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I have a Lincoln SP-100 wire feed. .030 wire and argon gas. I need to weld   1/8" mild steel rectangular tubing, 1/4" mild steel plate, and them the tubing to the plate. My questions are 1. Will this welder handle 1/4' steel? 2. Do I need to reduce the size of the wire to get the heat and penetration for the 1/4"? 3. Is argon the best gas for this project? 4. What settings (wire speed and voltage settings) should I use for each weld?I have V'd all the joints and would like to have the weld lay down the best they can. The work will be done in 30 degree weather if that makes a difference. Thanks, Ruskers
Reply:1. you will only be welding 1/8" (always weld according to the THINNEST material in the joint). beyond this particular weld, no SP100 will not safely weld 1/4". (unless you really really really know what your doing)2. .023 would give you some extra oomph, but im not sure if it makes enough difference to warrant buying new wire/tips etc.3. argon+CO2 75%-25% is commonly used (its all ive used so far actually) for generic mild steel welding, however straight CO2 does result in better penetration (i think you will need a new regulator for straight CO2 though).4. most likely you will max out your wire feed speed and amps. bevelling all your joints as youve done is going to make a good difference in the final weld. id like to stress that if this weld will have any safety issues (supporting much weight, prone to breakage, potentially cause harm to someone in any way) i would suggest a larger machine for the job, AND some time practicing the joints and materials you are welding.hope this helps. happy holidays
Reply:the above pretty much has it down...and 30 degrees vs 80 degrees dont really matter much...bevels will help in the penetration department...root then filler pass and your done.. ...zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:I've welded a lot of 1/4" with my little sp-100 just cause I didn't want to take the time to pull out the "big guns".  It does a good job and never had any failures.  I built a receiver hitch on a truck with it to see how well it done.   My uncle has put enough weight to bend his bumper on a f-250 and the hitch is still holding.  Although I highly DO NOT recommend this, but it will hold if ya know what you're doing.  This was with .035 fluxcore heat cranked and wire on 3.  It's different with gas though.DewayneDixieland WeldingMM350PLincoln 100Some torchesOther misc. tools