Is a mig welder enough?
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 16,945
Likes: 9
yes a mig will do but a 90 amp flux core will not..... get a 200ish amp full gas setup w/ infinitely variable wire speed, as many heat settings (or infinitely variable) as you can.
I almost always use my mig welder for my fabrication work, only when doing stainless, aluminium or stuff that needs to be done very precise I use the tig (like threaded ends on chrome moly tubing, u joints on the steering shaft...that kind of stuff is better done w/ tig)
I almost always use my mig welder for my fabrication work, only when doing stainless, aluminium or stuff that needs to be done very precise I use the tig (like threaded ends on chrome moly tubing, u joints on the steering shaft...that kind of stuff is better done w/ tig)
Last edited by Twin_Turbo; Jun 4, 2006 at 04:47 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,165
Likes: 950
From: Keizer Oregon
I bought a 110v Hobart.nice little jobby, but when I put in my rollbar it just didn't cut it.......I did it anyway, but next time my car comes part the rollbar is going back in with a big stick (welder)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
Originally Posted by I'm Batman
I have an old Clarke 110v unit with gas that I really like. If I need something heavier, my dad has a 220v Hobart.
Look at Weldingdepot.com for ideas.
I wouldn't look at anything under 120 Amp for your work.
Definitely have to spring for the gas setup -IMO.
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Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
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From: Here to make friends
St. Jude Donor '11, '16-'17
You can get away with a lot with a 110V welder using flux core wire, but there's no doubt you will do a much better job on heavier stuff with a higher amp welder.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 61,414
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From: Here to make friends
St. Jude Donor '11, '16-'17
Originally Posted by I'm Batman
Ewwww...no. Gas or nothing.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 16,945
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I can weld 5/16th just fine, if I crank mine all the way to 270 amps I can even blow a hole in 8mm steel plate..no problem. 
Just get the largest machine you can afford (and that your power supply will handle) I feel 130 amps is the ragged edge of what's too small. I personally wouldn't consider any machine under 200 amps but I know you guys have to stick w/ either 110 or 220V (I have 400V)
Just get the largest machine you can afford (and that your power supply will handle) I feel 130 amps is the ragged edge of what's too small. I personally wouldn't consider any machine under 200 amps but I know you guys have to stick w/ either 110 or 220V (I have 400V)
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 61,414
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From: Here to make friends
St. Jude Donor '11, '16-'17
Originally Posted by Twin_Turbo
I can weld 5/16th just fine, if I crank mine all the way to 270 amps I can even blow a hole in 8mm steel plate..no problem.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 16,945
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Yup, you can do a lot, especially if you chamfer the pieces so you have full access to the root but I figure, why spend money on a small welder when with a little more saving up you can buy a better welder that has a larger operating range.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 61,414
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From: Here to make friends
St. Jude Donor '11, '16-'17
Originally Posted by Twin_Turbo
Yup, you can do a lot, especially if you chamfer the pieces so you have full access to the root but I figure, why spend money on a small welder when with a little more saving up you can buy a better welder that has a larger operating range.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
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I know, I wrote that above. No 220? Can't you jsut upgrade to 220? I had to upgrade to 25 amps fused 400V to power my stuff but it was well worth it..can't imagine messing about w/ 220V let alone 110. My welder isn't that large..it isn't small either but nothing that one can't store easily (and it has wheels!)
man..I found something that is actually neat about this country...a decent power supply! WOW!!!
man..I found something that is actually neat about this country...a decent power supply! WOW!!!
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,725
Likes: 5
From: Minnesota
400 Volts? Ouch. Haven't you guys ever heard of transformers?
My wife made the mistake of plugging her 110V hair dryer directly into one of your 220V outlets. It worked extra good for a little while.
My wife made the mistake of plugging her 110V hair dryer directly into one of your 220V outlets. It worked extra good for a little while.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
220 outlet.
All supply that I know of in US is 220v 2 phase into the house.
While some of us would not hesitate at installing an outlet, most
would need to employ a professional electrician to get outlet installed.
If used for household tasks and occasional automotive work, then
110v/130amp works without added costs ... plus you aren't tied down
to the area with 220v outlet.
Most of us are hobbyists and only need something like this:
http://www2.northerntool.com/product-1/200311005.htm
All supply that I know of in US is 220v 2 phase into the house.
While some of us would not hesitate at installing an outlet, most
would need to employ a professional electrician to get outlet installed.
If used for household tasks and occasional automotive work, then
110v/130amp works without added costs ... plus you aren't tied down
to the area with 220v outlet.
Most of us are hobbyists and only need something like this:
http://www2.northerntool.com/product-1/200311005.htm
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 16,945
Likes: 9
It's 3 phase, used to be 380 but they upped the 220 to 240V so w/ the phase shift that makes for about 400V...and it's awesome. i can run my compressor, MIG, TIG and other tools at the same time and not have to worry about a fuse blowing. I'm a hobbyist also and I'm using mostly only the upper 1/2 of the power range on my welder. I don't weld any stuff that you guys aren't welding either.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,053
Likes: 4
St. Jude Donor '03,'11
Originally Posted by Twin_Turbo
man..I found something that is actually neat about this country...a decent power supply! WOW!!!