Learn MIG Welding

[Tractor Seabee]

Is a Miller 100 series spoolgun a decent way to begin learning MIG? Are they aluminum only or all flux core wires? What welding machine type do they work with? Just plug and play or is there something else involved. I have both AC an DC at 200A.

Ron

 

[RNeumann]

Not a lot of info there but if the amperage you’re describe is from a “non mig” source- say a TIG or stick machine you will have some trouble. The trigger gets/sends signal to the machine and receives proper voltage etc to run the wire out of the spool gun. Plus the trigger starts and stops the current to the wire.

I’d say a spool gun by itself or just with a power supply isn’t a good alternative.

 

[spitter]

Is your machine constant current or constant voltage .? CC =stick ,tig. CV needed for Mig . Small mig spool gun like that can handle Ss al or carbon wire flux core or gas. But a spool gun is very akward compared to a regular gun. Plus unless you already own one you could by a junk chineese machine for the price of a miller spool gun . Much more easy to learn on . You won,t be happy with flux core either . Anyone who want's to could learn to can mig . By the best machine that suits what you think you'll be welding not only now but in the future . You ain't gunna weld 1\2" or 3\4" with a 100 amp rig. Look at duty cycles . most cheapo rigs only have 40 % duty cycles . If you could find an old Miller Regency like I did they run great beads and can be had for cheap.:drink:

 

[aczlan]

That is one reason I like my inverter stick welder (Everlast PowerArc 200STi), it can be cranked down to weld exhaust pipe, or up to weld together 1/2" plate...

Aaron Z

 

[Motorboatin]

Is a Miller 100 series spoolgun a decent way to begin learning MIG? Are they aluminum only or all flux core wires? What welding machine type do they work with? Just plug and play or is there something else involved. I have both AC an DC at 200A.

Ron

This link lists all power sources and suitable wires for that spool gun a

https://www.millerwelds.com/-/media/miller-electric/imported-mam-assets/spec-sheets/0/5/e/m1-45.pdf

 

[Tractor Seabee]

Thanks a lot al. Looks like I was not on a good track.

Ron

 

[Ritothebull]

No a spoolgun is not a good way to learn mig, I have seen quite a few experienced welders struggle with setting up a spoolgun.

 

[Cat_Driver]

Is a Miller 100 series spoolgun a decent way to begin learning MIG? Are they aluminum only or all flux core wires? What welding machine type do they work with? Just plug and play or is there something else involved. I have both AC an DC at 200A.

Ron

I got that set up and I never welded anything in my life.

A customer wnted me to do a pretty big project all out of 2" aluminum. For me it was plus and play. I was scared to death to weld aluminum because everyone said how difficult it is. It was easy te set up and I quickly did a test piece (which I still ahve like a trophy).

I did the 12 panels 4' x 12' tall with legs to hold then upright without a hitch.

I was quoted more than all the equipment I purchased to do the job. I purchased gloves, jacket, helmet, welder, materials, and on and on and it was still cheaper than having someone do it. So after the job I ended up with free welding equipment rather than farm it out and spend more money.

Just do it, you'll be fine, don't let the "pro's" scare you. Now if it's structural or critical then yes always get a licnsed certified welder for liability.

 

[WranglerX]

Best to learn MIG with standard "gun" and either fluxcore wire (FCAW) or solid wire and shield gas (GMAW)... Run lots of practice beads on steel to get hang of it....This is assuming your power source has wire feed capabilities for MIG operation... And not having to use spool gun for wire source...

Spool gun are typical for aluminum and other alloys.... And more difficult to accomplish a good weld.... IF you are not going to eventually do aluminum then spool gun is needless investment...

Welding Tips and Tricks - TIG, MIG, Stick and a pantload of other info

Mig Welding Basics

How NOT TO Weld: Most Common MIG Welding Mistakes - YouTube

Dale

 

[BukitCase]

"IF you are not going to eventually do aluminum then spool gun is needless investment..."

Dale, under most circumstances I'd have to agree; but I may NEVER weld aluminum. There are, however, times when a 30 foot reach can be handy - I got my MM252 with three tanks and a 30 foot spool gun on CL for less than HALF of retail (not hot, just laid off) - the MM252 had less than 5 lbs of wire run thru it and was a tiny bit dusty, kept in a nice shop, and the $1000 30A spool gun had NEVER even had a tip installed. Since I got it I've run about 150 lbs of .035 wire thru it, maybe 20# of that was 2# spools thru the 30A... Steve

One example of a few where I've needed the extra reach -