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Hi,I recently acquired a Millermatic 200 and 250x. Both seem to be fine machines, and I find it easy to weld steel on either of them. Previously I had only done torch welding and stick welding. I plan on doing 33% steel, 33% stainless, and 33% aluminum welding, though I've only done steel so far with the mig. I don't really like the idea that I'll need to buy a spool gun, and 2 other tanks of gas to do the other metals. Is a TIG a better choice for me? It will mainly be used to make decorative items, auto body repair, and brackets for my car I'm restoring. Additionally, I like the idea of being able to do bronze brazing with the tig similarly as I did with torch welding. And if I would be better off with a Tig, would anyone like to trade me for my 2 Milermatic Mig machines? thanks,Matt703 350 2380
Reply:I would use tig for quality of weld for all three uses if speed is not a factor. Aluminum takes AC high frequency. If MIG, pulse works better on AL and thin materials.
Reply:Originally Posted by SuperMattyHi,I recently acquired a Millermatic 200 and 250x. Both seem to be fine machines, and I find it easy to weld steel on either of them. Previously I had only done torch welding and stick welding. I plan on doing 33% steel, 33% stainless, and 33% aluminum welding, though I've only done steel so far with the mig. I don't really like the idea that I'll need to buy a spool gun, and 2 other tanks of gas to do the other metals. Is a TIG a better choice for me? It will mainly be used to make decorative items, auto body repair, and brackets for my car I'm restoring. Additionally, I like the idea of being able to do bronze brazing with the tig similarly as I did with torch welding. And if I would be better off with a Tig, would anyone like to trade me for my 2 Milermatic Mig machines? thanks,Matt703 350 2380
Reply:You don't need to buy a spool gun to do Aluminum. --Gol'
Reply:A welding instructor (30 yrs) told me that it's not recommended to weld aluminum without a spool gun because I'd have to change the wire liner to go back and forth between it and steel. He also said it would be recommended to change the rollers to plastic? for aluminum, and that it tends to jam up because it's so soft. It just seems like by the time I've adapted a mig machine to weld a variety of materials, I could have purchased a tig machine.
Reply:Originally Posted by SuperMattyA welding instructor (30 yrs) told me that it's not recommended to weld aluminum without a spool gun because I'd have to change the wire liner to go back and forth between it and steel. He also said it would be recommended to change the rollers to plastic? for aluminum, and that it tends to jam up because it's so soft. It just seems like by the time I've adapted a mig machine to weld a variety of materials, I could have purchased a tig machine.
Reply:I think I'll get the syncrowave tig. The instructor seemed like he really liked them more than his mig machines. He explained to me that with a mig machine, if you try to do weld a butt joint between 2 pieces of metal, you'll often burn through as you get to the edges. He said this is because you start off with the right amount of heat, but until you get to the end of the joint, you have too much. He said that with a tig, you can start the heat off high, and then lower the heat input as the metal gets hotter overall as you complete the joint. Everyone seems to say the mig is fast, but if I have to spend extra time grinding afterward, then where did the time savings go? I don't anticipate that I'll have trouble learning to use both hands and my foot at once. I did play the drums for 15 years. Thanks for all of the help.
Reply:AC/DC inverter tig that can stick weld Might suit you better. Ornamental work should be done with tig. I am sure many do it with stick and MIG, but......If you are used to welding with a torch you are going to LOVE the tig torch. It gives you so much control at the price of inches per minute of weld.DavidReal world weldin. When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Am I going to be able to weld the same thicknesses of metal with a 200 amp TIG machine as I can with my 200 amp MIG machine? What about if the metal is aluminum (which I have not welded with MIG)?thanks again,Matt
Reply:Originally Posted by SuperMattyAm I going to be able to weld the same thicknesses of metal with a 200 amp TIG machine as I can with my 200 amp MIG machine? What about if the metal is aluminum (which I have not welded with MIG)?thanks again,Matt |
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