Thinking about Adding MIG

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While I await the results from the lab on my 3G&4G test I started to give some though to "What next?". Some times it is just better to ask than spend endless hrs deciphering the available options. I'd like to impose a bit and ask for opinions on MIG options. I have only one machine. It's a circa 2000 Miller Syncrowave 250. It's a constant current machine I believe. I'm thinking about learning TIG but don't know what would be the most economical first, versatile second and portable last.I don't know if using my machine as a power- sourse is a good idea or not so your input is greatly appreciated.Thanks, GizzmoP.S It's on a 70 amp breaker.
Reply:Why not master SMAW first? There is always pipe welding. 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:You have an excellent stick and tig machine in your syncrowave. Master those processes and you will able to do anything in regards to welding.
Reply:I was thinking about pipe but the 6G really won't aid in getting me put on a job thru the union. They do use the MIG so I thought it only made sense to learn it. BUT, I do want to learn pipe because "You never know" where this may lead. I'm just exploring my options as of now.I was looking for a inexpensive way to get into MIG. BTW, is MIG used for the root pass on pipe? Anyway, is it more advisable to learn the TIG first? I do have a tig torch,pedal and a flow meter. I just need to get a tank for the inert gas I think. Can I rent that? I don't know anything other than what I have read on TIG. Gizzmo
Reply:You master pipe with Tig and SMAW first, learning Mig will be a walk in the park. I don't know what line of work, or what union you're trying to get into, but 6-G pipe is used a lot now a days to test structural welders. Set up an account at your local welding supply, and you can rent your bottles. I've been told generally 2-years of renting, and you might as well buy them.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:Sounds like it's time to grab some pipe! I have a lathe to prep the joints, so a gas bottle and some TIG electrodes and I'll get started!Are the SMAW roots done in 7018 or 60** ?Gizzmo
Reply:Most of the time open root pipe welding is done with 6010. But I have seen it with 7018.Here is a open root 6-G pipe weld I made with 7018. 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:CEP - What would be a good pipe size to practice/learn on?
Reply:I would start out with 6-inch sch. 80. Then work your way down. The bigger the pipe the easier it is to weld. I would also start with 6010 for the root and hot pass, then 7018 for fill, and cap. 6010 all the way is good practice too. 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:Top down or bottom up?Gizzmo
Reply:To start with I'd work on vertical up hill, (bottom up). Down hill, (top down) pipe welding is an art of it's own.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:Sounds good to me ! I'll get it together and give it a try.Thanks again, Gizzmo
Reply:Originally Posted by gizzmoSounds good to me ! I'll get it together and give it a try.Thanks again, Gizzmo
Reply:6g unlimited overides 3g and 4g unlimited. One cert got ya covered then to a point for pipe, and structural. Unfortunately gizzmo there is no cheap way around this. Work, save, spend and use em to make ya some money pal.I hate being bi-polar it's awsomeMy Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Reply:First off I'll be waiting for the results for a few weeks I'm told but they were some of the best work I've done so far. I'm a bit funny when it comes to spending money. I'll do just as you suggest "save &spend" to further my ability to make money. I just want to use my resources in the most efficient way I can.I have to attend another class this week and the instructor gave me a choice of MIG or TIG and that's what prompted me to ask about equipment.If the TIG requires more skill (and skill is what it's all about) then I would rather spend the instructors time with TIG. There is just no way I could have gotten this far without this forum so I take the advise given here very seriously. I truly enjoy welding and that makes it easier to learn. I was listening to a conversation among welders complaining about the heat outside. I had to laugh. I was out in a week of 95 degree days learning lap welds and loved every minuet of it! I can't wait to get on a job and learn some more.So TIG it is! I'll see what I can learn in a week! Gizzmo
Reply:The trick to welding, no matter the process. Is to learn how to read the puddle. Once you know what you're looking at, then learn how to make changes on the fly. Once you nail SMAW, and GTAW, learning Mig will be the least of your worries!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:Thanks bud. Gizzmo
Reply:Originally Posted by snoeproeYou have an excellent stick and tig machine in your syncrowave. Master those processes and you will able to do anything in regards to welding.
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPI would start out with 6-inch sch. 80. Then work your way down. The bigger the pipe the easier it is to weld. I would also start with 6010 for the root and hot pass, then 7018 for fill, and cap. 6010 all the way is good practice too.
Reply:If your goal is to earn money (a lot more money - in my experience and I think I am safe in saying in most welder's experience) you would want to master tig.  Not to mention on most jobs it is a lot cleaner environment.  But someone who is not bothered by the heat like you, then the grime, dirt and rust probably doen' t bother you either  That is a good thing.  Some of us get "spoiled" and always as want a pharmaceutical clean room experience.  But in the practical world, you go we're the work is and take what the jobs offers - or drag up!  Also in choosing between the two processes:  if you are going to be looking for employment, it would be wise to know which process is in demand.  It has been my experience that a good tig weler is MUCH harder to find than a good mig welder.  Economics:  Supply and demand; togs equals more pay for you.I never met your instructor but I like his/her attitude of giving you a choice.  I believe they have confidence in your ability!  Keep up he good work!
Reply:If your goal is to earn money (a lot more money - in my experience and I think I am safe in saying in most welder's experience) you would want to master tig.  Not to mention on most jobs it is a lot cleaner environment.  But someone who is not bothered by the heat like you, then the grime, dirt and rust probably doen' t bother you either  That is a good thing.  Some of us get "spoiled" and always as want a pharmaceutical clean room experience.  But in the practical world, you go we're the work is and take what the jobs offers - or drag up!  Also in choosing between the two processes:  if you are going to be looking for employment, it would be wise to know which process is in demand.  It has been my experience that a good tig weler is MUCH harder to find than a good mig welder.  Economics:  Supply and demand; togs equals more pay for you.I never met your instructor but I like his/her attitude of giving you a choice.  I believe they have confidence in your ability!  Keep up the good work!