Lightweight log dolly, welded with 120volt MIG

[FTG-05]

I'm showing this as an example of a simple project that can be done well within the capacity of a 120v MIG. The welder was a Miller 135, which is rated to weld steel up to 3/16" thickness. You will see that some 3/8" steel was also welded on this project (with the 120v machine). This project was done 4 years ago and nothing broke, even though it was hastily constructed.

I had to remove a bunch of small 6" or less trees that were obstructing the view. And for forest-fire safety, called "fuels reduction". The trees were tall and skinny, and bunched close together, on a steep hillside. My plan was to drag them up the hill with a 4WD ATV, and away to a pile. Very quickly, I found that the ATV could only pull one log at a time up the steep hill dragging on the ground. To speed up this job (pull multiple trees) they needed to be on wheels.

Off to the shop to build a lightweight dolly. It's made of 1 1/2" square thinwall steel tube. Dimension is .065 wall (also known as 16ga), or 1/16th inch, this is thin, and is on the edge of too thin, it takes a bif of technique to not burn holes with the 120v machine. To weld this with stick (and 3/32" rod) would require a fairly high level of skill, but a MIG can do .065 nicely with a lower level of skill. I was concerned that the thin-wall material was too lightweight for the job, but carrying it up and down the steep hillside, lightweight increase the amount of work that the people can do. Luckily it survived without ever breaking.

View attachment 380575View attachment 380577

The clevis hitch is 3/8" steel, welded with the 120v machine. While the 3/8" is clearly beyond the welder's capacity, I had no trouble with it due to the bracing plates on the side. I could have preheated it before welding but chose to brace it which was much faster and more efficient than the preheat process. By a later change of design (using the tongs) this 3/8" clevis is no longer used and could be cut off.

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Here's a 1/4" bolt for scale.

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One weld I thought might be at its limit was the one between the "V". I kept thinking I should have braced it with a vertical on each side (in compression, down to the frame), but had no problem. I actually left it un-braced, kind of like a "fuse" to tell me the strength necessary. But this thing was so far overloaded, so many times constructed as shown that I stopped worrying.

View attachment 380578

There was one iteration on this project. We had hired help for this job, and to keep everyone productive I had to reduce the deadhead time. I found that I wanted to haul the dolly back to the hillside with the Log arch (the blue device), so I cut the frame corners at 45 degrees, and added a way that the log arch "tongs" could attach quickly to the log dolly for the return (empty) trip.

View attachment 380574

Ok, so the first thing we need to dispense with is the fact that Soda doesn't live where he says he lives.

Proof of this is in his location tab in his signature vs the first picture in this thread: Does anyone here see any rain in that pic? I don't, I see lots of blue sky! In Seattle???

I rest my case.

{Summer of 1999: There was exactly two weeks of blue sky - finally in September - interrupted with a rainy Saturday in between. I took the first week off at Boeing and came into work Monday morning. I last until about noon until I told my boss that I was outta there for the rest of the week. That was it for blue sky weather, summer Seattle 1999. True story!


So, if he's not telling us his true location, then I bet he's not telling us about what the real welder he's using!

My bet: A 480 VAC 3 Phase he has in the back room of his garage! Any takers?

 

[Sodo]

I posted this 'simple project' to help people get started welding, more for info than for entertainment. But I do enjoy entertainment, and it does take all kinds, doesn't it? Anyway I think the formula for any 120v post is just to put the project up, explain as careful as possible in the opening post, then let the chatter, the non-help, the 'its useless', and now, 'the fabrication' happen in the later pages.

Sorry Sodo
Not trying to steal your thread. This information is just very important to me and this thread seemed like a perfect place to ask my questions.

Yup perfessor Marvel your question had the smell of a fake story at first read. But I tried to help to the best of my knowledge, (for the folks who actually have a 120v MIG) and have work to do, and are looking more for info than entertainment.

I just threw it into my work truck and will exchange it at my first convenience.

I do believe you perfessor, I really do, yup that 120v Hobart is sitting in your "work" truck right now, right; you betcha! You just take that silly little 120v Hobart right back where you got it and give that fella a good talkin' to!

Ok, so the first thing we need to dispense with is the fact that Soda doesn't live where he says he lives.

Proof of this is in his location tab in his signature vs the first picture in this thread: Does anyone here see any rain in that pic? I don't, I see lots of blue sky! In Seattle???So, if he's not telling us his true location, then I bet he's not telling us about what the real welder he's using!
My bet: A 480 VAC 3 Phase he has in the back room of his garage! Any takers?

I only weld with 480volt when its raining (for safety reasons) but I'm inclined to use my 575volt eqpt full-time now that Arc Weld told us about the power savings in going to 575v. :laughing:

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

I wish I could find that picture of one of the log arches I build with my 240V MIG designed for 40 inch logs 16' long. Winch included. Last one I built went to hauling live oak and loading it on a sawmill over on the coast. Can't use it on a light quad though. This is for up to 4k lbs. 2.5x2.5 square tubing 3/16 inch tubing with axles welded on and road legal. I've pulled them at 70 mph...though I don't recommend it that it be pulled that fast loaded as the axles are not sprung.

 

[Arc weld]

ArcWeld
That sounds like a great idea to me. The skid shoes are bolted on. That is how I replace them. I just wanted to flip the worn out ones around and add them to the newer ones. I was afraid if I welded them while they were off the grader they might warp and not be reboltable back in place.
Could you give me a little more heads up about the hardfacing concept. it sounds like my best idea. Will it work with the 210 and what do I ask for specifically as far as welding media? I taking up welding out of necessity so any info you can pass on is great. You guys who weld for a living can't assume I have any correct information. What I have heard could easily be inaccurate so I take seriously any suggestions you have.
Thanks for the idea

Yes, your 210 would work for hardfacing. Something like Stoody 101HC would work. Best bet would be to look on the Stoody website. They make small diameter hardfacing wire. It's not cheap but could extend the life of the skids many times over. Once it wears off, you can hardface it again.

 

[Professor Marvel]

Thanks Arc Weld
Any idea what Sodo is going on about? Thought he was trying to be helpful now not so sure.
Any way thanks for the hardfacing advice. Seems like I might have to catch you on another thread.

 

[Sodo]

Thanks Arc Weld
Any idea what Sodo is going on about? Thought he was trying to be helpful now not so sure.
Any way thanks for the hardfacing advice. Seems like I might have to catch you on another thread.

What Sodo is "going on about" is that your 'question' was just a fake story, intent to conclude that a 120v MIG is not worth buying.

You could start a new thread of your own. Maybe titled "Fake story to conclude 120v MIG is useless" rather than misleading members into putting effort into genuine help.

Geez you guys. :melodramatic:

======== fake question repeated (for entertainment purposes of course) :laughing: :laughing: =========

Sodo
I see from some of your posts that you are experienced with 120v mig welding. I have never welded (I have burnt up metal a few times with a stick welder and muddled through a repair or 2) but I have a couple small projects that I need to accomplish. The skids/runners on my grader blade are wearing out and replacing them is getting expensive. The skids are about 1/4 in thick by 2 in wide and about 6 ft long. I want to use pieces of the old skids to weld onto wearing portions of the new skids to slow down the erosion so it doesn't get to the metal on the unit itself (this is not a project that could kill people on the highway if it fails). I bought a Hobart 140 120v wire feed and would like to accomplish this. I did not want to put 2000 dollars into a bigger unit. Thought I could start on this unit and if I ever feel qualified for larger projects I could step up my game with a bigger welder. I see a lot of TBN chatter that a 120v machine is not worth having. You have success with yours. Will this unit do this project for me? Can you give me any tips (grinding a bevel down the edges etc.) or direct me to any instructional videos or PDF's. It seems that 1/4 in is at the larger end of its capabilities.
My other projects so far are just adding metal to rotary cutter decks that have gotten holes in them.
Thanks

I haven't used it yet. Maybe I should take it back and get the 210 MVP. It is dual voltage. I can use it 110v and if that is not enough I can set it up 220v. I know I will be really unhappy if I try my first task with a new piece of equipment and it wont do the job.

I can afford it but money is always a factor. But I don't want to end up with a lesser priced unit that doesn't do what I want. Appreciate your input. I guess this is why I look for advice here.

Thanks Dave
I just threw it into my work truck and will exchange it at my first convenience.
I plan on upgrading to a Hobart 210 mvp that will work with either voltage. Miller I know can't be beat but I am a novice and have no plans to be a professional welder so I can't justify the additional expense.
Glad to have the confirming input.

Sorry Sodo
Not trying to steal your thread. This information is just very important to me and this thread seemed like a perfect place to ask my questions.

 

[Professor Marvel]

Sodo
I have been truthful in every part of my posts. I thought you were being helpful. In fact your responses were helpful. I have no idea what you find so fake about my questions. Frankly I thought other people were picking on you and I was impressed with your projects so I chose to look to you for information. --And the info you gave me was very helpful. In fact it caused me to rethink what I needed and change what I bought. I see that you have conflicts with welders on this site. I have exactly no welding skills YET. Hope to develop some in the near future with the help of people here. Guess you are not one of them. I don't know if your conflicts with others here has made you paranoid but your conclusions about me are completely inaccurate.
Beyond this post I have no intention of trying to convince you of anything. Thanks for your original help.
Signing out

 

[aczlan]

What Sodo is "going on about" is that your 'question' was just a fake story, intent to conclude that a 120v MIG is not worth buying.
You could start a new thread of your own. Maybe titled "Fake story to conclude 120v MIG is useless" rather than misleading members into putting effort into genuine help.
Geez you guys. :melodramatic:
======== fake question repeated (for entertainment purposes of course) :laughing: :laughing: =========

Why do you think that? Because he looked at what he was doing, looked at your replies and decided that a 120v mig didnt have enough power for what he wanted to do (your response quoted below in case you forgot it)?

1/4 x 2" x 72" long sounds like a "heavy project" for 120v. Thats about the full extent of my ability to help, which I'm sorry if it looks like a standard internet "you can't do that" answer but may be able to offer more if a pic of the project can be posted.
I'm more comfortable considering 3/16" as a larger 120v project, with smaller 1/4 brackets here and there, like a couple inches of welding at 1/4". As I mentioned before, my Kubota LA 402 FEL and bucket is almost all 3/16 with 1/4" brackets, which would be a HUGE project for a beginner. The cutting edge is 5" long and might be similar to your "project" though, and would take some thought. Six-foot long & 1/4" sounds almost tailor-made for testing the hairy edge of 120v feasibility.

Aaron Z

 

[Sodo]

Paranoid, baited, whatever - the story doesn't strike me as sincere, its too tailor-made. Like the prfessor has read every word I've written which can't be normal. Besides, nobody gets 6 feet of welding as a first project. I think the perfessor was baiting me to take the position that a 120v Hobart is an ideal MIG to service a road grader - then off we'd go.

If the project was real why not a start a new post, with pics? And pic of the newly purchased welder in the "work truck" on the way back to the store? There is some chance that I'm wrong in that case I'm sorry but still ain't buyin' the story.

I am both dismayed and entertained by the dynamics of this forum. Forums are like searchable, public databases, so I'll just keep putting reasonably helpful 120v MIG stuff that people can search for and use for examples of the machine's capability.

It entertains me to see more different ways members are willing to stretch their credibility stating that such a useful tool is useless. I suspect others are entertained too. I can't imagine yet what the motivation might be (for "them") but at some point it may surface.

 

[Arc weld]

Paranoid, baited, whatever - the story doesn't strike me as sincere, its too tailor-made. Like the prfessor has read every word I've written which can't be normal. Besides, nobody gets 6 feet of welding as a first project. I think the perfessor was baiting me to take the position that a 120v Hobart is an ideal MIG to service a road grader - then off we'd go.

If the project was real why not a start a new post, with pics? And pic of the newly purchased welder in the "work truck" on the way back to the store? There is some chance that I'm wrong in that case I'm sorry but still ain't buyin' the story.

I am both dismayed and entertained by the dynamics of this forum. Forums are like searchable, public databases, so I'll just keep putting reasonably helpful 120v MIG stuff that people can search for and use for examples of the machine's capability.

It entertains me to see more different ways members are willing to stretch their credibility stating that such a useful tool is useless. I suspect others are entertained too. I can't imagine yet what the motivation might be (for "them") but at some point it may surface.

This is getting beyond ridiculous.:anyone: Now your saying somebodies first welding project can't have a lot of welding and the professor is making it all up to bait you. Someone with your vast knowledge:shocked: should know that skid shoes don't require a continuous weld and doing so would/could cause major warping. I don't think anybody is entertained. I think they're hoping your Dr. gets the 240 electrodes and tries them because the 120's aren't enough.

 

[Sodo]

No vast knowledge here, just a hobby/maintenance welder mostly able to git er done. Perfessor didnt post a pic ( and I suspect because it wasn't a genuine project in the works).

Probably those folks you're referring to are hoping I get my 240v supply going and quit with the examples of valid 120v MIG projects. I haven't yet figured out why anyone would devote a single keystroke to this endeavor but I am paying attn. Why it generates pages and pages of 120v derision adds to the intrigue. I suspect its often because their highly-advised 220v MIG is gathering dust while my 120v is churning out project after project. Or maybe because the stick-welding learning curve is so long, and can be frustrating, especially stick welding less than 1/8 (as in this project. Grasping, maybe, but I bet these are contributors.

This project, intended to be lightweight (16ga rect tubing) would be almost impossible to stick-weld except for an expert welder. Who would choose a 120v MIG over a stick for this project in a heartbeat. No suprise, just ironic given the "environment".

120v MIG is a compelling machine for a beginner because their projects are likely 3/16 and less, and 120v supply is easier to get for many people. I do agree that a 120/240 machine is a very good consideration for those confident their projects will exceed 1/4". I have a 120/240 MIG, its a good thing (also a 120v MIG at another location)

I don't think anybody is entertained. I think they're hoping your Dr. gets the 240 electrodes and tries them because the 120's aren't enough.

Well well. When I turned 50 my Dr. started to take liberties not granted to anyone else. Considering your wishes, I'm hoping he's not one of your welding disciples.
:shocked: :shocked: :shocked:

This is getting beyond ridiculous.:anyone:

"Anyone" in favor of returning to the topic, which is "Lightweight log dolly, welded with 120v MIG"?

 

[MinnesotaDaveChalmers]

This is getting beyond ridiculous.:anyone: Now your saying somebodies first welding project can't have a lot of welding and the professor is making it all up to bait you. [snip] I don't think anybody is entertained.

+1, It's not entertaining.

If I was the one being accused of baiting just because I asked a question, I'd be either offended or at least irritated.

 

[Sodo]

+1, It's not entertaining.

If I was the one being accused of baiting just because I asked a question, I'd be either offended or at least irritated.

Dave, not "just because".

But does it offend you if I say that you appear to be entertained? :laughing: :laughing:

 

[MinnesotaDaveChalmers]

Dave, not "just because".

But does it offend you if I say that you appear to be entertained? :laughing: :laughing:

Low blow man....low blow....

 

[Arc weld]

"120v MIG is a compelling machine for a beginner because their projects are likely 3/16 and less, and 120v supply is easier to get for many people. I do agree that a 120/240 machine is a very good consideration for those confident their projects will exceed 1/4". I have a 120/240 MIG, its a good thing (also a 120v MIG at another location)"

A beginner could have a project made out of 1" plate. How can you generalize and guess what beginners are going to weld? I think the vast majority of posters on here have 230 volt power, most homes do. Just because you don't have 230 volt power, don't be jealous of those that do. Can a 120 volt MIG be useful, yes, but it is also limited with what it can do and you keep trying to tell "beginner's" it's OK to push the limits with them. Several of us on here have suggested getting a 230 volt machine, so they are able to tackle a much wider variety of projects without having to push the limits of their machine. That's it! It doesn't have to go into this big debate where you keep trying to justify your own reasons for using 120 volts.

 

[dragoneggs]

"120v MIG is a compelling machine for a beginner because their projects are likely 3/16 and less, and 120v supply is easier to get for many people. I do agree that a 120/240 machine is a very good consideration for those confident their projects will exceed 1/4". I have a 120/240 MIG, its a good thing (also a 120v MIG at another location)"

A beginner could have a project made out of 1" plate. How can you generalize and guess what beginners are going to weld? I think the vast majority of posters on here have 230 volt power, most homes do. Just because you don't have 230 volt power, don't be jealous of those that do. Can a 120 volt MIG be useful, yes, but it is also limited with what it can do and you keep trying to tell "beginner's" it's OK to push the limits with them. Several of us on here have suggested getting a 230 volt machine, so they are able to tackle a much wider variety of projects without having to push the limits of their machine. That's it! It doesn't have to go into this big debate where you keep trying to justify your own reasons for using 120 volts.

Can we end this argument and recommend that a beginner (should their finances allow and their chances they will weld 'structural' members) buy a 110v/230v machine???

I am a newbie to welding and I so far I haven't tackled anything that demands a 230v. Oh, I know that is coming and as we know, the thicker materials ARE thicker for a reason. Usually because our life depends on it. So... I am dabbling in shelving, tables, racks... in small gauge now. I will step it up with structural projects soon (When I find a stash of cheap metal ) In the meantime... com'n guys! Let's collectively solve the world's problems. At least welding problems. :laughing:

I did plop down some serious $$$ for a Miller 211 but I am sure many can't do that. Best of both worlds I figure. Thanks to all that are contributing to the education of those are a few steps or years behind in this endeavor. Obviously there is a place for 110v, 230v (and bigger) or there wouldn't be so many of all on the market.

Sorry Sodo... I feel like I am taking this thread off topic as well. Keep posting your projects. Personally, I don't care if they are 110v or 230v. I want to see both.

I like your log dolly. It reminds me in a weird way about the contraption my father in law welded up long ago (using a torch) to carry elk out of the woods over difficult terrain.

 

[Reverser]

"120v MIG is a compelling machine for a beginner because their projects are likely 3/16 and less, and 120v supply is easier to get for many people. I do agree that a 120/240 machine is a very good consideration for those confident their projects will exceed 1/4". I have a 120/240 MIG, its a good thing (also a 120v MIG at another location)"

A beginner could have a project made out of 1" plate. How can you generalize and guess what beginners are going to weld? I think the vast majority of posters on here have 230 volt power, most homes do. Just because you don't have 230 volt power, don't be jealous of those that do. Can a 120 volt MIG be useful, yes, but it is also limited with what it can do and you keep trying to tell "beginner's" it's OK to push the limits with them. Several of us on here have suggested getting a 230 volt machine, so they are able to tackle a much wider variety of projects without having to push the limits of their machine. That's it! It doesn't have to go into this big debate where you keep trying to justify your own reasons for using 120 volts.

Dave (Arc weld), why don't you let Sodo alone? Do you always treat someone like this, that disagrees with you? You're like a snapping turtle that grabs onto something and won't let go until it thunders (as the old timers used to say). :laughing:

He's welding with a Miller and you're a Miller salesman, so I guess you're saying that Miller is doing something subversive by selling 120v machines and making false claims? I could say more but I'm not.

He's done what works for him and he's not pulling his log dolly down the highway. I think the projects he's done are interesting, and he's had some valid points.


BTW, good post dragoneggs. :thumbsup:

 

[roadhunter]

Dave (Arc weld), why don't you let Sodo alone? Do you always treat someone like this, that disagrees with you? You're like a snapping turtle that grabs onto something and won't let go until it thunders (as the old timers used to say). :laughing:

He's welding with a Miller and you're a Miller salesman, so I guess you're saying that Miller is doing something subversive by selling 120v machines and making false claims? I could say more but I'm not.

He's done what works for him and he's not pulling his log dolly down the highway. I think the projects he's done are interesting, and he's had some valid points.


BTW, good post dragoneggs. :thumbsup:

+1. Exactly.