110v Mig welding 1/4 steel

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PlasmaCam Downdraft & Everlast vs AHP 140 115v Mi…: A lot of folks here say 110v is only good 1/8 inch . Well looks like you could get away with 3/16 pretty good without using FC given the  Chinese transformer mig almost welded 1/4. Sure there is duty cycle and proper circuit. But it looks like it can be done. I was going to buy that little Everlast machine, but opted for a used HH 140 instead.
Reply:Just because you can stick 1/4" metal together doesn't make it welded. Despite what he says, none of what he did looked like it was all that impressive to me. Flip the piece over and lets see the back. I didn't see any indications that would tell me he burned the root thru from what I was seeing. All he did was fill a V with weld material. Outside corners tend to be the easiest to weld since they have a thin root. Try and do the same thing with a larger heat sink like fillets and you won't get the same results..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:I think the 110-volt Mig machines are the best invention since chocolate ice cream!I wouldn't be afraid to weld 8-inch thick material with mine. Attached ImagesDon’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Lol. Well there ya go. Glad I posted this. I was thinking he is a reliable YouTube source, despite being paid by those companies . But yes, that makes sense. An easy joint, and I was kind of wondering why he didn't flip it over.Thanks DSW
Reply:There is just no substitute for power / amps. First welding test I ever failed, and it was really embarrassing! I had worked there a couple years, we picked up a contract, and we needed to hire more welders. And all of us employees had to retest for this contract. The on site NRC welding inspector was busting guys out right and left on looks. But before he would send them packing he would bring them over to where I was testing. He would tell them, when your Mig welds look like his come back and retest. I was welding a 1-inch V-butt plate vertical up with 1/16-inch wire. The welds were beautiful! But they failed the side bend test, you should have seen the look the inspector gave me! He just pointed at the testing area, and rolled his eyes at me. I ran the test plate too cold. Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:I have passed bend tests with my 120 volt mig welding 3/8 steel.Only because I got tired of hearing "120 volt migs are only good for 1/8 inch steel". If you do no weld prep and don't really know how to weld, just bought your first machine, got a made in china POS because you didn't know any better, don't understand electricity at all (put your mig on a 50' 14ga extension cord) then yes they are only good for 1/8 inch steel.Last edited by mad welder 4; 11-15-2014 at 01:13 PM.old Miller spectrum 625 Lincoln SP-135 T, CO2+0.025 wireMiller model 250 and WP-18V torchCraftsman 100amp AC/DC and WP-17V torchCentury 115-004 HF arc stabilizerHome made 4 transformer spot welderHome made alternator welder
Reply:What's the big deal?   You use a 100 amp MIG to weld 1/4 inch just like you use a 300 amp MIG to weld 4 inch plate.   Bevel properly, preheat, and multiple passes.   Shortly after I learned to MIG I butt welded some 4"x8" quarter inch plates just to see if a 90 amp Harbor freight flux core could really do it.   Multi pass from both sides, preheated, and it worked quite well.   I'm still using that plate as a motor mount for a 3 HP motor on my mill.  If you need to use a small machine, you need to use the same techniques that the pros use to work on large pieces.Dan
Reply:Originally Posted by mad welder 4I have passed bend tests with my 120 volt mig welding 3/8 steel.
Reply:I love my Tweco 141i. really hot adjustable arc. (Quality inverter) , but best suited to Sheet-metal.. It runs best on quality .023 wire, and will output just a bit more with .030 wire solid wire.. Not worth pushing it too far for the little gained.. Probably best to use the 140 amps dc tig on anything much over 1/8 inch.. Just starts to get a little cold on 3/16 using the mig process. Still with proper joint design, and technique, it can do a decent job there.. Still smarter to run my 400 amp machine for anything where someone would be killed by using a under powered unit.. I really don't think engine pullers made of .250 is the best place for a 140 amp mig machines.. same with trailer hitches/etc...Esab/Lorch ET-220iEsab 160i caddyThermal LM-200 Lincoln feedersThermal Pee-Wee 85sThermal 60i- 3phase /RPC powered (Beast)Thermal Drag-gun 35CINE 1500 Klutch 140i
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPWould you happen to have pictures?On another site this same subject came up. A guy posted these picture of his 110-volt Mig welds. He considered them a success.
Reply:I can almost guarantee preheat ain't gonna happen at the weekend hobby level.  So I think you can pretty much eliminate any talk of "it can be done if you use the proper procedure".  Especially if a person has to shop around for not only a smaller machine than they really need but also a low budget chicom machine on top of that.Preheat,,, preheat with what ? "The things that will destroy America are prosperity at any price, peace at any price, safety first instead of duty first, the love of soft living and the get rich quick theory of life." -Theodore Roosevelt
Reply:When member here WelderDave, and I questioned this guy on all the flaws in his coupons, his reply was, "the coupons passed because they did not break". Majority of my welding experience has been under AWS D1.1 codes. I've never worked anywhere where those coupons would be passed.Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Wife's got a hair dryer Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:Originally Posted by Broccoli1Wife's got a hair dryer
Reply:No preheat on that bend test I did. Just FCAW and 3 passes pretty much cold passes if I remember right. Cleaned all the slag off by hand.The 9 pass 6mm tow closed root test plate I did with .025 wire, CO2, preheated to 400'F for the first pass, then by the time I was on the 4th or 5th pass I had to let the plate cool some between passes.old Miller spectrum 625 Lincoln SP-135 T, CO2+0.025 wireMiller model 250 and WP-18V torchCraftsman 100amp AC/DC and WP-17V torchCentury 115-004 HF arc stabilizerHome made 4 transformer spot welderHome made alternator welder
Reply:Originally Posted by SandyI can almost guarantee preheat ain't gonna happen at the weekend hobby level.  So I think you can pretty much eliminate any talk of "it can be done if you use the proper procedure".  Especially if a person has to shop around for not only a smaller machine than they really need but also a low budget chicom machine on top of that.Preheat,,, preheat with what ?
Reply:You guys got to remember that anyone that is using a 110v mig as a hobby will not pre heat, will not bevel and will not do multi pass. They just assume it's good for 1/4" thick stuff with their basic or intermediate skill level. Personally I would say any 110v machine is good for up to 1/8" ONLY on gas. (with the exception of a certain 110v machine, but that's because it's an underrated beast and will pull every bit of 30 amps off the wall and about double the size of every other 110v mig out there)You can probably get away with maybe being slightly thicker than 1/8" if you use a different gas.I have some 1/4" plates that need to be welded and are structural, and I wouldn't even consider my tweco 141i maxed out on mig or even 140amps tig. Going to fire up the bigger mig for this job.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:Nothing like a nice cold MIG weld at the end of a hot day. "USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:The proper way to preheat?A real propane torch, not one of those $7 to $15 POS torches and an inferred or contact thermometer. Take the temperature off the mill scale with IR, not shinny surfaces.Target temperature is 350'F to 400'F.old Miller spectrum 625 Lincoln SP-135 T, CO2+0.025 wireMiller model 250 and WP-18V torchCraftsman 100amp AC/DC and WP-17V torchCentury 115-004 HF arc stabilizerHome made 4 transformer spot welderHome made alternator welder
Reply:Originally Posted by dbstooI can guarantee that it has happened at the hobby level.   I've done it.       It will become even more prevalent if more of the seasoned weldors would discuss how to use an underpowered machine properly instead of just saying that it is too small.
Reply:Remove the skill and I have seen people make welds with a miller 252 that came out of the bend tester looking like the bend test pics CEP posted that were done with a 120 volt machine.Going from a 120 volt machine to a 220 volt machine you feel like you can do anything.I think when guys go from learning on and using a 220 volt machines down to a 120 volt machine they don't know what to do. Using excessive power as a crutch to make up for lack of skill.I originally bought my 120 volt mig in 2004 because my interest was automotive related stuff. So I needed a machine that I could move around easily, do auto body and exhaust and be able to plug in anywhere. That is what I was what I was looking for. $500 shipped seemed a little high at the time but has turned out to be well worth it.When I see a post that says something like "should I get the $89 machine that is on sale or the $123 one" makes me cringe, those are the machines that do more to that make people believe "120 volt mig can only do 1/8 inch steel" than anything.old Miller spectrum 625 Lincoln SP-135 T, CO2+0.025 wireMiller model 250 and WP-18V torchCraftsman 100amp AC/DC and WP-17V torchCentury 115-004 HF arc stabilizerHome made 4 transformer spot welderHome made alternator welder
Reply:I welded a 3/16" bunper together with a AutoArc 130 but it's entirely outside corners. Tow hooks and mounting brackets are welded with the 210MVP.www.FirehouseFabricators.comZachLincoln 210mpLincoln SW200Hypertherm Powermax 45xp2x4 CNC Plasma Table.
Reply:Originally Posted by mad welder 4Using excessive power as a crutch to make up for lack of skill.....When I see a post that says something like "should I get the $89 machine that is on sale or the $123 one" makes me cringe, those are the machines that do more to that make people believe "120 volt mig can only do 1/8 inch steel" than anything.
Reply:What about the power of preheat.  I bought a subsoiler attachment for my john deer 855 but there was no way it wouldpull this blade ( I knew this when buying as I intended to saw off the blade and weld on one more suitable for the small tractor).I didn't know much but I did think that warming up the 1" thick main bar with a torch before welding on a smaller cutting blade that I bought at TSC would help immensely with low heat.  So I clamped it up and took a map gas torch to it for about 5 min then lit into it with my flux core miller 130 xp  making bird poo welds that would embarrass birds.  I didn't even cover 1/3 of the edge that could have been done. But ya know this blade held on strong enough to stall my 2000 lb compact tractor when it hit roots.I was sooooo proud.  When I got my PA200 I was longing for something to weld so I got this back out knowing that it was not really properly doneand then I did it up 10x better but i couldn't believe it held with the welds that were there. I know the interest in responsibility that the welding community has in discouraging weak welds but many of us are willing to put the effort into the setup and procedure to make a 110 mig take on serious ( non safety critical ) heavy welds out of limited resources.  It would be nice to hear the best cases setup procedures for maximizing the expected penetration using a 110 mig.millermatic 130XPharbour freight 180 amp mig with added caps.hobart stickmate ac/dcpowerarc 200
Reply:I don't have 220v in my home garage. All I have is 30amp 120v breakers.I run my TIG and MIG usually on 110 settings but 90% of what I do is on 1/8" mild steel. I will do 3/16 if it's an outside corner or a purely non load supporting piece. Otherwise I run a 50' 220v cord to my dryer in the basement but wrapping that cord back up after is just exhausting.I think 220 power receptacles are not an option for many people especially the weekend warriors. Personally I would put one in and do the work myself but my circuit breaker is entirely filled. I would have to install an entire sub box and that's above my skill and wallet.www.FirehouseFabricators.comZachLincoln 210mpLincoln SW200Hypertherm Powermax 45xp2x4 CNC Plasma Table.Originally Posted by BrooklynBravestI think 220 power receptacles are not an option for many people especially the weekend warriors. Personally I would put one in and do the work myself but my circuit breaker is entirely filled. I would have to install an entire sub box and that's above my skill and wallet.
Reply:The key is to buy a house with the dryer just outside the garage door, it is a pain because the wife is doing laundry usually when I want to weld.
Reply:Originally Posted by sacherjjDepending on the panel, you may be able to put in two duplex breakers to eliminate 4 single pole breakers and make a spot for one 240V breaker.  I just did this today to be prepared to run wire out to the garage.  If you do this, note that there are only certain locations where duplex or "cheater" breakers can go into the panel and they will usually have some method of making them not fit in the not allowed spots towards the to of the panel.
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPWould you happen to have pictures?On another site this same subject came up. A guy posted these picture of his 110-volt Mig welds. He considered them a success.
Reply:Originally Posted by RoadhunterWow.  I saw surprised to see how you have the same act on this web site that you wore out on TBN.  And no the person who posted the pics did not say they were successful.  But if yo do some searching on the internet it has been done.  You simply live to bash on 110v welders and it appears you spend your days bouncing from site to site with your internet tough buy act bashing 110v welders.  I really don't' get why you are so threatened by these little useful machines but it is obvious they have gotten to you.  Ended up having to leave TBN because of the fit you threw.  Time to grow up.  But that won't happen.  Because you are an internet tough buy.  I'm sure there are a bunch of people on here who are tired of your act as well.  You have amazing welding skills, but people skills are important to.
Reply:Originally Posted by RoadhunterWow.  I saw surprised to see how you have the same act on this web site that you wore out on TBN.  And no the person who posted the pics did not say they were successful.  But if yo do some searching on the internet it has been done.  You simply live to bash on 110v welders and it appears you spend your days bouncing from site to site with your internet tough buy act bashing 110v welders.  I really don't' get why you are so threatened by these little useful machines but it is obvious they have gotten to you.  Ended up having to leave TBN because of the fit you threw.  Time to grow up.  But that won't happen.  Because you are an internet tough buy.  I'm sure there are a bunch of people on here who are tired of your act as well.  You have amazing welding skills, but people skills are important to.
Reply:Originally Posted by AKweldshop2Yeah,I don't know why CEP hasn't been banned yet....Maybe it's cause he know's what he's talking about when it comes to 115v doorstops...
Reply:Originally Posted by MinnesotaDaveReally...you have to bring this crap here too?
Reply:Originally Posted by RoadhunterI didn't bring it here.  Go back a page and you will see it was your buddy who brought it here first.  If you want to be mad at someone go to the source.
Reply:Originally Posted by BrooklynBravestI don't have 220v in my home garage. All I have is 30amp 120v breakers.I think 220 power receptacles are not an option for many people especially the weekend warriors. Personally I would put one in and do the work myself but my circuit breaker is entirely filled. I would have to install an entire sub box and that's above my skill and wallet.
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWYou can run dedicated 30 amp circuits to the garage, but 220 v power isn't an option? I'm confused.[snip ]As far as not having enough space in the panel, I'd have to see it. In most circumstances, you just need to replace several breakers with 1/2 breakers to increase your open slots. I will admit that isn't always an option, but there's always installing a sub panel next to the main to increase capacity.
Reply:Brooklyn for whatever reason I missed your explanation of your situation in post 28 when I posted my reply above earlier. I might have been typing when you posted and then had issues posting. My wireless has been spotty this evening..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Roadhunter, drop it. What ever happened elsewhere can stay there. Bring it here and  you won't stay long. Same goes for the rest of you all..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Originally Posted by RoadhunterWow.  I saw surprised to see how you have the same act on this web site that you wore out on TBN.  And no the person who posted the pics did not say they were successful.  But if yo do some searching on the internet it has been done.  You simply live to bash on 110v welders and it appears you spend your days bouncing from site to site with your internet tough buy act bashing 110v welders.  I really don't' get why you are so threatened by these little useful machines but it is obvious they have gotten to you.  Ended up having to leave TBN because of the fit you threw.  Time to grow up.  But that won't happen.  Because you are an internet tough buy.  I'm sure there are a bunch of people on here who are tired of your act as well.  You have amazing welding skills, but people skills are important to.
Reply:CEP, just let it go...Next person who wants to comment on whatever happened on TBN or make snide comments on the subject can take a bit of a break from posting for a while. This ends here.We can open up the penalty box at any time for you..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Originally Posted by BrooklynBravestI don't have 220v in my home garage. All I have is 30amp 120v breakers.I run my TIG and MIG usually on 110 settings but 90% of what I do is on 1/8" mild steel. I will do 3/16 if it's an outside corner or a purely non load supporting piece. Otherwise I run a 50' 220v cord to my dryer in the basement but wrapping that cord back up after is just exhausting.I think 220 power receptacles are not an option for many people especially the weekend warriors. Personally I would put one in and do the work myself but my circuit breaker is entirely filled. I would have to install an entire sub box and that's above my skill and wallet.
Reply:Originally Posted by soutthpawNothing personal, but you are a firefighter, yet rolling up a 50' extension cord is exhausting???   Also it's pretty simple to add a 230 outlet to most breaker boxes.   And just install a plug next to the box and run an extension cord from that to your welding area.   I've even wired up welders to the person's breaker box to test them before when I have been to look at welders on Craigslist.As for a full breaker box,  just get some of those half size breakers that fit 2 circuits where 1 would normally fit.  You can get a double wide that has 2 115 breakers and a 220 Breaker in it.   It will fit the same space as 2 current single breakers.They look like this [IMG http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/pro...a85521_400.jpg ][/IMG]At any hardware store.  http://www.homedepot.com/p/Square-D-...30CP/100121151
Reply:120v machines have their place, just like any tool, try to use them too far out of their design range and you will be disappointed
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWI have yet to see any home with 30 amp outlet circuits.
Reply:If you have a 4 prong clothes dryer receptacle I saw a pretty cool 120 volt 30 amp 10 gauge adaptor cord on ebay that plugs into your clothes dryer receptacle.I think that would be the best way to get a 30 amps of 120 volt power.old Miller spectrum 625 Lincoln SP-135 T, CO2+0.025 wireMiller model 250 and WP-18V torchCraftsman 100amp AC/DC and WP-17V torchCentury 115-004 HF arc stabilizerHome made 4 transformer spot welderHome made alternator welder
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPI left TBN because you, SODO, and Soundguy go as far as to flat out lie about things I said. Now see here, I was thinking this was America, and I was entitled to have an opinion. But when it differs from yours you will stop at nothing to discredit me!
Reply:Originally Posted by mad welder 4If you have a 4 prong clothes dryer receptacle I saw a pretty cool 120 volt 30 amp 10 gauge adaptor cord on ebay that plugs into your clothes dryer receptacle.I think that would be the best way to get a 30 amps of 120 volt power.
Reply:Sure I would love to try it out! I may be confused here, but didn't Mark do some testing with that machine and it failed? Or do I have that mixed up?Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Originally Posted by RoadhunterCEP,Lets put an end to this without the penalty box.  I have an offer and I think if you are willing to accept this entire issue will be settled.  I just listed my old Hobart Handler 125 on a local buy/sell website and am looking to get a new Everlast 140.  According to the website that little Everlast 140 is rated to weld 3/8 material.  If I buy the welder and have it shipped to you would you be willing to test it out on 3/8 material?  I'll also pay the shipping from your place to mine so you won't be out a dime on the machine.  All you supply is wire, gas (if you choose), and electricity.  I know you regularly spend time posting your impressive welding skills on various practice welds so this won't be any different.  If after you try it out you don't believe it will weld 3/8 material I will accept your findings no matter what since you are clearly an expert when it comes to welding.  And that will be the end of the debate.  I think that is a more than fair offer.  What are your thoughts?
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPSure I would love to try it out! I may be confused here, but didn't Mark do some testing with that machine and it failed? Or do I have that mixed up?