120V MIG 3/8" coupon test results

[BukitCase]

Stay tuned, I'm working on a mod for my 240 volt PLASMA so it'll run on 120 volt - goal is to be able to WELD 2" plate using 1/2" rebar for filler. (Doubt if I'm fast enough to do that with 240 volt operation)

Main holdup (besides insanity) is finding enough contributors so I can buy the 500 ton press for testing...

 

[bigdeano]

All you have to do is hook your welding leads to where the power company feeder enters your main box. No pesky breaker to blow. Get the biggest rods you can find and start welding. Adjust the current by using either 120 or 240 volts. Can't get any cheaper than that, and will weld anything.

 

[MinnesotaDaveChalmers]

All you have to do is hook your welding leads to where the power company feeder enters your main box. No pesky breaker to blow. Get the biggest rods you can find and start welding. Adjust the current by using either 120 or 240 volts. Can't get any cheaper than that, and will weld anything.

Scarey thing is, some people in other countries actually do pretty much exactly what you are describing.
They only use one line, and earth ground - yikes!

"The Atom Welding Machine" on youtube...
http://youtu.be/CqxtDC-VAg8

 

[Blade Breaker]

 

[newbury]

All you have to do is hook your welding leads to where the power company feeder enters your main box. No pesky breaker to blow. Get the biggest rods you can find and start welding. Adjust the current by using either 120 or 240 volts. Can't get any cheaper than that, and will weld anything.

Scarey thing is, some people in other countries actually do pretty much exactly what you are describing.
They only use one line, and earth ground - yikes!

"The Atom Welding Machine" on youtube...
http://youtu.be/CqxtDC-VAg8

Now that's MY idea of efficiency !! No pesky buttons, just plug and go! Another chance for Darwinism to succeed!

How do you get it to do thin aluminum?

 

[muddstopper]

Anything new regarding this?

Welding web member posted that it was possible!

Sent from my iPhone 5s 64Gb using TractorByNet

If the welding web thread is the same one I read, before the pruning, The coupon was cut out of the center section of the weldment to eliminate the start and stopping of the weld so as to reduce the chance of cracks in the coupon being bent. Each end piece was also subjected to the bend and both end pieces showed seperation. The middle coupon also showed pitting and flaws. There was also some debate as to the method used to test the bend, something about proper procedures not being followed. The Op was supposed to obtain addition coupons to continue further testing, but no follow up posts where made so one just has to guess as to whether any additional testing was done. If you are referring to some other thread than the one I read thru, then just ignore what I have just written.

 

[roadhunter]

If the welding web thread is the same one I read, before the pruning, The coupon was cut out of the center section of the weldment to eliminate the start and stopping of the weld so as to reduce the chance of cracks in the coupon being bent. Each end piece was also subjected to the bend and both end pieces showed seperation. The middle coupon also showed pitting and flaws. There was also some debate as to the method used to test the bend, something about proper procedures not being followed. The Op was supposed to obtain addition coupons to continue further testing, but no follow up posts where made so one just has to guess as to whether any additional testing was done. If you are referring to some other thread than the one I read thru, then just ignore what I have just written.

Most bend tests I have ever seen done included pieces cut from the middle not the outside edges. Outside edges are typically discarded. Here is an example.


What kind of weld test have you taken where the end pieces are used for the bend test?

Here is a pic of the completed weld done on 3/8 material with a 110v machine. When I posted this originally people immediacy started backing up with comments like "I never said it was impossible". Pretty funny how some people are so threatened by 110v welders that it has led to all the arguments and even 1 member leaving. That is what happens when people who are not there to contribute to the conversation stick around just to fight. Do a simple internet search and you will find plenty of civil discussions on this topic as well as a handful of success stories such as this one.

 

[muddstopper]

Road, the locked threads can still be read, you can go back and reread all of my old posts and I said many times I thought it might could be done. I didnt just come on here after you posted a supposed passed bend test and change what I have said in the past. I will stand by what I have said earlier, I think it is irresponsible to suggest to every Tom, Dick and Harry that goes out and buys a 120v mig machine, that it is ok for them to weld 3/8 metal with it, even if someone somewhere did manage to pass a bend test with. If indeed the bend test was passed, the amount of prep time involved is probably over the patience/skill/knowledge level of most would be weldors and they are bound to take short cuts with the task. I equally sure that there are plenty of new 120 mig owners reading this and other forums, and most are just itching to put their new welders to work. I dont think they should be misled into believing their 120v machines can safely build whatever their project might be based on somebodies insistance that 120v mig machines can safely weld thick metal. Further, the bend test results you have posted where not mig welded they where fcaw and there is a difference. Just because a welding machine runs wire doesnt mean its mig welded. I also wouldnt reccommend FCAW with a 120v machine on 3/8 steel.

 

[MossRoad]

Good reading. Backs up what most people are saying....
GMAW vs FCAW-S Process

 

[Todd NE WY]

Road, the locked threads can still be read, you can go back and reread all of my old posts and I said many times I thought it might could be done. I didnt just come on here after you posted a supposed passed bend test and change what I have said in the past. I will stand by what I have said earlier, I think it is irresponsible to suggest to every Tom, Dick and Harry that goes out and buys a 120v mig machine, that it is ok for them to weld 3/8 metal with it, even if someone somewhere did manage to pass a bend test with. If indeed the bend test was passed, the amount of prep time involved is probably over the patience/skill/knowledge level of most would be weldors and they are bound to take short cuts with the task. I equally sure that there are plenty of new 120 mig owners reading this and other forums, and most are just itching to put their new welders to work. I dont think they should be misled into believing their 120v machines can safely build whatever their project might be based on somebodies insistance that 120v mig machines can safely weld thick metal. Further, the bend test results you have posted where not mig welded they where fcaw and there is a difference. Just because a welding machine runs wire doesnt mean its mig welded. I also wouldnt reccommend FCAW with a 120v machine on 3/8 steel.

Well said Muddstopper. What keeps getting lost in these threads is the fact that very few have said it is absolutely impossible to weld the 3/8" with 110 v machine and pass the bend test. What most of us have tried to point out over and over is it is not a good idea to keep presenting it like its no big deal and anyone can do it. These different people that have either been able to pass the bend test or came close are experienced weldors and spent considerable time and effort prepping the coupons for welding.