iMig 200 questions

[handirifle]

Soooo, I am thinking of getting an Everlast iMig 200, for some larger projects than my little Campbell Hausfield can handle. I'd like to build a flatbed trailer so I will need something a little heavier than 90 amps will do . I am posting here, hopefully it's the right place, as the welding questions are a big part of the post.

I am thinking something in the 7x16ft range (bumper pull), mainly for things like my tractor (MF1010) or maybe something like a Kubota B series down the road and our quads if we desire to take them along. Also stuff like lumber or materials too long for my 8ft trailer. I know the arguments pro/con for building vs buying, but trailers go for a premium around here with a decent one like I described, in the $2000-3000 range easy, so depending on what I got materials for I might save some money, and gain a lot of welding experience.

The welding questions, are pertaining to the iMig 200. It will Mig weld to 200 amps on 220v and stick weld to 160 amps on 220v. I am thinking something in the 3/16" thickness channel steel for the frame, or what ever you guys think would be suitable. Would a 7000lb GVW be enough for the items I described above. I KNOW it is for the MF1010 and the quads but not sure what the B series or similar tractors weigh. That would include a loader and scraper or similar weight items.

If the 3/16" is suitable, would it best be welded with stick or Mig? The specs in the iMig 200 say up to 1/4" on single pass, but I wouldn't think 1/4 is necessary. I figure 2 3500lb axles.

No, I have not priced them new, but will, either way, I will most likely end up with the iMig200, but this seemed like a good way to get real use from it.

 

[Shield Arc]

When you make out your material list, and go out for pricing. You'll find, you cannot build a trailer cheaper than you can buy one.

With any welding project, proper joint prep is crucial! With any wire feed welding, there is no substitute for power! Mig welds can look great, but not have any penetration to them at all.

 

[yomax4]

I agree with SA on this. It would a fun project but you can find a very nice used trailer for 1/2 what it would cost to build one. Just did that very thing.

 

[fried1765]

I agree with SA on this. It would a fun project but you can find a very nice used trailer for 1/2 what it would cost to build one. Just did that very thing.

"find a very nice used trailer for 1/2 what it would cost to build a new one".
In the Midwest that is likely easy to do.
In Ca. not so much.
A factory new trailer is a MUCH better idea than building one!
Use the new Everlast iMig for smaller fun projects!

 

[woodlandfarms]

A tank of gas and heading to Oregon, or Nevada, is still cheaper than a build. Craigslist an out of state search.

That said, Mark at Everlast has build trailers and shows you how to do so on his website.

Everlast has nice gear (I have 2 pieces, will get a thrid this summer). You won't be disapointed.

I am a major novice, but I too think that if you are building a trailer, and you are a novice welder, mig can be a bit dangerous. I would stick a trailer with my MIG skill, penetration is worrisome.

 

[fried1765]

A tank of gas and heading to Oregon, or Nevada, is still cheaper than a build. Craigslist an out of state search.

That said, Mark at Everlast has build trailers and shows you how to do so on his website.

Everlast has nice gear (I have 2 pieces, will get a thrid this summer). You won't be disapointed.

I am a major novice, but I too think that if you are building a trailer, and you are a novice welder, mig can be a bit dangerous. I would stick a trailer with my MIG skill, penetration is worrisome.

I have a new Everlast 140e Imig that I bought myself for Christmas.
I have not even tried it yet (haven't tried my new Lotos LT5000D plasma cutter either).
Both are reported to be very capable machines, relative to their size.

 

[handirifle]

I haven't stick welded in years, but would enjoy the practice. I would not practice on a trailer though, I would want it to actually stay together.

Yea as far as prices go, as I mentioned, that only if I can get the material cheap, did I think it would be better. I did a bit of searching and a 18ft flat bed is from $2500 to 7K. Depends on how heavy duty I want one to be.

I have the 110v Mig, it hits about 90 amps at full power. Maybe I should save some money and go with the Power Arc 200 stick welder instead, and learn how yo stick the bigger projects.

 

[Shield Arc]

Maybe I should save some money and go with the Power Arc 200 stick welder instead, and learn how yo stick the bigger projects.

Get the Powerarc 200ST, or the Powerarc 300 with adjustable arc force!

 

[handirifle]

The 200ST was the one I had in mind, for stick welders. I know not what adjustable arc force does. How does that make it better?

 

[Shield Arc]

I use the arc force more like an inductance control. If you want a wet running puddle turn the arc force down low. If you want a dry non-runny puddle turn the arc force up. It really helps for vertical up hill welding. Now for open root pipe welding with 6010. Turn the arc force all the way up, and you can jam the rod in the joint, without the arc going out.
Here is what the Powerarc 200ST can do with 6010, and 7018.

 

[handirifle]

Shield Arc
I was looking at all three welders we have talked about, both stick welders and the iMig 200. The iMig can do 160 amp in stick mode. Other than the 40 amp difference, will the 200ST do anything with stick the iMig will not?

I like the control you mention on the 300 too, just not sure how much I would really need/use it. I seldom do projects that large. However, the Tig function is interesting. Never done it but it is intriguing.

 

[Shield Arc]

160-amps should be plenty to run 5/32-inch 7018. I won't run much 5/32-inch 7018, otherwise I break out the wire feed welder. Any of these constant current welder you can use a scratch start Tig rig with. To Tig weld mild steel, and stainless steel.
I've had this Tig rig for a few years now, very happy with it.
TIG Welding Torch Set WP-26V-25R 25-ft 2 Amp Air-Cooled w/Free Gloves | eBay

A lot of people buy this flow meter to go along with the Tig rig.
HTP Argon CO2 Mig Tig Flow meter Regulator Welding Weld Flowmeter | eBay

 

[handirifle]

Well you are about 3ft over my head so far .

I see what you are saying about the arc control, and how it could help, but honestly cannot see where I would use that much power. I wouldn't attempt to build a trailer (if I built another one) with anything over 3/16" steel, so it would be really hard for me to justify the extra money. In addition, I do not have enough welding needs or projects to learn it enough to be even decent at it.

 

[Arc weld]

Trailers are generally cheaper to buy but look them over good, don't just buy the cheapest one. It might be made by someone without enough experience. That being said, a trailer you want to take on the highway is not a good first project. Build smaller projects to start off until you get some skills. A cart for your welder, a steel work table and stuff like that that won't be catastrophic if it breaks.