gmaw vs. smaw

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I have yet another question. Is there a chart or something that can show me the difference between mig and stick in regards to production time and consumables cost? Is a mig 25%, 40%, 60% faster? I'm thinking .045 ER70 wire with 75/25 mix versus 1/8 or 5/32 6011??? Foot for foot, which one is cheaper?I've always worked for someone else and never really had to worry about this kind of stuff. Now, I have a few side jobs coming up, one being pretty big for me, that I need to figure some time and materials cost so I don't screw myself.~ThanksAlways looking for another old VW, especially in the southeast.
Reply:Lincoln Electric Welding Procedure Handbook gives some numbers.  Wire feed is 98 percent consumable.  In other words 98 out of 100 pounds of wire are used.  Depending on the welder and how careful about discarding stubs SMAW is around 70 percent consumable.If you have the power in a large enough power supply you can go into spray and leave stick welding in the dust.  20 percent or less of carbon dioxide required.
Reply:Generally speaking, SMAW = 3-6 lbs. per hour    GMAW = 6-12 lbs. per hourWhen comparing apples to apples as far as heat settings go, the GMAW will allow more weld deposition at lower heat input into the base metal. And if you're using MIG (no flux) then, no slag to remove which means less post weld cleanup, again speeding up the process.Weldtek
Reply:What size of machines do you want to start comparing with? (duty time)Indoor or out door?wire & gas or flux core vs rods?ability to change with application and metals? (it's easy to change rods)Thickness of materials - (number of passes needed)  or just a bigger rod?how clean is the material? (new work or repair)is it piece work?In not just the dispostion rate that needs to be considered.  It's what it takes to get to the point you are ready to lay down a bead that has to be accounted for as well.  It's really what the job is that decides what is best for that application.  Of course what equipment you own is the other determining factor.  If all you have is a Mig - that's the way to go.Its almost like a Chevy - Ford debate.Last edited by Snidley; 09-27-2006 at 02:57 PM.Here in the Great White NorthMosquitoes can't fly at 40 below
Reply:Originally Posted by SnidleyWhat size of machines do you want to start comparing with? (duty time)Lincoln PowerMIG 255 vs. Miller Bobcat 225Indoor or out door? outdoor but will use weld curtains for migwire & gas or flux core vs rods?as stated above, wire & gasability to change with application and metals? (it's easy to change rods)all carbon steelThickness of materials - (number of passes needed)  or just a bigger rod?yes, there may be a few multi-pass welds for the mig to hang with the stickhow clean is the material? (new work or repair)new steel fitted to an old barge, can clean with 9" grinder most placesis it piece work?noIn not just the dispostion rate that needs to be considered.  It's what it takes to get to the point you are ready to lay down a bead that has to be accounted for as well.  It's really what the job is that decides what is best for that application.  Of course what equipment you own is the other determining factor.  If all you have is a Mig - that's the way to go.Its almost like a Chevy - Ford debate.
Reply:if you are quoting on the job then the gmaw will make you more money in less time,,, if you are simply going by the hour then stick will take way longer so you will make more hours. if you really want to make a quote scream for you bust out that mig and get the wire rolling, you could have two guys on stick and i bet they wont keep up to the one guy on wire