120v MIG 3/8" coupon test results

[brain55]

Vise-grips are a useful tool, but they aren't the right tool for every job, even if you are a "hobbiest".

There is nothing left to debate here. No matter how much you want it to not be so,120v mig welders are limited in their ability to welder thicker than recommended metal.

Brian

 

[roadhunter]

Vise-grips are a useful tool, but they aren't the right tool for every job, even if you are a "hobbiest".

There is nothing left to debate here. No matter how much you want it to not be so,120v mig welders are limited in their ability to welder thicker than recommended metal.

Brian

Glad to hear you are finished so the rest of us who are interested can continue this discussion.

 

[IslandTractor]

My ten cents: I think the welding limits of 120V mig or stick machines and how to work around those limits is a very valid topic for any welding forum. For practical purposes, many folks are limited to using a 120v welder so it is reasonable to explore how to best accomplish any given welding job with such a machine. No, you shouldn't try to build a battleship or bridge, that would be dumb. But figuring out the appropriate technique to safely weld 3/8" plate is certainly a reasonable subject for discussion. Telling someone that they should just get a 220v machine is not a helpful response.

 

[brain55]

Glad to hear you are finished so the rest of us who are interested can continue this discussion.

Maybe you and Sodo can start a thread called "Using a 120v mig within its parameters" so there is actually something to discuss. Or you can keep pretending that someday, somehow, somebody will make a passable weld weld on 3/8" plate with a 120v mig, or with any luck technology will catch up and make it possible.

 

[skylarkguy]

Looks to me like the debate if there ever actually was one, is over. The emperical data seems to indicate that welding 3/8 plate with this class of equipment may be possible but the prep time, and welding time makes it largely impractical.

 

[IslandTractor]

Looks to me like the debate if there ever actually was one, is over. The emperical data seems to indicate that welding 3/8 plate with this class of equipment may be possible but the prep time, and welding time makes it largely impractical.

It may well be "largely impractical" to weld 3/8" with 120V for someone with access to 240V service and equipment, but if it is 120V or nothing, 120 will have to do. Instead of simply dismissing 120v, it seems more reasonable to go through the steps necessary to do it properly. Maybe the sum of effort necessary would convince people to walk ten miles to find a bigger welder but on the other hand, knowing how to operate a welder at near practical (?impractical) limits is probably good training. I'd rather trust an experienced welder with a 120v machine than a newbie with a 240v welder on a 3/8 plate weld.

 

[brain55]

It may well be "largely impractical" to weld 3/8" with 120V for someone with access to 240V service and equipment, but if it is 120V or nothing, 120 will have to do. Instead of simply dismissing 120v, it seems more reasonable to go through the steps necessary to do it properly. Maybe the sum of effort necessary would convince people to walk ten miles to find a bigger welder but on the other hand, knowing how to operate a welder at near practical (?impractical) limits is probably good training. I'd rather trust an experienced welder with a 120v machine than a newbie with a 240v welder on a 3/8 plate weld.

A novice with a 240v welder vs 3/8" plate at least has a fighting chance, a newbie with a 120v welder vs 3/8" plate has NO chance. I think that is the point that was trying to be made from the beginning.

 

[roadhunter]

Maybe you and Sodo can start a thread called "Using a 120v mig within its parameters" so there is actually something to discuss. Or you can keep pretending that someday, somehow, somebody will make a passable weld weld on 3/8" plate with a 120v mig, or with any luck technology will catch up and make it possible.

Pretending? No idea what you are even talking about but it is obvious that you are not adding anything to this discussion. Every 110v welder thread seems to attract at least 1 person like yourself who overlooks the OP and shows up to tell us all how bad 110v welders are and how they are only good for sheet metal, unsafe, going to kill someone, bla bla bla..... In this thread you are that guy who adds nothing to the discussion and derails the thread for no reason. Congrats. Feel free to add to the discussion but if you are simply here to tell us all how stupid we are for using out 110v welders you need to move on and let those who are interested discuss the topic. Have a great day.

I find it strange how predictable these threads have become. Never fails that somebody shows up and poops in the punch bowl. We test the limits of products constantly, not sure why this one is any different but it seems to really bother folks for some reason. It's ok to test a machines limits and capacities if you do it in a safe way. Welding a few test plates up with a 110v welder to see what it will do is 100% safe.

Thanks to those who have taken the time to contribute to the discussion. I really appreciate Mark taking the time to test the limits of the Everlast 140 and posting pics. I have my eye on that new Everlast 140 to replace my Hobart 125. I interested in learning how much more capable that machine is compared to the Miller, Hobart, Lincoln, etc.. This is a great place to discuss the capabilities of these 110v machines.

I also appreciate Fireman Mike posting the pics of his welds.

 

[skylarkguy]

It may well be "largely impractical" to weld 3/8" with 120V for someone with access to 240V service and equipment, but if it is 120V or nothing, 120 will have to do. Instead of simply dismissing 120v, it seems more reasonable to go through the steps necessary to do it properly. Maybe the sum of effort necessary would convince people to walk ten miles to find a bigger welder but on the other hand, knowing how to operate a welder at near practical (?impractical) limits is probably good training. I'd rather trust an experienced welder with a 120v machine than a newbie with a 240v welder on a 3/8 plate weld.

Agreed. I suggested that it might be possible. Indeed all you have is what you have...you need to make it work sometimes. But if you have options and lack the time/ability/tools for prep it may prove to be impractical....that's all i'm suggesting.

 

[Sodo]

Agreed. I suggested that it might be possible. Indeed all you have is what you have...you need to make it work sometimes. But if you have options and lack the time/ability/tools for prep it may prove to be impractical....that's all i'm suggesting.

A guy with the time/ability/tools then needs the knowledge. Withholding the knowledge is a strange thing. But in any case I can't find it anywhere else, so it kinda appears to me that Mark and Mike are the only ones doing it.

Maybe you and Sodo can start a thread called "Using a 120v mig within its parameters" so there is actually something to discuss.

Brain, FYI in case you were unaware, there exists a thread called "120v MIG 3/8" coupon test results" where your premise is being tested.

How about you start a thread called "Using a '55 Chev within its parameters" instead and show us how the mfr designed it to bring home the groceries?

:laughing: :laughing: :laughing:

Sorry Brain, couldn't resist, you kinda left yourself hangin out there.. Hope the previous page of fussing doesn't deter our 2 pros from showing how they'd tackle this problem.