mig welding

[manyfire]

can you mig weld 1/4 in steel? I haven't welded in about 13 years and all I used was arc welder before, I just want to buy a more versatile welder. Tired of paying other people to do shit for me.

[1badblazer]

You can mig weld 1/4" with out a problem. It won't take a whole lot of amperage either. Most of your cheaper welders from Lowe's and other places will weld up to 3/16". There usually 100-140 amp machines. So if you buy a good one 175 or bigger you should be set.

[BigMean]

Many,I think you can weld that. Just make sure to buy the largest(Powerful) MIG you can afford, 220VAC with gas.

But Im no expert in this field.:p

BAKAS needs to Chime in! :)

[manyfire]

I am just looking at a flux wire 90 amp, I don't weld that much as you can tell, just want to be able to weld up a exhaust system and sheet metal mostly, maby some suspension repairs occasionally, I'll maby use it once a year. Here is what I am looking at. Just a little do it yourselfer getup. Not racing stuff.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=98871

[smallblock283]

exhaust system and sheet metal mostly is fine but not suspension in my book and I am a welder and 220 is the way to go if you have the meens to hook it up . save your money and get a welder with argon. maybe you can make some of it back welding for your friends

[XTEN]

Manyfire,I wouldnt weld 1/4" plate or suspension with that.It might LOOK like its doing something,but you'll have nowhere near the penetration you'd need,just like smallblock283 said.Just my opinion.

[manyfire]

like I said it has been awhile since I welded, thanks for the advice. Being I dont have the space, no 220 or a lot of cash to blow could I pick up a small arc welder also just for small suspension or 1/4 steel? I am just lookin for somthing for light repairs in the garage

[Terrybneal]

I looked at the same welder the other day at Harbor Freight. It will be fine for body work and exhaust, but without a argon shield, the welds arent going to look very good.The small arc welder will do better for the thicker stuff but isnt going to do well for the exhaust and body stuff.

[manyfire]

with me welding the welds aren't going to look that good!!!! I will probably go with both, I was looking and can outfit both for about $300, harbor freight has the one above for $89 in the store on sale, and a small arc for $69, it would cost more than that just to have the power upgraded to the house and rewire the garage to get 220 out there. I usually do alot of side jobs on cars doing brakes, oil changes, routine crap you know and get all my play money about 500 a month, these people are just letting stuff go because they don't have the money to do it, this economy sucks!

[XTEN]

IMHO the MIG is the biggest most versatile bang for the buck.Maybe used?The kid found a nice Miller on Ebay for $300.Its either 230 or250 amp,Icant remember.Works great.Maybe check bottle prices too.They've made great improvements on 110 ac migs,But Id rather buy a good used one than a cheap new one for about the same money.

[manyfire]

I just need one that runs on 110v, I'll buy a used one

[Bakas]

A 110 will get the job done, I have a 90 amp lincoln mig for small stuff and a miller syncrowave 250 for tig/stick. Before I had the tig machine I did everything with my little mig. 1/4 is no problem but it should always be beveled for max penetration. You can try the flux core wire but you'll find out real fast that it sucks. Dude gas is the way to go and since your not going to weld that mutch, you'll end up filling the gas tank every 2 years lol.

Oh and if your gonna get a used/new welder look for a miller,lincoln,hobart. No ebay/chineese junk.

Good luck!

[manyfire]

thanks man, appreciate it

[manyfire]

picked up a little miller 110v gas from a dude down on his luck, played with it today, havn't lost all my skills, with time and practice they will come back!! Fixed my shovel today, welds a little ugly but nice and strong, so there is 20 bucks I made back already. HAHA

[Bakas]

nice dude good luck with it :headbang:

practice makes perfect :icon_wink:

[Ryoung68]

Hey, where are the pics? You know we want to see? :eek: