Round rod artwork question...

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I am beginning a project where I will use 1/8" and 1/4" round rod,  cut and free-formed into small (approx 8") squares,  making one-off "picture frame" art.  Each piece of rod will need to be individually welded to an adjoining piece,  eventually filling the square with a design.I may want to back up the design with a "stained glass" look,  something on the order of the "dream catchers" that are seen in a lot of gift shops.My question is:  what do you recommend as a good welding practice to attach all these small pieces?  I have a small (Lincoln SP125+) MIG welder,  but am curious if a small stick welder or even O/A  would be better.  I don't really want to get into brazing,  but am looking for all opinions.Anyone care to offer suggestions?Thanks to anyone who replies.Jim Martin
Reply:I put these together with my Miller 135 and .035 flux core wireThey are made from coat hangers you have to be quick on the triggerhttp://www.weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread...ght=spider+web
Reply:I've been working on some art that requires 1/8" & 3/32"round.I've done it with my HH135, but, YES.....you do have to be quick on the trigger !   O/A welding is out of the question because, at least for me, by the time you get it to welding heat, it's gone !I suppose if you had a jeweller's torch, you could do it, but the smallest tip I have is a 000, which is still too big for 1/8".I finally just said the hell with it, practiced up on my brazing, and now I'm putting them together perfectly !I'll be the LAST one to let you down !
Reply:Jim,Here's some 1/8 coated rod with 1/16 filler (applied sparingly).  "0" tip (my smallest) on my chinese torch and gases around 5 psi.As you can see on the butt joints, it's real easy to melt the corner away.  I suspect a little overhang and letting that flow to fill the joint would help.  Do note that this small of a material heated up FAST and I blew half of one of the butt joints away when it over heated and popped the torch tip.  That's the welding gods telling me I should have not been doing this in shorts and tennis shoes.I found it easiest to touch the filler to the work as the work went orange.  When the filler melted, I pulled it back, the puddle flowed out and it was done.If you go the O/A route, I suspect your going to get tired or relighting the torch. Attached Images
Reply:I have been joining 5/64 welding wire using .023 wire on my 250 amp MIG.  I have to get everything lined up but it works.