever, so I assumed you were talking about a 220 (assuming this was a single pass rating).

And just because you don't believe anything below $1k is worth your time does not mean that many others have successfully welded with nice machines you find unworthy. He's on a budget, so why not respond based on the realm he is within?

[waltman]

Originally Posted by Shadofax

You only mentioned it was capable of 3/8ths. I find it hard to believe any machine that is 110v, would be capable of that, new or whatever, so I assumed you were talking about a 220 (assuming this was a single pass rating).

And just because you don't believe anything below $1k is worth your time does not mean that many others have successfully welded with nice machines you find unworthy. He's on a budget, so why not respond based on the realm he is within?

It may have been 5/16 cap, I think it was. I stand behind what I said based on my machine though.


Fair enough, but $ for $, if anyone wants to invest less than 1k and know 100% it will do the job, get a stick welder.

[Shadofax]

Originally Posted by waltman

It may have been 5/16 cap, I think it was. I stand behind what I said based on my machine though.


Fair enough, but $ for $, if anyone wants to invest less than 1k and know 100% it will do the job, get a stick welder.

ok, so fair enough, that's an opinion on what to buy for the lower price range. I was thinking stick at first due to cost, and then found my unit.

[Andy351]

mine says miller on the side, thats good enough for me

[Hefty]

I ran a lincoln weldpack 110 fluxcore and it will definitely burn in hot. I had no problem burning in 3/16" to 1/4" in a single pass. It takes some practice but it will work. However I have a much bigger welder now. Hobart Ironman 250 with spool gun for alum. The total package I have is well over 2k new. It will burn in 1/2" in a single pass. I wouldn't pass up a smaller flux core for projects to get you started. I still have and use the lincoln weldpack even with the bigger welder around. Unless you plan on using your welder a lot and have the skills to use it right, buy a little cheapy to learn with just don't build a cage.

[scott 351 wins]

Originally Posted by Vetter

I just bought a Millermatic 211 for around $900, it can be used with 115 or 220. I've only used it with 220, but it's a excellent little welder, and can do most anything the home hobbyist will need. Buying a $300 welder, is a waste of money in my opinion, and they really won't teach you much, invest more money, and you will have a welder you can keep forever.

i might buy this welder or the next step up, miller is by far in my opinion the best welders made. save your money and get a quality welder one, buy a miller.

[Kalashnikov]

I started using a Chicago Electric flux core, which could weld 5/16 in 2 passes beveled without a problem. It sucked, but it worked.

I after a few years I bought a 3 process cheapy machine. The stick on it worked pretty nice on it. This was my first time using stick and I liked it.

I ended up trading that for a Miller Dilarc 250, which welds like a dream! That'll burn 1/2" in 1 pass.

I pick up a Lincoln Weld Pak 175 HD for cheap since it's be nice to have a MIG again that was portable and I could use for sheet. Welds AWESOME. I wish the heat was infinitely adjustable, but oh well. It's rated at 1/2" with two passes and .45 wire.

If I could do it again, I'd save my money for the 220v Lincoln 175 HD. I think it's the biggest size available that's still portable and can weld 1/2". You might as well buy quality tools, because when you don't have the right stuff, doing anything sucks and takes forever.

People seem to make welding a bigger deal than it needs to be. Practice on scrap before you go making something. One you start getting good penetration, then make something. If your sliders break it's not really a safety concern. Once you become confident in your welds, then you can work your way up to more critical things.

Oh, and one thing I never realized, it how big of a PITA it is to weld in tight areas with stick. For this reason, since you can only get one, I'd go with MIG.

[f1fiddy]

I don't think a beginner needs to spend a bunch of cash to get started welding.I have a cheap Campbell Hausfield the wifey bought me 5 yrs ago for $200.00 and it is still working fine.It is very basic, has hi/low setting and that's it.Your hand is basically the speed.It is 110v and rated for 3/16's, I do 1/4'' no problem but I always add in some gussets and try to over build things a little.

I have done everything from bodywork to a winch bumper and have not had a weld break yet.Don't get me wrong my buddy has a 220v lincoln and it is definitely a better welder but also cost 4x times as much.

I do a couple of projects a year and it might get use half a dozen times for something that pops up.For me anyway it is fine and I won't upgrade till it dies.If your planning to open your own fab shop or advertise for welding than I would spend some money but for the average do it yourselfer I think you can buy something in the $200-400.00price range.Just my 2cents

[waltman]

Originally Posted by Kalashnikov

Oh, and one thing I never realized, it how big of a PITA it is to weld in tight areas with stick. For this reason, since you can only get one, I'd go with MIG.

Really? I say it's the exact opposite. I find the gun to be too big and bulky for tight corners compared to a length of wire I can bend if need be to get to an awkward, tight corner. I've had to bend the rod 180* to get a blind corner and you just can't do that with mig.

Originally Posted by f1fiddy

I don't think a beginner needs to spend a bunch of cash to get started welding.I have a cheap Campbell Hausfield the wifey bought me 5 yrs ago for $200.00 and it is still working fine.It is very basic, has hi/low setting and that's it.Your hand is basically the speed.It is 110v and rated for 3/16's, I do 1/4'' no problem but I always add in some gussets and try to over build things a little.

I have done everything from bodywork to a winch bumper and have not had a weld break yet.Don't get me wrong my buddy has a 220v lincoln and it is definitely a better welder but also cost 4x times as much.

I do a couple of projects a year and it might get use half a dozen times for something that pops up.For me anyway it is fine and I won't upgrade till it dies.If your planning to open your own fab shop or advertise for welding than I would spend some money but for the average do it yourselfer I think you can buy something in the $200-400.00price range.Just my 2cents

Very bad advise. You show me what you can get for that price range that can weld even 1/8" and welding beyond your welders capacity, very very bad.

I hope you post pics of your welds when they DO fail

[Hefty]

Waltman I think that there is confustion between MIG and Flux core welding here. My little loncoln could never weld anything over 1/8" as MIG but with Flux Core it can do 1/4" no problem. Totally different process. However the opposite is true as well. As flux core it won't weld thin material worth a damn but does fine on the thin stuff as Mig. Flux core is not ideal for structural welding due to the contamination of the welds durring the welding process however it will hold fine if the welds are hot and constant. If you stop a weld you need to clean the weld before starting again. For a beginner I don't see any issue with a low cost 110v welder as long as long as you know it limitations as well as your limitations. Its a great place to start while learning.

[waltman]

Good point about the flux core Hefty, you are right in that it does penetrate better than hard wire. I'm glad you brought that up. I disagree with you though about flux core not being good for structural. Like you pointed out, it penetrates further which would make it better for strength and durability and yes as long as you know the limitations of your machine and the consumables, you should be ok.

Something else to point out for a beginner, is that MIG welding has more variables to consider for a good weld, where as with stick you mostly just need to be concerned about the power setting and the type of rod you use.

I am also biased about welders because for my next welder, i want the machine to be capable of gouging which would also mean I could weld anything I want with no concerns...and it is going to cost a shit load.