updating my machine

admin

well the machine i have at the moment is a BOC smootharc 170, a 200A DC stick welder which is TIG capable so i got TIG leads with it. runs awesome but was thinking of selling and maybe getting a MIG. i never really liked the idea of MIG as it seems like it is just point and shoot. can you guys help me out? any ideas where a mig would be better? i only really do mild steel but would like to try a lil aluminum or SS. i would be looking to stay in the 200A ish rangethankshttp://datingsidorsingel.com/
Reply:If you weld outside, keep your stick machine.  The MIG will get you to aluminum with either a push-pull gun or a spool gun.  I have the MM185 with spool gun and, for indoor fabrication, it is great.  It works outside on a still day or if you can put up some wind barriers where you are welding.  Also, there is a lot of criticisms about Mig being "easy" and, as you say, point-and-shoot but it is not like that at all.  It takes developing skills to get good welds with good penetration just as with stick and TIG.  Like anything, it requires practice and experience.  JMO
Reply:mig is easy to do but hard to master. Production welding mig is the way to go. As far as wind wind blocks work and keepinf you gun at the right angle and close is critical.
Reply:First of all cheeseclip I wouldn't recommend selling your existing set up just to get a MIG.  Each process has its place and many - myself included - have more than one so we can select the best one for the job.  Granted, an AC machine would be nice for TIGing aluminum but you can address that later if you decide to get a MIG with spoolgun capabilities so you can do aluminum that way.  Just remember, it too has its pros and cons and wouldn't be suitable in some cases where TIG would be.And I agree with GerryR and adam21584 that MIG is not just a "point and shoot" but acquired skill from practicing.MM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!