Can it be done with 110v?

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So I have been trying to research welders and have found a bunch of stuff about 110V vs 220v welders but not what I need to know. I am building a Jeep and need to be able to change shock mounts on the frame and axle, build tube bumpers, possible change other frame brackets, body mounts, etc. Most of the stuff will be 3/16" and no more than 1/4". My problem is that my current situation won't give me access to 220v  So my question is can it be done with something like the Hobart Handler 140 which is 110v? I know that it would require extra prep work to bevel everything, etc. but will that be enough? I can't afford to take it somewhere everytime I need a bracket welded, but I also don't want it to fall apart either. So can it be done? If so, what do I need to do to ensure it doesn't break and make things worse?
Reply:Doing what you describe with a 140 amp mig would piss me off...and has in the past....Much better to get a little bigger machine and weld happy Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:Unless you are building it in an apartment complex parking garage or a storage facility, there surely must be a "creative" way to get 220 to run an MVP type of MIG????
Reply:Definetly not a good idea.Can you get a engine driven stick welder and some 7018 stick electrodes?Just a couple welders, big hammers, grinders, and torches.Work will free you.Men in dirty jeans built this country, while men in clean suits have destroyed it. Trump/Carson 2016-2024
Reply:Originally Posted by blaserman33So I have been trying to research welders and have found a bunch of stuff about 110V vs 220v welders but not what I need to know. I am building a Jeep and need to be able to change shock mounts on the frame and axle, build tube bumpers, possible change other frame brackets, body mounts, etc. Most of the stuff will be 3/16" and no more than 1/4". My problem is that my current situation won't give me access to 220v  So my question is can it be done with something like the Hobart Handler 140 which is 110v? I know that it would require extra prep work to bevel everything, etc. but will that be enough? I can't afford to take it somewhere everytime I need a bracket welded, but I also don't want it to fall apart either. So can it be done? If so, what do I need to do to ensure it doesn't break and make things worse?
Reply:Originally Posted by blaserman33So I have been trying to research welders and have found a bunch of stuff about 110V vs 220v welders but not what I need to know. I am building a Jeep and need to be able to change shock mounts on the frame and axle, build tube bumpers, possible change other frame brackets, body mounts, etc. Most of the stuff will be 3/16" and no more than 1/4". My problem is that my current situation won't give me access to 220v  So my question is can it be done with something like the Hobart Handler 140 which is 110v? I know that it would require extra prep work to bevel everything, etc. but will that be enough? I can't afford to take it somewhere everytime I need a bracket welded, but I also don't want it to fall apart either. So can it be done? If so, what do I need to do to ensure it doesn't break and make things worse?
Reply:Originally Posted by drujininUnless you are building it in an apartment complex parking garage or a storage facility, there surely must be a "creative" way to get 220 to run an MVP type of MIG????
Reply:Can it be done yes. Me and another guy on here have put multiple 3/8 inch plate test strips through a test bender and passed. This is not something a new weldor is going to be able to do right out of the gate. I have had my little mig welder for 11 years. The other guy CEP has been a structural weldor for 30 years?First off forget about the welder. Do you know how to weld prep and do you have the tools to do it?If you have to use a 110 volt machine, weld prep and technique become very important.Now you don't sound like you were 100% set on buying a 110 volt mig. Lets assume you are talking transformer based machines here.Right now I will tell you don't get a 110 volt stick machine, they are only good for light repair, I have one and that's what its used for. So don't ever think about getting a 110 volt stick welder for actual fabrication. Realistically, they need a to be on a 30 amp circuit to use any near their full power (a 30 amp 110 volt circuit is very uncommon). With a standard 20 amp circuit you could fabricate exhaust pipes with them and thats about it.If you can stand to get a 220 volt machine I have seen 40 foot long clothes dryer receptacle to welding machine plug adaptors on ebay for around $100. A 30 amp clothes dryer circuit will power most smaller 220 volt mig machines to full power. Your typical "170" or "175" mig welder only uses between 20 to 25 amps at full power.A typical HH140 running flux core on an under sized or overly long extension cord will definitely flip a 15 amp circuit breaker and may flip a 20 amp circuit also.I don't have a HH140, but I wouldn't be surprised if the manual recommend installing a dedicated 25 or 30 amp 110 volt circuit to use the machine on full power with FCAW. http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php...ding-1-4-steelhttp://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php...-110-volt-migshttp://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php...machines-can-t Originally Posted by MinnesotaDaveI know this always falls on deaf ears, but I usually tell people anyway - lol
Reply:I think that 110v would just make you mad at the thickness your trying to weld.  I would really try to get a 220 circuit ran.
Reply:Originally Posted by blaserman33That's the problem! My next question, the carport sits right in front of the laundry room so could I unplug the drier and use that outlet and just plug it back in when done? I know it's 220v but not sure of the amperage.
Reply:Originally Posted by mad welder 4Can it be done yes. Me and another guy on here have put multiple 3/8 inch plate test strips through a test bender and passed. This is not something a new weldor is going to be able to do right out of the gate. I have had my little mig welder for 11 years. The other guy CEP has been a structural weldor for 30 years?First off forget about the welder. Do you know how to weld prep and do you have the tools to do it?If you have to use a 110 volt machine, weld prep and technique become very important.Now you don't sound like you were 100% set on buying a 110 volt mig. Lets assume you are talking transformer based machines here.Right now I will tell you don't get a 110 volt stick machine, they are only good for light repair, I have one and that's what its used for. So don't ever think about getting a 110 volt stick welder for actual fabrication. Realistically, they need a to be on a 30 amp circuit to use any near their full power (a 30 amp 110 volt circuit is very uncommon). With a standard 20 amp circuit you could fabricate exhaust pipes with them and thats about it.If you can stand to get a 220 volt machine I have seen 40 foot long clothes dryer receptacle to welding machine plug adaptors on ebay for around $100. A 30 amp clothes dryer circuit will power most smaller 220 volt mig machines to full power. Your typical "170" or "175" mig welder only uses between 20 to 25 amps at full power.A typical HH140 running flux core on an under sized or overly long extension cord will definitely flip a 15 amp circuit breaker and may flip a 20 amp circuit also.I don't have a HH140, but I wouldn't be surprised if the manual recommend installing a dedicated 25 or 30 amp 110 volt circuit to use the machine on full power with FCAW. http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php...ding-1-4-steelhttp://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php...-110-volt-migshttp://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php...machines-can-tYou don't know jeep guys very well do you  . They have no problem putting their own lives and everyones lives around them on the road into their own hands.Just look on a jeep forum, bet in 5 minutes you can find a daily driven jeep lifted a foot on 40 inch tires with structural, frame, suspension welds way worse than the worse trailer you will find on here. And instead of flaming, like you would get on here, other jeep guys are actually encouraging people with huge vehicles held together with bird $#!+ welds to keep doing what they are doing.
Reply:I regret wasting money on my 110. Too many times, well most times, i just tack it and bring it somewhere for final welding. I manned up and bought a syncro 250, and am shopping for a 252.
Reply:I've never ran my Handler 190, or PowerMIG 180C off a 30 amp circuit to know for certain that you can get full top end power out of them off a 30 amp circuit. The Millermatic 190 being inverter based, I suspect it wouldn't have an issue outputting the full 190+ amps off a 30 amp circuit.In the past I took some amp draw readings on my MM 210 when running it near max output. The meter readings were right around 31 amps. I suspect trying to get max top end power out of a Handler 210 MVP or MM 211 off a 30 amp circuit may result in some nuisance breaker tripping, either at the start of a weld, or in the middle of one.ESAB Migmaster 250 Hobart Ironman 230Multimatic 215TWECO Fabricator 181i & 211iHH125EZ - nice little fluxcore only unitMaxstar 150 STH - very nice
Reply:I ran a HomeDepot Lincoln 180A mig on dryer outlet for a long time with no issues.The hobart stickmate would pop the breaker constantly though.MillerMatic 252, HTP 221 w/cooler, Hypertherm PM45, Lincoln IdealArc 250 AC/DC"I'd like to believe as many true things and as few false things as possible"
Reply:Originally Posted by mad welder 4If you can stand to get a 220 volt machine I have seen 40 foot long clothes dryer receptacle to welding machine plug adaptors on ebay for around $100. A 30 amp clothes dryer circuit will power most smaller 220 volt mig machines to full power. Your typical "170" or "175" mig welder only uses between 20 to 25 amps at full power.
Reply:If you are forced to use a 110 volt 140 machine  you can.   Bevel the edges.    For thicker joints you will use muli-pass, same as you'd do with a big welder on real thick metal.  Depending on the joint, re-heat may be needed too. Plan on welding for 2 minutes, then letting it rest for 8 ( then repeat )  That means you might get one joint done per duty cycle.Dan----------------------------Measure twice.  Weld once.  Grind to size.MIG:  Lincoln SP100 TIG/STICK:  AHP Alphatig 200X
Reply:What's that old saying? Oh yeah, a picture is worth a thousand words. Well here's 3-pictures for you!  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:Here's what a 220-volt Mig machine can do.  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:Knock-em dead Carl!!Just a couple welders, big hammers, grinders, and torches.Work will free you.Men in dirty jeans built this country, while men in clean suits have destroyed it. Trump/Carson 2016-2024
Reply:Maybe it's just me, but those pictures aren't working for me.
Reply:Originally Posted by blaserman33Maybe it's just me, but those pictures aren't working for me.
Reply:Originally Posted by blaserman33Maybe it's just me, but those pictures aren't working for me.
Reply:CEP also has pictures of that same 110v machine passing a 3/8 bend test.  Keep that in mind.  All the pictures prove is a $350 welder is not as good as a $6,500 welder.  Like comparing and s-10 pickup and a Kenworth.  To answer the OP's question I really dont' see why you could not weld some 3/16" and an occasional 1/4" material with one of the better 110v machines.  Several of them are rated for that thickness of material so there is no reason it won't work.  I think the Lincoln is rated for 5/16" if I remember correctly.  This debate always ends the same way.  Fortunately 110v welders are very useful, that is why so many places sell them.Last edited by Roadhunter; 01-26-2015 at 04:58 PM.
Reply:Originally Posted by blaserman33Maybe it's just me, but those pictures aren't working for me.
Reply:The only part of a vehicle that can be welded with 110v is body panels and exhaust pipe.I've used a maxstar 150 on many light structural jobs. With 3/32 rods you can do 1/4 on 120 volt.
Reply:Look into the power mig 210 from Lincoln electric. It offerers 110 and 220 multi process machine for 999 can't be beat. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:Originally Posted by RoadhunterI think the Lincoln is rated for 5/16" if I remember correctly.
Reply:CEP's first 2 pictures show a 110 machine and what looks like a good weld. The 3rd picture shows how little penetration it actually got near the end when the piece is the hottest. The 220 weld shows the penetration you can get at high amps with a 220 machine. A standard 220 machine in the 200 amp range would be somewhere between the 110 and 220 volt welds but definitely more penetration into the base metal than the 110 machine.
Reply:Borrow someone's engine drive and stick em up. Don't go crumby when lives are potentially at stake man.Powcon 300st (my favorite)Miller Goldstar 600ssLincoln Idealarc 400/400Miller 12vs2 LN25'sMiller Deltaweld 302Miller Bobcat 250 G EFIMiller Bobcat 225d Plus (Dropped a valve, up soon)Everlast 255ext (ordering soon!)
Reply:Originally Posted by Welder DaveCEP's first 2 pictures show a 110 machine and what looks like a good weld. The 3rd picture shows how little penetration it actually got near the end when the piece is the hottest. The 220 weld shows the penetration you can get at high amps with a 220 machine. A standard 220 machine in the 200 amp range would be somewhere between the 110 and 220 volt welds but definitely more penetration into the base metal than the 110 machine.
Reply:BTW... I tend to respond on this subject because I have made some usable welds on 1/4 plate with a cheap 110V machine.   No, it was not professional grade, but the weld was about 4 times more than was needed for the stresses involved.   I researched the subject before tackling the project, and found that prep made all the difference.Dan----------------------------Measure twice.  Weld once.  Grind to size.MIG:  Lincoln SP100 TIG/STICK:  AHP Alphatig 200X
Reply:Bird crap can have fusion. The nature of Dual-Shield is deep penetration in the root and often a smaller fillet with Dual-Shield will have the same or more strength than a larger fillet done with another process. They have even gone so far as to say (sometimes) less prep needs to be done if using Dual-Shield. The example they used was just like CEP's weld. If you had a thick plate, you'd have to bevel it to get sufficient penetration where with Dual-Shield, you wouldn't need to bevel. I think the same is true if you compared a 6010 weld to a 6013. Penetration matters, otherwise there wouldn't be so much controversy about 110 volt welders.
Reply:Penetration is the goal. TO INFINITY AND BEYOND! All while maintaining a good puddle and not nuking what you're glueing together. I use my ssfcaw 110 Lincoln ProCore 125 on 10 ga and down only. I prefer ssfcaw without a big machine, big machine=dualshield=happy Steven.But that's just me.Powcon 300st (my favorite)Miller Goldstar 600ssLincoln Idealarc 400/400Miller 12vs2 LN25'sMiller Deltaweld 302Miller Bobcat 250 G EFIMiller Bobcat 225d Plus (Dropped a valve, up soon)Everlast 255ext (ordering soon!)
Reply:Originally Posted by Welder DaveBird crap can have fusion. The nature of Dual-Shield is deep penetration in the root and often a smaller fillet with Dual-Shield will have the same or more strength than a larger fillet done with another process. They have even gone so far as to say (sometimes) less prep needs to be done if using Dual-Shield. The example they used was just like CEP's weld. If you had a thick plate, you'd have to bevel it to get sufficient penetration where with Dual-Shield, you wouldn't need to bevel. I think the same is true if you compared a 6010 weld to a 6013. Penetration matters, otherwise there wouldn't be so much controversy about 110 volt welders.
Reply:Originally Posted by puty72The only part of a vehicle that can be welded with 110v is body panels and exhaust pipe.
Reply:Good wire stringer beads and preheat make good welds. I could butt weld a 2 " plate and pass x ray with a 110 mig but would take all day. A dryer outlet is 40 amps , the 180 amp stick welders were designed for REA 37 amp farm loads max 40 amps fuzes and they build America. And still work and the dryer circuit will run the 220 mig all day along with a stick. The range circuit is 50 amps run a 250 amp and a 85 amp plasma all day.
Reply:Originally Posted by dbstooYou can't equate fusion with penetration.   Fusion is what makes the weld good, not penetration.   Fusion is most often visible as wetting.   Penetration will make the fusion appear more obvious.
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPThere has to be something to your fusion comment. I did a fillet weld break test with that Everlast Mig machine. To be honest I was shocked that it took 15 blows from a 4-pound hammer to break.BUT! I did the same test with my v350-Pro, and it took 29 blows from a 4-pound hammer.
Reply:Your a joke dbstoo.....Just a couple welders, big hammers, grinders, and torches.Work will free you.Men in dirty jeans built this country, while men in clean suits have destroyed it. Trump/Carson 2016-2024
Reply:Thanks AK.    Now tells us exactly what part you disagree with.     Some references to support your position would be nice.  Welding can be approached as an art, or as a science.    I prefer to use the scientific approach.   It leads to more repeatable results.   As hobbyists, we don't have the luxury of trained structural engineers to set up welding process specification, so it helps to do the research to understand what's happening.   ( BTW, it's you're , not your.  It's a contraction for You Are. )Dan----------------------------Measure twice.  Weld once.  Grind to size.MIG:  Lincoln SP100 TIG/STICK:  AHP Alphatig 200X
Reply:Scientifically speaking, 110vac welders are like hot wheels cars. They're toys. They don't dig into much material, and surface fusion, even multi passed will fail. I'm not an engineer,  just have some common sense and have seen too many crap welds fail. I'm with AK all the way.  I live in AK too haha!Powcon 300st (my favorite)Miller Goldstar 600ssLincoln Idealarc 400/400Miller 12vs2 LN25'sMiller Deltaweld 302Miller Bobcat 250 G EFIMiller Bobcat 225d Plus (Dropped a valve, up soon)Everlast 255ext (ordering soon!)
Reply:P.S. Grammar nazis are kinda frowned upon. In my opinion.Powcon 300st (my favorite)Miller Goldstar 600ssLincoln Idealarc 400/400Miller 12vs2 LN25'sMiller Deltaweld 302Miller Bobcat 250 G EFIMiller Bobcat 225d Plus (Dropped a valve, up soon)Everlast 255ext (ordering soon!)
Reply:When running solid wire and shielding gas or a self shielded fluxcore for that matter, the average recreational hobbyist weldor, is going to have a much higher success rate of a producing a quality weld on 3/16" or 1/4" mild steel in 150 - 200 amp range that a 240 volt unit is capable hitting, then the 120-130 amp range that most 120V unit top out at.I use my little Handler 125 EZ fluxcore only unit for an occasional "non-critical"  3/16" or 1/4" application, such as my home made gravel tamper. However, I definitely wouldn't use it to do any structural repair work on the Wife's horse trailer or  16' flat bed trailer.Last edited by Dan; 01-27-2015 at 02:35 PM.ESAB Migmaster 250 Hobart Ironman 230Multimatic 215TWECO Fabricator 181i & 211iHH125EZ - nice little fluxcore only unitMaxstar 150 STH - very nice
Reply:Originally Posted by dbstoo In a single pass, bigger is better.       Dan
Reply:Originally Posted by Danthe 120-130 amp range that most 120V unit top out at.
Reply:[QUOTE=stevenopolis;5334111]Scientifically speaking, 110vac welders are like hot wheels cars. They're toys. They don't dig into much material, and surface fusion, even multi passed will fail. [QUOTE]Nope, wrong. CEP and I have both passed bend tests on 1/4 and 3/8 steel using 120 volt machines and multi passing with out pre-heat. I did my 3/8 inch bend test on cold passes.End of the day we figure it can be done, but seriously if you have to do it regularly get a bigger 240 volt machine.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'm confused here, can some one educate an old guy? I worked heavy civil, and marine construction all my life. Wonder why when wire feeders came out the companies always bought us 400-amp engine drives? When according to some of you, we could have done the same thing with 110-volt Mig welder. I remember splicing 36” x 300# beams for months at a time.OK poll time. How many of you would splice a 36” x 300# beam with a 110-volt Mig machine?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:Mad welder, it can be done apparently. In the hands of an experienced welder. Op wants to 110 wire frame stuff. In an apartment complex. It just sounds like a recipe for disaster. Sorry for not reading about the destructo bend. I personally wouldn't trust 110 migger on anything more than body panels. But that's my opinion. And CEP, yeah, 3 phase power source or big engine drive for that stuff.Powcon 300st (my favorite)Miller Goldstar 600ssLincoln Idealarc 400/400Miller 12vs2 LN25'sMiller Deltaweld 302Miller Bobcat 250 G EFIMiller Bobcat 225d Plus (Dropped a valve, up soon)Everlast 255ext (ordering soon!)
Reply:Yeah, you don't need penetration!!!All you gotta do is pile metal on top, cause the root penetration doesn't make the weld stronger!!!Lololol!!Just a couple welders, big hammers, grinders, and torches.Work will free you.Men in dirty jeans built this country, while men in clean suits have destroyed it. Trump/Carson 2016-2024