110v Lincoln WelPak advice

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I've already read the 110v welder thread and associated links however I still have a question.I recently bought a Lincoln WeldPak HD as an interim machine until I see a decent Miller/Lincoln come up for sale that is a 220v.The machine says that it's capable of 1/8" steel while the manual claims up to 5/16".Which should I believe since I'll being using this for light projects with the exception of a few bumpers/rock sliders that would be square tubing with a .250 wall thickness.I'll only be using this for projects such as this until I get a better alternative.Thanks for listening to another new guy and I'll take the flaming with the good tech.
Reply:Gotta make multiple passes to get that thick...thickest i've done with mine was 1/4 inch..took awhile..
Reply:Originally Posted by DB_CooperI've already read the 110v welder thread and associated links however I still have a question.I recently bought a Lincoln WeldPak HD as an interim machine until I see a decent Miller/Lincoln come up for sale that is a 220v.The machine says that it's capable of 1/8" steel while the manual claims up to 5/16".Which should I believe since I'll being using this for light projects with the exception of a few bumpers/rock sliders that would be square tubing with a .250 wall thickness.I'll only be using this for projects such as this until I get a better alternative.Thanks for listening to another new guy and I'll take the flaming with the good tech.
Reply:The manual I looked at lists 1/8" on FC on table B1. http://content.lincolnelectric.com//...r/im/IM768.pdfYou will only get that on a 20 amp dedicated line from what I can tell. I'd say thats probably your max at best. The problem with these small migs is that even when the weld looks pretty, you just don't get good penetration into the base material with thicker steel. I'd stay away from the multi-pass idea with these machines unless you really know and understand just what you are doing. If you can use a double V groove and weld from both sides it's possible to do a bit more than 1/8", but 1/4" is pushing it. These little machines are fine for light duty work, but you really can't get past the power limitations of a small machine..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:Originally Posted by RojodiabloWell, with gas mig, you can do 1/8" with single pass, and minimal prep work. If you do prep work, you can run 3/16" with a good bevel. For 1/4", you will need to bevel and preheat to get it, and it will take 2 passes.For FCAW...flux core wire mig welding, you can get up to 5/16" with proper bevel and prep work, and multiple pass. It welds hotter with the reversed polarity and the flux core wire.Hope this clears up your confusion. To weld 5/16" with gas, you'd have to start with your preheat leaving the part straight HOT, and then it could be done. Otherwise, the heat gets sucked into the material, and does not really create a good puddle for a solid, good penetrating weld.
Reply:Originally Posted by DB_CooperI've already read the 110v welder thread and associated links however I still have a question.I recently bought a Lincoln WeldPak HD as an interim machine until I see a decent Miller/Lincoln come up for sale that is a 220v.The machine says that it's capable of 1/8" steel while the manual claims up to 5/16".Which should I believe since I'll being using this for light projects with the exception of a few bumpers/rock sliders that would be square tubing with a .250 wall thickness.I'll only be using this for projects such as this until I get a better alternative.Thanks for listening to another new guy and I'll take the flaming with the good tech.
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWRojo. Thats an 80 amp machine, and I don't even see any listing for gas mig in the manual if it's the one I listed above. Usually they list 1/8" max thickness with solid wire 75/25 gas mig on a 140 amp machine on max. I don't think theres any chance this machine could even come close to the thickness you listed from what I can tell..
Reply:Originally Posted by RojodiabloWell, with gas mig, you can do 1/8" with single pass, and minimal prep work. If you do prep work, you can run 3/16" with a good bevel. For 1/4", you will need to bevel and preheat to get it, and it will take 2 passes.For FCAW...flux core wire mig welding, you can get up to 5/16" with proper bevel and prep work, and multiple pass. It welds hotter with the reversed polarity and the flux core wire.Hope this clears up your confusion. To weld 5/16" with gas, you'd have to start with your preheat leaving the part straight HOT, and then it could be done. Otherwise, the heat gets sucked into the material, and does not really create a good puddle for a solid, good penetrating weld.
Reply:If that is indeed the same welder that the manual was posted by DSW, then i would say you won't get a real solid weld on the .250 tube. If you beveled, and preheated, and did multiple passes, then you'd get a decent weld. But I would be hesitant to say you will get the 80-100% range weld most guys are talking about achieving. So long as you are doing a good job with .120 tubing, you will be pretty assured that the .120 tube bumpers will put up with a LOT of abuse.And then, after so much work...... you have it in your hand, and you look over to your side...... and the runner has run off. Leaving you holding the prize, wondering when the runner will return.
Reply:1/4" for sliders?Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:Originally Posted by Broccoli11/4" for sliders?