welding question

[Sully2]

"DUDE"....the very nature of stick is such that even though the weld may be on the ugly side,it's far more likely than an inexperienced welder can make a stronger weld.You ever wonder why stick is the first thing they teach? I am able to use either process,but my MIG sits there most of the time because I want things to hold.

I spent 8 weeks at night at welding school last year..1 week on stick..the other 7 weeks on MIG!!! And once you have used a DC stick machine..you sit and ponder WHY anyone would even BUY a AC stick machine..its so much easier.
Seems to me like either you dont have a MIG welder LARGE enough to do the job...OR..you lack profiency in doing MIG welding!!! Cmon into the 21 century guy!

As far as cost goes,my Lincoln AC225 cost me $85 and my Lincarc welder/generator was given to me.

You purchase neither of those at NEW..retail price. So the cost YOU paid for them is totally irrelavant!

 

[bobodu]

I wouldn't buy a big MIG....I have stick welders and know how to use them.
If I'm building something like a tow hook...I FORGE weld em.
Didn't they teach you why some applications are better done with AC?

 

[jake98]

Do you guys all put the ugliest welds right where they can be seen, and then flip the thing over and put the good welds on the bottom after you figure it out? That's what I usually do.
Looks like we have three or four new member welders in this thread. Good sign...
Jake

 

[bobodu]

Nah....if "pretty" is important,I own a grinder...but I rarely need it.

 

[mechanic]

If you've been trained well you know when a weld is wrong and you know you can do better that is when you break out the grinder and start over. Just be sure the weld is right. There is a right and wrong way in stick and mig.

 

[bobodu]

I wouldn't shave my whole head if there was one long hair!!!
500 posts!

 

[jake98]

I'm thinkin there's welders listnin an I ain't one...

Big Booger welds is what I've heard the ones that look like mine called..

but then again I've heard there's no 'ones'.

jake

 

[patrick_g]

Ah... er... about the original questions... I have a Lincoln Weld Pak 100 (runs on 120 volts on 20 amp ckt) MIG that I exclusively use with flux core wire. It is rated to weld up to 1/4 inch steel. It will weld 1/4 inch steel with multiple passes, barely. A great little MIG (emphasis on little) but more effective that a lot of the el cheapo brand X junk you find at the auto store, farm store, Harbor Freight, etc.

If I need to do some serious welding (typically 3/16 and up) I use my Lincoln tombstone (AC/DC model) on DC. The MIG can't be beat for convenience and when you need to work on light gauge metal.

Pat

 

[soarkrebel1]

This one brought me out of looking!

If you gotta ask then go get some schooling!!!

Me I have a Miller Thunderbolt AC/DC and a Miller 210w/spool gun ,dual tanks and I spend far more time on the 210. Actually I just finished for the evening on a project.

TRUST ME!!!!!!!!!! the 210's welds are every bit as strong as the stick. faster ,cleaner and far easier!

Now I will agree with the little harbor freight statement. I have owned 115 units and they have a use. But not for penetration when super strength is needed.
But I welded hooks on my FEL with a century 115v unit and they are still holding. Would I do it now ? NO!

Sully2 is speaking the truth so far!!!!

And you bought a Lincoln AC225 tombstone for $85 bucks.......price them now!
around $250 or more now new.
Good welders ..been around a long time ...........but my recommendation is like Sully2's .............spend the extra and get the AC/DC!

The truth is YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!!!!!!!!




Quote:
Originally Posted by bobodu
What bothers me about MIGs is that Joe Schmoe goes to Harbor Freight and buys a $200 MIG and expects to be able to build a safe FEL with it.Or a 10,000lb. trailer or a motorcycle.My own personal belief is if ya gotta ask,you better go stick.


And inexperinced welders wont do that with an El Cheapo stick machine? C'mon dude!!
__________________
Kubota B3030; LA403 FEL; 60 inch backblade; sub-soiler; ballast box; EzMover hitch; Payne clamp-on bucket forks; a HD set of smaller discs and a 60" landscape rake with dolly wheels
Hobart HH140 Mig welder
Hobart HH210 Mig welder

 

[soarkrebel1]

I'm going to ask this just for general knowledge of welding. Using mig welders in particular. If I'm looking at Mig adds, I notice they sometime mention being able to weld a certain thickness of steel, 1/4", 1/2" etc. Is the what it's capable of welding in a single pass? And will multiple passes be as strong as a single pass.
Just wanting a little info about welding thats all.
If you were going to weld 1" and 3/4" steel together, would mig give the same results (strength wise) as a stick welder.

Wedge

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