I think most guys here have that Tim the Toolman syndrome 
Another MIG Welding Question
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
Likes: 12
From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Originally Posted by Twin_Turbo
I agree with Norval but it's also a matter of personal preference, like him I like to weld hot & fast.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 2,581
Likes: 14
From: Tolar Texas
Originally Posted by stpman
I use my DC stick machine for the power supply for my TIG setup to do mild and stainless steel.
Steve
Steve
Thanks for the information about using your Stick machine for TIG. Based on some quick reading, http://www.aws.org/cgi-bin/mwf/topic_show.pl?id=5277 it looks like my MIG welder is a poor choice for use as a TIG power supply. I really want a decent TIG setup. I'll eventually get one.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
Originally Posted by norvalwilhelm
Why 110v?
So now I am looking at either a Hobart 180 or a Miller 175. Is it worth the $100 or so price upgrade for infinite voltage control or are 4 settings enough?
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
Likes: 12
From: Waterloo ontario Canada
4 settings are enough.
A quick lesson of mig. Mig is voltage control and the wire feed controls amperage. Set you mig voltage at anything and regardless of what you do it remains this value. The machine tries to increase/decrease amperage to maintain this value. The faster the wire feed the more amps is required to maintain the voltage.
Voltage from a mig is low, probably well under 50 and our work mig is about 30 volts.
A tig machine is constant current and the voltage varies. The voltage is about 80 volts.
You can use a DC stick welder for tig and touch start the arc but it contaminates the electrode causeing the end of the electrode/tungsten to round rather then stay a sharp point, but it works.
Again Mig is constant voltage
Tig is constant current.
A quick lesson of mig. Mig is voltage control and the wire feed controls amperage. Set you mig voltage at anything and regardless of what you do it remains this value. The machine tries to increase/decrease amperage to maintain this value. The faster the wire feed the more amps is required to maintain the voltage.
Voltage from a mig is low, probably well under 50 and our work mig is about 30 volts.
A tig machine is constant current and the voltage varies. The voltage is about 80 volts.
You can use a DC stick welder for tig and touch start the arc but it contaminates the electrode causeing the end of the electrode/tungsten to round rather then stay a sharp point, but it works.
Again Mig is constant voltage
Tig is constant current.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 16,945
Likes: 9
scratch starting sucks, HF is the only way to go. When you weld AC tig the electrode will ball at the end alsu, unless you are using an inverter where you can alter the frequency for a more stable arc, with those you can ac weld with a sharp or a slightly blunt but otherwise pointy electrode resulting in a more steady arc. Now, with what Norval said everyone will clearly see why stepless wire speed control is so nice, you will be able to taylor the feed to your welding speed and tinker with how hot the weld will be (penetration)
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Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
From: Flushing MI
Originally Posted by NHvette
I'm very happy with my Clarke 130amp 110v MIG.
However, if you want 180 amps, I would consider this:
http://store.weldingdepot.com/cgi/we...ml?id=rC9vw4MW
I would order the welder and regulator ... then get the other
accesories from HF or local gas supply.
These can be converted to weld aluminum with correct shielding gas and wire.
I have never used mine on aluminum, so I can't vouch for how well it works.
I would take TT's advice.
However, if you want 180 amps, I would consider this:
http://store.weldingdepot.com/cgi/we...ml?id=rC9vw4MW
I would order the welder and regulator ... then get the other
accesories from HF or local gas supply.
These can be converted to weld aluminum with correct shielding gas and wire.
I have never used mine on aluminum, so I can't vouch for how well it works.
I would take TT's advice.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
Got the Hobart 180 from weldingsuppliesatioc on Ebay. This is the Ebay store for Indiana Oxygen Company. Got it for $551 shipping and all-brand new. They do all buy-it-now sales. I got it all set up and am very impressed, wish I would have bought a MIG a long time ago. I hope to gather some steel and make a cart this weekend. I bought a 40cf bottle with a promise to get full credit for exchange on an 80cf bottle when they get some in. For a seldom user, do you think a 40cf bottle is big enough, or do I need the 80cf? Thanks for all the advice. 
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,360
Likes: 382
From: Plano TX
Originally Posted by markdtn
Got the Hobart 180 from weldingsuppliesatioc on Ebay. For a seldom user, do you think a 40cf bottle is big enough, or do I need the 80cf? Thanks for all the advice.
As for the 40 cf bottle: That's what I have. I recently built a welding cart with quite a lot of welds. The bottle came with 1800 PSI pressure and after finishing the cart it is now 1700 PSI. So yes, for a seldom user 40 cf is plenty.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 16,416
Likes: 1
From: NC,USA
What do you guys think about generator/welder combo's?
I've got a small garage and a small barn... with grass in between, thinking about doing a trailer "weld anywhere" sort of deal...
That is, after I take some classes!
"Dream big, you can always settle for less"
I've got a small garage and a small barn... with grass in between, thinking about doing a trailer "weld anywhere" sort of deal...
That is, after I take some classes!
"Dream big, you can always settle for less"
