Santa brought a MIG 131 welder in his sled before Christmas since I had to put new floor pans and windshield frame in my 76. I got my welder from E-bay for $200 (Chicago Electric), but Harbor Freight also has essentially the same model for $175 these days. These are obviously limited machines, but they run off 110V / 15A power and can handle flux-core or gas shielded wire, so they're an economical "starter" welder for the small jobs that I'll need to do on my car.



I had been practicing my welds and doing some small projects around the shop to get some experience, using the flux-core wire that came with the machine. Last night, I used up all the original wire and replaced it with a roll of Lincoln NR-211MP innershield wire (what was on the shelf at Home Depot). The new wire made all the difference in the world! The puddle is way, way better behaved and there was almost no spattering. I could also run with lower power settings and get much better penetration. My welds now look like they are supposed to, instead of having lots of volcanoes. So, if you buy one of these Chinese-made welders and are having trouble, my advice is to toss the flux-core wire that came in the box and try some new wire. I can't say that the Lincoln I put in is the best, but it sure works way better than what I had.

Not a 100% Corvette post, but I figured that others here may be using similar welders on their cars and the information might be useful. Time to start cutting out the old floor pans...

 

can you weld aluminum with that machine?

 

In theory, I belive that you can. After hanging around on Welding Forum, though, it sounds like it would be pretty tricky to MIG aluminum with a machine like this one. TIG is a much better choice, but many more $$$ for the machine, unfortunately.

 

even with tig welding aluminium is a pita.

 

Where is that welding forum? Santa got me a welder too.

Bill

 

http://www.weldingweb.com/

Great site - I've learned a ton. Very knowledgeable people hang out there.

 

welding aluminum with a wire feeder is not any harder than steel. just get the correct wire. i have found that the cheap wire will show up black after anodizing, but other than that its all about the same. tig is the way to go for looks but not for strength. you can even weld aluminum with stick but it usually looks like crap

 

check out the forum of the american welding society....

 

Welding AL takes more heat than steel, so you can't go very thick with your welder, but should be ok for thinner stuff. Wire bird-nesting is the main concern.

Also, a lot of the "cheaper" welders out there are made by Cebora in Italy. They make pretty good budget welders. My buddy has one and the welds are soso. My Miller lays them down perfect every time. A wirefeed welder is a tool most guys that buy one will use more than they think. Lots of non-automotive applications. I made up an entertainment center a couple years ago out of angle-iron and aged wood (a mix of "industrial" and "antique"). Also good in case of a tornado!

Mark G

 

I'd recommend trying gas and solid core wire. That will be your next discovery--the welds are nice and clean, no slag, super easy to lay down, very nice!

I was surprized at how easy mig welding is. It's amazing how many projects I've taken on since buying my welder!

 

I know what you mean. Now I'm spending days thinking about new projects for the welder, in addition to figuring out what next to do with the Corvette. Makes it tough to concentrate at work!

Gas shielded welds are on my list, after the Christmas $$$ die down. Using the Lincoln flux core wire cut way down on the slag and BB's. The welds almost look gas-shielded, but I'm sure that solid wire will make them even better.

 

it is not cheap wire that causes black after anodizing,you are just using the wrong wire.You are using 4043 which is silicone based.Use 5356.tig and mig are the same strength if welded properly

 

I use .035 alum 5356 wire. It's a good all purpose wire. Remember to always push. Not drag when mig welding.

 

alot more prep has to go into tig for the strength. and neither can match stick for strength. personally i wouldnt feel safe in a car with a tigged cage, but thats just me. its also got alot to do with what your welding. tigging a body panel would be just as strong as a mig, but you would never tig a joist clip into the web of a 60 ft. beam or truss. get my point?

 

this is somebody else's thread about a machine ,I answered in response to blackness around weld and strength,if you would like to know the facts and not your point start a new thread and ask me

 

I have two of these machines, one is that exact one and the other is a cheaper one. No infinite wire speed just low and high on the small one. A friend of mine gave it to me when he upgraded to a lincoln and asked me to show him how to weld with the new machine after a few lessons he gave me the old machine. I have only welded with the 131 a couple of times but it seems to weld just fine for what I need. You will be very happy with that machine. These welds were done with my small machine. With a little practice you will enjoy your welder.


Neal

 

my son bought a small mig welder that ran on 110 volts ,,he always had a hard time using it and needed special rods, it really never penetrated right,, well he splurged last year and bought a 1700 dollar lincoln,and the difference is amazing. i really havent welded since trade school but still can,,that welder ran a bead like it was nothing,and deep penetration on thick stock.. i would never but a 110 welder .rather get a used 230 volt if money was a issue,,its just amazing how better tools make the job ez/er