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I am looking at purchasing a small welder for hobby work at my home. My first project is to make a small woodstove out of a propane tank so I will need to spot weld hinges to the tank and other items as well such as smoke stack and such. Again just for hobbies so I am not looking for an expensive one but one that will do what I need.The first one can be bought for I believe $111 at Harbor Freight (but for some reason I have to post this link instead of the HF link (same welder though). http://www.amazon.com/Chicago-Electr...ric+tig+welderIt is a Chicago Electric Welding 90 Amp flux wire welder.The other welder is at Northern Industrial Welders Flux Core 125 model. The rated output it says is 80 Amps. here is a link of it...http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...3263_200403263This model can be bought for $129.What out of the two is better to purchase for the money. I know nothing about welding but want to mess around with some hobby stuff welding and building things. Any help would be greatly appricated. Thanks,Steve
Reply:Juckin funk. You aint welding up a stove with either one. Watch the locals for an old Lincoln, Century or Miller buzz box. You'll find one for $150 or maybe even less.Bubble gumTooth pixDuct tapeBlack glueGBMF hammerScrew gun --bad battery (see above)
Reply:Originally Posted by hydrasportsI am looking at purchasing a small welder for hobby work at my home. My first project is to make a small woodstove out of a propane tank so I will need to spot weld hinges to the tank and other items as well such as smoke stack and such. Again just for hobbies so I am not looking for an expensive one but one that will do what I need.The first one can be bought for I believe $111 at Harbor Freight (but for some reason I have to post this link instead of the HF link (same welder though). http://www.amazon.com/Chicago-Electr...ric+tig+welderIt is a Chicago Electric Welding 90 Amp flux wire welder.The other welder is at Northern Industrial Welders Flux Core 125 model. The rated output it says is 80 Amps. here is a link of it...http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...3263_200403263This model can be bought for $129.What out of the two is better to purchase for the money. I know nothing about welding but want to mess around with some hobby stuff welding and building things. Any help would be greatly appricated. Thanks,Steve
Reply:Do they make a small stick welder? What is the smallest amp stick welder they make?
Reply:This stick welder is awesomehttp://www.harborfreight.com/80-amp-...der-91110.htmlTorchmate 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:Hey Gamble, would this do what I need it to do? Is it an 80 amp stick welder? Will it hold up for what I hope to do with it with a propane tank? any other opinions on this type of welder (stick type) Gamble posted. I like the price too.
Reply:Agreed! Originally Posted by gamblethis stick welder is awesomehttp://www.harborfreight.com/80-amp-...der-91110.html
Reply:An alternative to the HF "toaster" is this one. I'd be tempted, if I got the extended warranty:http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...2862_200512862Stick welding will challenge you at first. A completely crappy MIG welder will frustrate you forever. I mostly buy good, old used stuff. I did cough up the cash to buy the Lincoln MIG and the TA 161STL new."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:OK, I feel like I am getting great feedback for my situation. I see I have 2 options that may do the job...#1 http://www.harborfreight.com/80-amp-...der-91110.html is this 80 Amp Inverter Arc Welder for $150.#2 http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...2862_200512862 is this Northern Industrial Welders ST80i Inverter-Based Stick Welder with TIG Option — 115 Volt, 20 – 90 Amp for $160.Right now like I said above I will be using it to weld hinges on a propane tank that will be used as a pot belly stove/woodstove and also to weld the exhaust pipe on. I will do other types of welding with it when time comes but I won't know what that will be till it happens. Please give me info on what option will be best for what my needs are. Thanks! As I said I have never welded before but am willing to learn and listen to those who know. I guess mostly I am just looking for what option will work best for attaching 2 metals together and that will stay over time.SteveLast edited by hydrasports; 01-22-2014 at 04:25 PM.Reason: Adding more info
Reply:What's your location ? Look on craig's list for a real machine.
Reply:Originally Posted by hydrasportsHey Gamble, would this do what I need it to do? Is it an 80 amp stick welder? Will it hold up for what I hope to do with it with a propane tank? any other opinions on this type of welder (stick type) Gamble posted. I like the price too.
Reply:Problem with both stick and FC wire is both are a "hot" process and really unsuitable for thin material of less than say 1/16". The other problem is that small inexpensive 110v units lack the input power to do more than 1/8" thick material at best and the lower amperage units can be limited to 3/32" material. That leaves you with a fairly narrow range to work in.Mig with solid wire and gas is better for thinner steel, but with a 110v unit you are still limited at the upper end to 1/8". Lower end can go down to 20-22 ga if you are skilled enough to do it.The skill level to do stick welding tends to be higher than doing similar welds with wire.My suggestion is to at least buy a unit that is capable of being converted easily to use solid wire and gas if you want to go "mig". You can use FC wire for now and have the ability to run gas later. Your best bet though is to buy a 230v capable machine. Most guys quickly outgrow small 110v migs because they end up being underpowered. If you want to do sheet metal body work they are fine, but anything thicker and you need more input power. They do make 110v/230v dual voltage units, but they are significantly more expensive, and you are still limited on max thickness when you run them off 1110v power. It's less expensive in the long run to just buy a 230v machine to start with rather than trying to upgrade..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 would go with a mig like the Lincoln 180 or an ac/dc stick like the Miller Thunderbolt. There are other brands of similar machines out there. Craigslist is your friend.Whatever you decide on, do a lot of practice welding and ask for advice when you are ready.Good luck!
Reply:My main reason for staying with a small welder is I have a pacemaker and have been told I should stay under 130 amps to be safe. So that pretty much limits me to what I can use. I would like to get something big and bad but just won't be able to use it to it's fullest potential. The 80 - 90 amp welders seem to be what wouldbe good for me.So it leads us to what I am looking for now... something that is less then 130 amps that will bond 2 pieces of metal together. I don't honestly see me doing loads of welding just small hobby stuff. Right now I don't know what the width of a propane tank is but I need whatever I get to be able to adhere a hinge which cant be too thick to a tank which isn't too thick either. This and being able to make a somewhat strong bond between a hole in a tank and a tube for an exhaust. I am sure I will use it on other stuff but right now this is why I would be purchasing it.
Reply:Why does the amperage matter with a pacemaker?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:I would only worry about a Tig's HF output. Arc and Mig, create such a low Electro-Magnetic field (newer machines). As long as you don't wrap yourself with the leads, or cook with 250A, while sitting on the machine. I've been a Type 1 Diabetic for almost 11 years (19 now), I've been wearing a Medtronic MiniMed insulin pump for about 8 years now. When I first got it, I was warned by the Medtronic Rep to avoid anything with a High electro-Magnetic output, ex. airport metal detectors. But, I was 11 then, been in my families shop my whole life working around these machines that could cook a turkey in 10 seconds. I was cautious, but as the years went on, technology progressed. I got the clear to continue in the shop. When I Tig, I usually disconnect my pump and set it at least 15' away. And now, this God-sent on my side has aloud me to continue with what I love. It's the same with your Pacemaker, it was once brick, now it's computerized piece art, that can withstand some of the newest technologies. If it makes you feel better when welding, pick up something like this http://www.hollandshielding.com/283-...lothing-en.htm I got carried away with this post. Originally Posted by hydrasportsMy main reason for staying with a small welder is I have a pacemaker and have been told I should stay under 130 amps to be safe. So that pretty much limits me to what I can use. I would like to get something big and bad but just won't be able to use it to it's fullest potential. The 80 - 90 amp welders seem to be what wouldbe good for me.So it leads us to what I am looking for now... something that is less then 130 amps that will bond 2 pieces of metal together. I don't honestly see me doing loads of welding just small hobby stuff. Right now I don't know what the width of a propane tank is but I need whatever I get to be able to adhere a hinge which cant be too thick to a tank which isn't too thick either. This and being able to make a somewhat strong bond between a hole in a tank and a tube for an exhaust. I am sure I will use it on other stuff but right now this is why I would be purchasing it.
Reply:Hi Gamble, it's due to the electromagnetic field they can put out and due to that thye have potential to put a pacemaker in a different "beat" then what it's setpoint is set at. Being that my pacemaker is connected to my heart I don't want to have it throw off the beating of my heart. Granted it is not very likely it can happen but I would not want to push my luck either.I was told that if I stay under 130 amps and keep eveyrhing like a foot away from the pacemaker all should be good. Soo which leads me to my question...What will work best for what I want to do and be under say 120 amps or so but again it's not worth it if the welder can not do what I want it to. I can't believe the welders that are listed here won't do what I am looking to do. Otherwise why would they even make them?? It sounds like the flux wire feed models are not the way to go so I am more looking at the stick arc type models. They are pretty inexpensive so that if they don't work oh well at least I am only out $170... better that then more I guess. My question to you all is which model will do the best job at welding 2 pieces of metal together and making they stay??
Reply:I hate to go against these professional guys that are experts in the field but...oh, well. They would never own what you are considering but their tools are their life and living so there is a different perspective there.Along with my larger welders, I got a Hobart Handler E-Z flux-core welder for just the kind of little work you are doing. The Harbor Freight welder you are considering has similar functions at less than half the price of the Hobart. Plus, if you run across a 25% off coupon it is that much better. Be sure to get the extended warranty if the HF welder is your choice. Their return/exchange policy is quite adequate.Getting a regular MIG welder (solid wire) involves renting and replenishing a gas tank and other extra expenses that may not be advantageous for your situation. But whatever you do, don't use the HF flux core wire. See if you can find Lincoln flux core in the correct size. Lowe's usually carries it.Nobody has freaked out yet about your cutting up a propane tank, which is surprising. Be sure to properly prepare the tank before getting going on the project. Your pacemaker will be the least of your worries if things go wrong.Stick welding is my usual choice but it takes some (well, lots) of practice and experience to get it right. Plus, different electrodes serve different purposes so that has to be considered. I envision a ruined project with burn through of the thin tank walls and melted hinges. Welding thin exhaust pipe will be a daunting task. I'd guess it would take 40 - 60 hours of practice to get it even close to correct techniques for the project. Flux-core still requires practice but it is easier to pick up for a beginner IMHO.Last edited by GWD; 01-23-2014 at 09:21 AM.
Reply:I sent the Harbor Freight 170 amp flux core MIG to a 15 year old son of a friend of mine as a gift last year....He is THRILLED with it and makes all sorts of repairs and neat things for his mom and himself....I also sent him a longevity 140 stick welder he really likes where he discovered it prefers 1/8" 6011 rods, so he routinely asks that I ship him 10lbs every few months.Don't afraid of the inexpensive Chinese welders if you only plan to use them around the house in a hobby fashion and don't want to invest more than 200 bucks in each.Your best bet is to first research the forums and youtube to learn all the pros and cons of each and in that way also learn the limitations and real world capabilities/uses of same.Yes, flux core tends to run hotter and ain't the best for the thin stuff, and it might seem a 170 amp welder will emit too much power for your pacemaker, but REMEMBER you can always crank the power knob DOWN if you start with a welder that has that extra capacity.....Just treat it like your home stereo and crank it down when you ain't in the party mood , but have enuff power to party when the need arises.
Reply:Hi GWD, the propane tanks are easy to work on. Big thing is to fill them up with water to expell all the propane out of them then your ready to go to town on them. I have a couple tanks call cut up with doors and everything, just need to find the right welder to do the job of welding the hinges and doors on.I dont know what will work best for this so I am left with these for options.# 1 http://www.amazon.com/Chicago-Electr...ric+tig+welder The first one can be bought for I believe $111 at Harbor Freight (but for some reason I have to post this link instead of the HF link (same welder though). It is a Chicago Electric Welding 90 Amp flux wire welder.# 2 http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...3263_200403263 The other welder is at Northern Industrial Welders Flux Core 125 model. The rated output it says is 80 Amps. here is a link of it...#3 http://www.harborfreight.com/80-amp-...der-91110.html is this 80 Amp Inverter Arc Welder for $150.#4 http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...2862_200512862 is this Northern Industrial Welders ST80i Inverter-Based Stick Welder with TIG Option — 115 Volt, 20 – 90 Amp for $160.I do like the option for getting the 170 however I still would have to turn it down to say 120 amps to use it. Out of these 4 if you were given the chance and could only choose 1 which one would you purchase and why? Thanks.
Reply:Strange, but none of the links work for me. Try them yourself to see what's up. See if this one works:http://www.harborfreight.com/90-amp-...8887-8494.htmlFor $111 minus the 25% coupon it is hard to beat about $85 for a welder. Add on the insurance and tax for a total of $100 or so. Sure it is a toy but it will do the job you want. That welder gets 4 out of 5 stars from user reviews. I'd suggest you read all 200+ of the reviews to get a feel for the tool. Then decide.It is especially tempting if you have a HF close by for returns if it doesn't work out. The from and to shipping necessary with Amazon and Northern Tool would be a deal-killer for me. With a local HF it is just go in and come out with a new welder.Once again, stick welders are fine but the learning curve is steeper and then learning the different electrodes, their settings, their uses, and their burning characteristics are complications you just don't need right now.Last edited by GWD; 01-23-2014 at 04:13 PM.
Reply:Wow... just wow... This guy is brand spanking new to welding and you want to stick him (pun intended) with a stick welder on a 14ga(at best )propane tank? All he wants to do is a small short circuit transfer on some hinges..I would go with a cheap FC welder with gas option. They make small CO2 tanks to attach that can be filled at a paintball station if you want that option, but running Thin FC at lowest possible amp setting will get done what you need. Only issue I see is being new you won't know how to differentiate your puddle from the flux as well but nothing alittle seat time on some scrap wont fix. I understand everyone's bigger is better, blue and red forever attitude, I use a blue every day at work 8-12 hours a day 6 days a week. But some guys just want to piddle around and they're happy as hell just being able to get to pieces of metal to stick together.. DSW is correct though in that FC is a much hotter pass than with C-25 or C02 but it doesnt mean he can't get it done.. If you blow a hole in it back it with some copper and fill the hole.. It's metal.. you can fix it! I bet a hundy that you blow thru it with a stick !!! Is harbor freight crap? yes indeed.. is it good enough to learn and practice on and maybe weld some hinges and some duct? you betcha! I say buy it and try it ! At worst you lost a hundred bucks.. You'd spend more than that on a good night out drinking haha! At best... well, you learned how to weld a bit and you want to upgrade to a bigger and more expensive machine and your in the same boat as half the guys on here.. just my .02
Reply:Originally Posted by toadwrenchWow... just wow... This guy is brand spanking new to welding and you want to stick him (pun intended) with a stick welder on a 14ga(at best )propane tank? All he wants to do is a small short circuit transfer on some hinges..I would go with a cheap FC welder with gas option. They make small CO2 tanks to attach that can be filled at a paintball station if you want that option, but running Thin FC at lowest possible amp setting will get done what you need. Only issue I see is being new you won't know how to differentiate your puddle from the flux as well but nothing alittle seat time on some scrap wont fix. I understand everyone's bigger is better, blue and red forever attitude, I use a blue every day at work 8-12 hours a day 6 days a week. But some guys just want to piddle around and they're happy as hell just being able to get to pieces of metal to stick together.. DSW is correct though in that FC is a much hotter pass than with C-25 or C02 but it doesnt mean he can't get it done.. If you blow a hole in it back it with some copper and fill the hole.. It's metal.. you can fix it! I bet a hundy that you blow thru it with a stick !!! Is harbor freight crap? yes indeed.. is it good enough to learn and practice on and maybe weld some hinges and some duct? you betcha! I say buy it and try it ! At worst you lost a hundred bucks.. You'd spend more than that on a good night out drinking haha! At best... well, you learned how to weld a bit and you want to upgrade to a bigger and more expensive machine and your in the same boat as half the guys on here.. just my .02
Reply:Get a Oxy/Acetylene set. No Amperage to bother the pacemaker and you can cut, bend and weld. And you"ll have something that will have, and hold some value compared to a "Commywelder".
Reply:Originally Posted by hydrasportsI do like the option for getting the 170 however I still would have to turn it down to say 120 amps to use it. Out of these 4 if you were given the chance and could only choose 1 which one would you purchase and why? Thanks.Unfortunately, Harbor Freight won't allow their 25% off coupons to be used with their welding machines. They also exclude compressors, generators, floor jacks and a few other items. They used to do it but not any more.
Reply:Propane? Dangerous? .... nah. I was leaning toward a craigslist used machine right up to the point you said pacemaker.While, there is merit in the oxy/acetylene option as well, I would suggest you list your area in the profile. Perhaps someone in your area can lend a hand. Even if only to bring a loner machine for a Saturday, you might make a friend, and get some work done on your wood stove on a handshake.City of L.A. Structural; Manual & Semi-Automatic;"Surely there is a mine for silver, and a place where gold is refined. Iron is taken from the earth, and copper is smelted from ore."Job 28:1,2Lincoln, Miller, Victor & ISV BibleDanny
Reply:Originally Posted by pigeonpoopso you do like options?Ok, try buying a 80 amp stick welder for almost the same price as the 170 hf i suggested, and then attempt to crank it up when you need more amps....you ain't gonna crank any welder beyond it's specified amps.Me sorry, but no one makes a welder that only puts out the 120 amps that you think your heart can take....but they do make lots of welders that crank out more and each of those offer twisty knobs that allow you to crank the output down.I'm going to tell you how it is.I'm an old fart and my dr told me i was a walking stroke and had astronomical blood pressure, and to make arrangements....that was two years ago and i still work and he still insists i'll be gone tomorrow but every time i awake i discover his tomorrow is my yesterday.Forget all that dr crap and just do what you want to do....hell, you gonna die anyway, so die doing what you love and not sitting in your chair afraid to do anything lest you die while others do what you dream of.Living and dying ain't a spectator sport, you have to get off your butt and do both, and do it standing up, and do it while keeping stride with all the rest that will be born and die before and after you.You got your place in life, so stay in step and keep marching along or you will gum up the whole worksthey call this the human race, and it is an actual race, so get up on your hind feet and race next to me and everyone else, and weld, or fish or screw or build till you fall over deadin the meantime, crank that sucker to a thousand amps and let the sparks fly off your hands as you run the race
Reply:I would have to say 75% of the time I the metal I will be welding is 1/8 inch. What would be best on metals this thin and what amp is good to use so you don't blow a hole through the metal?It sounds like one of these would be best but I would hate to spend $180 and be bummed it won't do what I want.#3 http://www.harborfreight.com/80-amp-...der-91110.html This is a 80 amp inverter stick welder at Harbor Freight for $150#4 http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...2862_200512862 Northern Industrial Welders ST80i Inverter-Based Stick Welder with TIG Option — 115 Volt, 20 – 90 Amp for $160.
Reply:Originally Posted by hydrasportsI would have to say 75% of the time I the metal I will be welding is 1/8 inch. What would be best on metals this thin and what amp is good to use so you don't blow a hole through the metal?It sounds like one of these would be best but I would hate to spend $180 and be bummed it won't do what I want.#3 http://www.harborfreight.com/80-amp-...der-91110.html This is a 80 amp inverter stick welder at Harbor Freight for $150#4 http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...2862_200512862 Northern Industrial Welders ST80i Inverter-Based Stick Welder with TIG Option — 115 Volt, 20 – 90 Amp for $160.
Reply:no no no GWD, it doesn't matter to me what to get as long as it does the job... I was just thinking one of those 2 stick welders only because a couple times people said that the 80 amp inverter is a good little welder and I believe people had said that it would do the job I am looking to do with my limitations. I also thought a few people have said that the Flux Wire welder would not be able to do what I would like it to. Yes it would be easier to learn on but it didn't sound like the concenses would be that it would do the job I needed. Heck I would go with a flux wire if it can do the job. I was looking at that 170 flux core but it needs 240 outlet which I don't have.I did see this welder... http://www.longevity-inc.com/stick/stickweld-140 looks like a nice welder with a 5 year warrenty to boot. Then amps can be adjusted to be lower where I need them to be too. It is a stick welder but it looks nice with a good warrenty. My question would be at what amps and rod would be best for 1/8 inch steel?
Reply:Flux core on a 90 amp harbor freight welder will get the job done.. period..! Your gonna hate yourself if you get a stick and just say no to Oxy/acet.... (you really wanna learn how to get the flame just right and then learn to heat your base metals and add filler your first go around?..) I've been welding for 25 years.. wanna know the last time I brazed something besides sil flossing A/C lines? 25 yrs ago !! My dad taught me along time ago K.I.S.S-- Keep It Simple Stupid.. of course I thought he was calling me stupid but whatever.... If you wanna spend money then buy a more expensive mig with the gas option as I posted earlier, It will have more amps and more penetration with Co2 then C25. As far as blowing holes.. If your not blowing holes your not hot enough IMO.. I see more people lay cold beads than hot ones and that's no bueno! If someone tells you that it's not possible to weld 1/8th black iron with 90 amp flux core, Run away from them! I just stick welded 1/2" lifting lug to a oven(the kind where cars go thru!) with 7018 DCEP on 120 amps.. That oven is 27,000 pounds!! The welding is in the Hands.. Not the machine!!
Reply:I also saw this welder... http://www.longevity-inc.com/mig/migweld-100#26 It's a Longevity mig flux core wire 100 amp welder. The price is $159 with a 1 year warrenty. I have heard these are easier to learn how to weld with and will do everything I need it to do. What do you think about this?
Reply:I think you should call for verification... It's say's that it's a gas-less flux core welder but if you click on features then extra's included it say's it comes with a 2lb mild steel wire roll and a regulator.. But either way, It will do what you want it to do as long as it holds up.. But like you said, it has a one year warranty..and not much to go wrong on a simple short circuit machine though.. I'd say at this stage in the game where every welder is a beginner/starter welder, that they will all be cheap, chinese and of lesser quality obviously but should be a great learner mig and a stepping stone should you choose to venture farther or invest in a quality machine.. If money is not an object any 110v miller or lincoln or other quality little mig will be your next step up. I'll keep an eye out for your next post on how does this look? lol and how should I be holding the gun? haha.. good luck!!!!
Reply:Hydra,Like was mentioned, fill out your location in your profile. If you were near PDX, I'd be more than happy to help out.And I get the feeling you want to just focus on your projects, but welding is addicting, and I'd honestly think about an oxy/acetelene set above anything else first, just due to the versatility.Nobody in their right mind should start/learn welding with a flux core wire feed, or even a mig for that matter. I can only imagine all the jeep bumpers, trailers, hitches and other goodies laying on the side of the road that were "welded" by beginners that "just went out" and bought a welder. Learn the fundamentals first.Lincoln SA 200Esab Caddy 160Thermal Arc 201TSMiller Dialarc HFI don't like making plans for the day because then the word "premeditated" gets thrown around the courtroom....
Reply:filler post, didn't want to stay on that post countLincoln SA 200Esab Caddy 160Thermal Arc 201TSMiller Dialarc HFI don't like making plans for the day because then the word "premeditated" gets thrown around the courtroom....
Reply:I filled out my personal info... But I will list it here as well. I live in Preston, CT. Toadwrench your right I will call on that prior to ordering to find out. I also noticed that but figured it was possibly a due purpose. Also right on me asking all kinds of bull**** questions that you guys probably always here that you don't want to be bothered with! LOL I think I have narrowed down what can afford but got good ideas as well. I get confused when some say a stick is the way to go and then others say the flux wire is the way to go. I want something that I can run but I also need something that will work with what I am doing.
Reply:Originally Posted by John Tdon't buy a flux core welder. you will hate welding and hate yourself..... for buying it.
Reply:" and I'd honestly think about an oxy/acetelene set above anything else first, just due to the versatility"Just out of curiousity.. How many",jeep bumpers, trailers, hitches and other goodies laying on the side of the road" do you think have been brazed on?? The guy just wants to weld 1/8th inch black iron..Not braze a radiator together..Show me one shop in America that braze's black iron?.. Hell, I wouldn't even suggest he get one to cut 1/8th inch black iron.. I'd use a Metabo. And speaking of versatility( besides carrying 30 lbs somewhere and just plugging it in and pulling the trigger.) You learning how flux moves in the puddle with flux core, so you'll already have a leg up when you try your hand at stick welding. And I hate to tell ya buddy.. but flux core is THE way to go out of a shop environment! I see tons of Ironheads using LN25's and XMT'S etc.. Pro's and Con's:Flux core: Pro's- Plug it in and pull the trigger. Con's- Flux in your weld pool which in turn helps you out when you start stick! Oxy/act_ Pro's- None for your application. Con's- Have to buy the set-up, get bottles filled when you run out, worry about leaking gas, storing gas in a safe place, learning how to mix the gas to the desired weld heat,deal with black soot everywhere when you ignite the acet first, learn how to melt base metal's and at the same time add filler and swirl your torch around, then you have to worry about warping thin metal because you got it so freakin hot!..Sorry man.. flux core wins hands down.. And CEP.. I wish your iron head buddies would learn to pick up that damn chipped flux! Haha.. Man they leave a mess!
Reply:Originally Posted by toadwrenchAnd CEP.. I wish your iron head buddies would learn to pick up that damn chipped flux! Haha.. Man they leave a mess!
Reply:Touche.. sir... touche!!But I think the laborers and starting to think they are to good to pick up trash anymore.. Most need a fire under their *** to get em moving!!
Reply:Originally Posted by BradTNGet a Oxy/Acetylene set. No Amperage to bother the pacemaker and you can cut, bend and weld. And you"ll have something that will have, and hold some value compared to a "Commywelder".
Reply:Originally Posted by toadwrench" and I'd honestly think about an oxy/acetelene set above anything else first, just due to the versatility"Just out of curiousity.. How many",jeep bumpers, trailers, hitches and other goodies laying on the side of the road" do you think have been brazed on?? The guy just wants to weld 1/8th inch black iron..Not braze a radiator together..Show me one shop in America that braze's black iron?.. Hell, I wouldn't even suggest he get one to cut 1/8th inch black iron.. I'd use a Metabo. And speaking of versatility( besides carrying 30 lbs somewhere and just plugging it in and pulling the trigger.) You learning how flux moves in the puddle with flux core, so you'll already have a leg up when you try your hand at stick welding. And I hate to tell ya buddy.. but flux core is THE way to go out of a shop environment! I see tons of Ironheads using LN25's and XMT'S etc.. Pro's and Con's:Flux core: Pro's- Plug it in and pull the trigger. Con's- Flux in your weld pool which in turn helps you out when you start stick! Oxy/act_ Pro's- None for your application. Con's- Have to buy the set-up, get bottles filled when you run out, worry about leaking gas, storing gas in a safe place, learning how to mix the gas to the desired weld heat,deal with black soot everywhere when you ignite the acet first, learn how to melt base metal's and at the same time add filler and swirl your torch around, then you have to worry about warping thin metal because you got it so freakin hot!..Sorry man.. flux core wins hands down.. And CEP.. I wish your iron head buddies would learn to pick up that damn chipped flux! Haha.. Man they leave a mess!
Reply:lol.. No prize just my stubborn opinion I'm afraid.. lets see..I still see alot of stick in the field.. I use 7018 of a bobcat almost every other day for something.. but I have an XMT350 that I switch from Voltage sensor off the suitcase to stick and throw 120A and back an forth..dual shield is good.. But you can ask CEP, most people use FC by itself without the outer shield.. And thin metals less than 1/8"? .. lol.. I'm a Union Sheet metal worker.. that's what I do man!!! Most guys have a MM140 in the shop though for bracing ductwork and building frames and louvers.. Reverser I think is on to something.. Brazing.. while held high in its own right is a lost art I'm afraid.. Back in 84' when I was brazing Tig wasn't very popular in my circle.. Then mig and tig came along and stick wasn't very popular except on the jobsite.. It's all relative but I do think brazing has a special place on its on.. Like I said, I sil flos A/C units all the time.. but honestly, I keep my oxy/acet at home and just use MAP gas to do it..Those bottles are just a pain in the *** to carry around..Now.. to cast Iron.. I use nickel rod and stick cast iron.. It seems to work the best for me.. Or tig with Nickel filler..As far as sweating pipe.. I don't solder anything.. I sil-flos everything... just stronger. And as far as catastrophe's.. I'm sure they're are flux core cats out there galore.. BUT.. Just think how many more would've failed if they were brazed on instead of Fc.. LOL.... Sorry, Man .. I had to do it.. I've been drinking!!! hahaand explain your dissimiliar composition alittle more.. black iron to black iron or black iron to Galv will hold just fine.. even black Iron to stainless .. which is the picture I posted on another post about whip verse's circles on mig.. using 309 wire.. Can you Imagine trying to braze this SS to Black Iron 200 feet down ONE SIDE?.. This is Stainless on the bottom and a 3/8 wall tube I'm welding to up top.. 309 wire with tri-mix gas around 30cfh..Last edited by toadwrench; 01-26-2014 at 02:00 AM.
Reply:Originally Posted by toadwrenchlol.. No prize just my stubborn opinion I'm afraid..
Reply:Drink? Anytime!... lol.. And you are correct.. sheet metal guys are stubborn.. but I blame the ironheads for stealing all our work! (ha! CEP). I'll tell you what though.. If I was building what the OP is building .. I would've just tig'd it..That's my modern day braze haha.. I'm anal about making my beads look uniform and pretty as well as solid.. And tig is so much cleaner and quieter.. IMO, anyone can pull a trigger and point and shoot.. But tig and braze are skills only the hands know.. But I'd be lying if I said I could make something pretty right now trying to braze. It'd take me an couple hours of seat time to get something I'd be happy with. So now that we have the original poster completely confused.. I'd say it was a good conversation! bwahahahaha....
Reply:Originally Posted by toadwrenchI blame the ironheads for stealing all our work! (ha! CEP).
Reply:LOL.. Yes I'm afraid fast is not in our vocabulary..Atleast were not the Prima donna "fitters".. Them bastards don't even have to buy tools! Although I permitted out for the boilermakers at Iatan power plant all last year and they don't move very fast either...lol. You guys have the tough job though.. trying to weld one handed straddling I beams can't be easy..or safe.. I've put money in the kiddy twice this year for hospitilized Ironheads.. One just recently. conveyor grabbed his lift and flipped it over, he's in critical condition now.. Hopefully you got our scale for those 3 yrs..! lol
Reply:Originally Posted by toadwrenchHopefully you got our scale for those 3 yrs..! lol |
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发表于 2021-8-31 23:21:50