what size welder

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what size welder should you use to weld roll cages 1 3/4 .120 wall dom. a freind of mine use a 110 hobart to me it just seems kinda small
Reply:I pondered and asked a million questions myself into buying my first welder. I didn't want something underpowered but also knew I didn't need the biggest thing either (or at least anytime soon). I ended up getting the Hobart 210mvp. It can be used either 110 or 220. I use it plugged into 220 but thought it might be nice to have the option of 110 if I took it some where without a 220 outlet. For what my intentions are I don't see needing anything more.
Reply:300 amps.......... You can always turn a machine down. You are limited on how much you can turn it up.Lincoln SA200's... at least 15 - 20. They come and go. Growing partial to the "Short Hoods" in my old age. Last count on Short Hoods was 13 in possession.
Reply:I don't weld roll cages because I don't have insurance to cover the liability or the experience or knowledge to fabricate them.  All my welders are 220 and I weld similar material to what you describe with a Miller 175 mig or a Miller thunderbolt 225/135.If your  friend is an experienced roll cage fabricator and welder his choice of welders might be fine.
Reply:Any 220 vac mig should be more than enough.  That's like a 175 amp class machine and up.  If u can afford it a 250-300 amp machine is the way to go. As it will probably weld anything that u will need to do.   I won't get into to wisdom of welding roll cages..   but if u need to ask what welder u need I will bet u don't have the skill to weld a roll cage safely...  there are lots of examples of bad roll cage welds on this siteLast edited by soutthpaw; 07-18-2012 at 08:22 PM.Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:Originally Posted by soutthpawAny 220 vac mig should be more than enough.  That's like a 175 amp class machine and up.  If u can afford it a 250-300 amp machine is the way to go. As it will probably weld anything that u will need to do.   I won't get into to wisdom of welding roll cages..   but if u need to ask what welder u need I will bet u don't have the skill to weld a roll cage safely...  there are lots of examples of bad roll cage welds on this site
Reply:Originally Posted by AKFABI do have the basics to build roll cages an I would trust my mig welds on my roll cage. An  I'll be building roll cages for me so if they fail I can only blame myself. Everybody's gota start somewhere I'll post up some pics of my work in the future so you can really judge my skill.
Reply:Get the biggest welder that you can afford!!  I learned this the pricey way.Jack
Reply:Check into the Thermal Arc 181i. Its a great machine that does all three process MIG,TIG (DC only), and stick. $799 for a very versatile machine.Making as much progress as a one legged duck in the middle of a pond, just going in circles.
Reply:Since you do not know how to tig, buy an Diversion180, learn how to use it for 6 months, then sell it for half price. Use the money to buy a Dynasty280, as they will be out by Xmas. I see so many people that pay hundreds or thousands to go to school and can't weld worth a darn. Then they want to buy a tig and have a very difficult time. Best to use the cash and work the forums. You will be welcome to bring your Diversion180 to me and I will spend an afternoon with you if you are really serious.Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:The issue with TIG on cage/chassis work is deposition rate.  It will take four times longer and be much more difficult to master out of position.  Like I said in the other thread, unless it's 4130, all the pros use MIG for this app.  I just don't understand the fascination with TIG in this app but to each his own.  A 180 amp minimum welder.  Some guys have done some work with 110 volt machines but the duty cycle is less and you need the skill.  I'll also say again in this thread, welding is not the primary skill in building a cage even if you buy a kit.  If you didn't wear a welding jacket before, you will once you start getting into out of position welds.To build a cage from raw sticks one needs at a minimum...saw, chop, cold or horizontal bandangle grinder(s) flaps, grinding discs, wire wheel/cupbench disc sander (not required but nice to square tubing and clean up the copes)bench grindernotcher, hole sawsbender with die (after you pull some parts manually you'll want to go at least air over hydraulic)various angle finders, levels and measurement devicesclamps and fixturinglast but not least, the knowledge to design and how to calculate bends and copes (this is where software comes in...and the design is the most important part of the entire build)Enough stuff to build and repair wrinkled up race cars or bring a classic back to life...