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I've posted several "newbie" threads, and I hope folks don't hate me for it. I try to research, but this is yet another question that the internet has some answers on, but I'd rather see what real life welders have to say about it. I'm learning the basics of welding with flux core welding. I understand some don't call it true "MIG" welding because there is no gas, but we'll say it's of the mig style of welding.Mig, Tig, and stick welding. To me, it seems like this:Mig - Not the cleanest welds, but it's quick and simple. Gas is harder to use outdoors. Strong welds with the right equipment.Tig - The cleanest looking welds. Better for thin stuff or when less filler material is needed?Stick - Simple, can do it anywhere, better for heavy duty welding.I guess I'm asking because I have a little Titanium 125 flux core welder now, and I'm considering buying something a little better. I'd like the 110/220v feature. I just want to make sure I get something that I can use on anything I'd ever want to weld. (mower decks, atv bumpers, utility trailer repair, mailbox post, etc...) Tig seems cool, but would I ever really use it? I'm sure a good welder can make good strong welds with about anything... but is there a dumbed down version of which type of weld you should use and when?
Reply:I think you've got a good grasp on it...Us TIG welders feel like there's really nothing better
Thin/Thick, Cast/Rolled, Ferrous/Otherwise, it's does it All. But,,, requires 100's of hours to be proficient in it all.In a more "practical" world, especially for what you describe, Stick has been the most universal method for decades, less skill than TIG but more than MIG.All Around, MIG would be a good choice, in a better machine (although that 125 Titanium is a Great starter!) 240v, w/Gas, Higher capacity, BUT,,,, Learn to do it right! The downside of MIG is that, if you're self taught and haven't learned to properly "read" the puddle, you can be making welds that may look good but are actually total crap.
Reply:There's plenty of stuff on here (use the search feature) or on the internet (welding tips and tricks, Kevin Caron, etc. all on youtube) to tell you what to use when, so I won't reiterate it here. What I will tell you is this. First, if you are learning to weld, get a stick welder first. Or something with the ability to stick weld. 90% of all projects can be stick welded. Plus stick welding will teach you how to watch the puddle and will make you a much better MIG or TIG welder. Plus you can get into stick welding for very little money. $100 for a used stick welder is very possible. Add in another ~$200 for a half way decent helmet, gloves, chipping hammer, wire brush, a flame retardant jacket and a couple of boxes of rods and you are off to the races. ALL of the projects you mentioned can be done with stick. All of that being said, I have had a number of welders in my life, of all types: Lincoln 225 AC (stick), Hobart Stickmate (stick), Lincoln Idealarc 250 (stick), Miller Syncrowave 250 (stick/TIG), Hobart Handler 190 (MIG), Millermatic 252 (MIG), and I sold them all to buy my current welder, the Multimatic 255 (MIG, stick, DC TIG). Stick welding to me is the most fun. MIG welding is the most practical, and TIG is the coolest but was the least practical for the projects I do. I never build things out of aluminum, and I have to repair aluminum stuff so infrequently that I sold my AC/DC TIG welder. I found that for 99% of the stuff I build I prefer to use the MIG welder (real MIG, with hardwire and gas or gas shielded flux core)Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:It more to due with employer .The MIG is the lowest cost for speed and cost. Fluxcore is give about same quality of stick welding. Fluxcore with gas is great for shop work give good looking weld and great for X-raying. No gas Fluxcore is great for field work but higher cost than with gas. It better for windy conditions over any gas welding. TIG welding is basically a shop type weld but is in feild in no wind. Great for metal to thin for mig/Fluxcore/stick also for special metals too. Very slow welding. Torch welding today is use around electronic where the arc would effect the electronics. Dave
Originally Posted by LittleTreeGuy
I've posted several "newbie" threads, and I hope folks don't hate me for it. I try to research, but this is yet another question that the internet has some answers on, but I'd rather see what real life welders have to say about it. I'm learning the basics of welding with flux core welding. I understand some don't call it true "MIG" welding because there is no gas, but we'll say it's of the mig style of welding.Mig, Tig, and stick welding. To me, it seems like this:Mig - Not the cleanest welds, but it's quick and simple. Gas is harder to use outdoors. Strong welds with the right equipment.Tig - The cleanest looking welds. Better for thin stuff or when less filler material is needed?Stick - Simple, can do it anywhere, better for heavy duty welding.I guess I'm asking because I have a little Titanium 125 flux core welder now, and I'm considering buying something a little better. I'd like the 110/220v feature. I just want to make sure I get something that I can use on anything I'd ever want to weld. (mower decks, atv bumpers, utility trailer repair, mailbox post, etc...) Tig seems cool, but would I ever really use it? I'm sure a good welder can make good strong welds with about anything... but is there a dumbed down version of which type of weld you should use and when?
Reply:I'd say you have the basics pretty well outlined with a couple of slight adjustments. True MIG (with gas) can be very clean when done properly...to the point of needing no real cleanup for many applications. TIG works great on almost everything, even pretty thick stuff...just depends on your definition of "thick" and whether we're talking single pass or multi-pass.One thing to add about stick is the smoke factor...it's really not well suited for closed environments without some kind of venting setup.For the vast majority of hobby welding most people would be fine with a medium size MIG that offers dual-voltage. You can run it with gas when you want to, or flux core when you want/need to and that will cover most normal applications. Something like a Miller Millermatic 211 or Hobart Handler 210MVP would cover from sheet metal up to at least 3/8" thick steel and you could add a spool gun for aluminum (need argon gas with that) as well.Unfortunately, inexpensive wire feed/MIG welders generally can't be used for stick welding, but there are some nice, small, inexpensive stick welders out there now if you decided to add that capability later. I like stick welding, but a lot of people hate it...smoky, dirty and a touch on the slow side.Check out my bench vise website: http://mivise.comMiller Syncrowave 250DXMillermatic 350P with XR AlumaProMiller Regency 200 with 22A feeder and Spoolmatic 3Hobart Champion EliteEverlast PowerTig 210EXT
Reply:Sometimes it comes down to how much weld metal you can deposit per hour. If you're welding 4" armor plate on a ship, you don't want to dikk around with 1/16" filler and a tig torch. From fastest to slowest, in terms of "pounds of weld metal deposited per hour," it's probably gonna be something like:Submerged Arc Welding (SAW)MIG or FCAW or dual-shield (depending on wire size and amperage capacity of machine)stick (depending on electrode size)TIG is gonna come in last place, usually, because it's SLOW.
Reply:Thank you all very much. I think I'm on the right track for the welders I've been looking at then. Thank you all for the prompt feedback. I really enjoy looking at this forum every day or so. For those that mentioned learning the right way, I am teaching myself a little with the little flux core welder, but will be taking a course in a month or so that covers MIG, Stick, TIG, and aluminum. It's a 50hr course at a local vocational school. Hopefully it will get me off on the right foot. I'm also excited that my Lincoln 3350 helmet should be here today!
Reply:
Originally Posted by LittleTreeGuy
Thank you all very much. I think I'm on the right track for the welders I've been looking at then. Thank you all for the prompt feedback. I really enjoy looking at this forum every day or so. For those that mentioned learning the right way, I am teaching myself a little with the little flux core welder, but will be taking a course in a month or so that covers MIG, Stick, TIG, and aluminum. It's a 50hr course at a local vocational school. Hopefully it will get me off on the right foot. I'm also excited that my Lincoln 3350 helmet should be here today!
Reply:
Originally Posted by LittleTreeGuy
For those that mentioned learning the right way, I am teaching myself a little with the little flux core welder, but will be taking a course in a month or so that covers MIG, Stick, TIG, and aluminum. It's a 50hr course at a local vocational school. Hopefully it will get me off on the right foot.
Reply:I'm a self-taught hobbyist welder who is only a little bit farther down the road than you are. A few years ago I bought a used Lincoln PowerMig 180 (240V) to learn on, then a new Hobart HH190 w/spoolgun (240V) to learn aluminum MIG (still in the plans), and just recently a Prime Weld MIG160 (dual voltage). This last machine is an inverter type and will run gas MIG/flux core but will also do stick, and quite nicely. I'm really impressed with it, so much so that, as I hoped it will take the place of the HH190 for most mild steel welding so that I can set that up for aluminum welding quasi-exclusively. I see that there are a couple of other MIG/stick combo welders on the market, and most pretty affordable. (I have no affiliation with Prime Weld, but they answered the phone and my questions when I called and have a US presence.) It seems to me that one of these combo inverter welders would give you some versatility for a minimal investment.
Reply:
Originally Posted by LittleTreeGuy
I've posted several "newbie" threads, and I hope folks don't hate me for it. I try to research, but this is yet another question that the internet has some answers on, but I'd rather see what real life welders have to say about it. I'm learning the basics of welding with flux core welding. I understand some don't call it true "MIG" welding because there is no gas, but we'll say it's of the mig style of welding.Mig, Tig, and stick welding. To me, it seems like this:Mig - Not the cleanest welds, but it's quick and simple. Gas is harder to use outdoors. Strong welds with the right equipment.Tig - The cleanest looking welds. Better for thin stuff or when less filler material is needed?Stick - Simple, can do it anywhere, better for heavy duty welding.I guess I'm asking because I have a little Titanium 125 flux core welder now, and I'm considering buying something a little better. I'd like the 110/220v feature. I just want to make sure I get something that I can use on anything I'd ever want to weld. (mower decks, atv bumpers, utility trailer repair, mailbox post, etc...) Tig seems cool, but would I ever really use it? I'm sure a good welder can make good strong welds with about anything... but is there a dumbed down version of which type of weld you should use and when?
Reply:
Originally Posted by Broccoli1
Omni Pro 220 Multiprocess Mig/Flux/Stick and DC Tig with Optional Tig kit.For the projects you stated a Mig/Flux machine will handle it all.
Reply:You might also want to consider the Primeweld Mig 180, its also 120-240v. Its a good mig welder(solid wire) , gasless flux core, and stick welder. It also comes with a spoolgun for aluminum, and it does a fair job on 1/8"-3/16" , even 1/4" with some preheat(you'll need 100% argon). I've stick welded with 5/32" 6011, 7014, and 7018(240volt), and its done a good job. It comes with a 3 year warrranty, and they'll pay the shipping in the US. With the money you save on the machine, you can buy more materials, and equipment. I've had one for several months now, and have been very happy with mine. you can even set it up for scratch start tig welding if you want. Just my 2 cents, they are just one day standard ups shipping away if you in the Pittsburg area. Just give them a call if you have any questions, they generally always answer the phone during regular hours. It will take you about 3 years to master all the things you can do with this machine, and then you can decide if you want a bigger, more capable welder.good luck with your decision.Airco 250 ac/dc Heliwelder Square waveMiller Synchrowave 180 sdMiller Econo Twin HFLincoln 210 MPDayton 225 ac/dcVictor torchesSnap-On YA-212Lotos Cut60DPrimeweld 225 ac/dcPrimeweld mig180Miller AEAD-200
Reply:Sounds great.I found 240 volt works the best for welding. But the 120 volt can come handy at times too. I type recommend two machines if you making money from weldingBut it sounds like hobby type work and all one machine is good for small spaces. Dave
Originally Posted by LittleTreeGuy
This is the machine I've been looking at. Dual voltage, seems to do well with MIG/Flux and stick, and if I'd ever want to play with TIG, it can accomodate a little. Works with a spool gun as well. Meets all of my needs, and I can get it locally and a warranty that I can exchange it for a replacement if needed.
Reply:
Originally Posted by albrightree
You might also want to consider the Primeweld Mig 180, its also 120-240v. Its a good mig welder(solid wire) , gasless flux core, and stick welder. It also comes with a spoolgun for aluminum, and it does a fair job on 1/8"-3/16" , even 1/4" with some preheat(you'll need 100% argon). I've stick welded with 5/32" 6011, 7014, and 7018(240volt), and its done a good job. It comes with a 3 year warrranty, and they'll pay the shipping in the US. With the money you save on the machine, you can buy more materials, and equipment. I've had one for several months now, and have been very happy with mine. you can even set it up for scratch start tig welding if you want. Just my 2 cents, they are just one day standard ups shipping away if you in the Pittsburg area. Just give them a call if you have any questions, they generally always answer the phone during regular hours. It will take you about 3 years to master all the things you can do with this machine, and then you can decide if you want a bigger, more capable welder.good luck with your decision.
Reply:Yes it is good size for most You need at least 150 and 180 will do the job.Dave
Originally Posted by LittleTreeGuy
Just checking this out... it checks all the boxes I was looking for... and at about half the cost. Reviews for it seem very favorable as well. Thank you. I will continue to look into this one. I'd think 180amps is more than plenty for most hobby/DIY/small repairs around the house usage, correct?
Reply:BREAKER SIZE:30 ampsDUTY CYCLE MIG/FLUX:30 percent @ 180 amps60 percent @160100 percent @ 100 ampsDUTY CYCLE STICK ARC:30 percent @ 180 amps60 percent @ 120100 percent @ 99 ampsWEIGHT:30 pounds
This machine has plenty of power to put things together. 180 amps in MIG mode, and 170 amps in stick mode off a 30 amp 240v breaker is pretty good. It also plays well on 120v, 6011, and 7014 3/32" rods run on a good a decent 120v 15 amp line(depend on your wiring).Hardly anything on a pick up truck, compact utility tractor, or light utility trailer is thicker than 1/4" now. Most people seem to like the MIG for thinner stuff like sheet metal auto work, mower decks, trailer fenders, and using stick mode for the heavier welds. This is the machine I keep in my garage for repairs on my yard equipment , chipper , stump grinder, chip box dump truck, etc.. It has proven to be very capable on my 40 amp 240volt garage outlet. In stick mode you have a 60% duty cycle@120 amps. This means you could run 1/8" 7018 almost constantly , just stopping to chip, get a new rod, re-position, and continue. There are plenty of welders out there that will do the job. You need to be comfortable with the seller. I always suggest calling and talking to someone, ask what the warranty covers, and who pays shipping on repairs. Do they have a 90 return it if you don't like it policy(Primeweld does, and they've honored it on one occasion for me). Eastwood, and Harbor Freight have stores around here, and can offer replacement ,or repair services from their store. Don't be afraid to ask the questions before you buy, you don't want to find out what isn't covered when something has gone wrong. My opinion is that if you're just starting out, and aren't sure how far your going to get into welding, this is a good price point. If you never do more than a dozen projects with it , it will have payed for itself. If you decide you want to go on to bigger more complicated things, you can go buy a bigger more expensive welder, and this will be a good backup machine.Happy ShoppingAirco 250 ac/dc Heliwelder Square waveMiller Synchrowave 180 sdMiller Econo Twin HFLincoln 210 MPDayton 225 ac/dcVictor torchesSnap-On YA-212Lotos Cut60DPrimeweld 225 ac/dcPrimeweld mig180Miller AEAD-200
Reply:Some Primeweld MIG 180 pictures
Mig 180 on a temporary cart (old shop-vac) with 5lb CO2 bottle
Running .035 gas shielded flux core (blue demon 71-m) with 100% CO2 on 1/4" thick angle and tube. Welded outdoors.
running tig torch plugged in with 100% argon 3/32" gold (1.5%) tungsten on 304 stainless with 308l 1/16" wire
5/32" E7014 rod on 160 amps dc on 1/4" hot rolled bar. Squeezed in 20 ton press till it won't go anymore.
Solid .030 mig wire with 100% CO2 gas, welded outdoors.Can't find any pictures of the Aluminum right now, might be finishing a project this week with the spool gunAirco 250 ac/dc Heliwelder Square waveMiller Synchrowave 180 sdMiller Econo Twin HFLincoln 210 MPDayton 225 ac/dcVictor torchesSnap-On YA-212Lotos Cut60DPrimeweld 225 ac/dcPrimeweld mig180Miller AEAD-200
Reply:Looks like great Welder.It would work for most here.I like dial for adjustments and if the digital display dies it will still work. Dave
Originally Posted by albrightree
Some Primeweld MIG 180 pictures
Mig 180 on a temporary cart (old shop-vac) with 5lb CO2 bottle
Running .035 gas shielded flux core (blue demon 71-m) with 100% CO2 on 1/4" thick angle and tube. Welded outdoors.
running tig torch plugged in with 100% argon 3/32" gold (1.5%) tungsten on 304 stainless with 308l 1/16" wire
5/32" E7014 rod on 160 amps dc on 1/4" hot rolled bar. Squeezed in 20 ton press till it won't go anymore.
Solid .030 mig wire with 100% CO2 gas, welded outdoors.Can't find any pictures of the Aluminum right now, might be finishing a project this week with the spool gun
Reply:Awesome.. thank you all very much!! Those look like pretty nice welds just using CO2. Is that sufficient for most hobby welding, or would I need to go the co2/argon mix route? I'm sure co2 is a little cheaper.
Reply:
Originally Posted by LittleTreeGuy
Awesome.. thank you all very much!! Those look like pretty nice welds just using CO2. Is that sufficient for most hobby welding, or would I need to go the co2/argon mix route? I'm sure co2 is a little cheaper.
Reply:
Originally Posted by LittleTreeGuy
I've posted several "newbie" threads, and I hope folks don't hate me for it. I try to research, but this is yet another question that the internet has some answers on, but I'd rather see what real life welders have to say about it. I'm learning the basics of welding with flux core welding. I understand some don't call it true "MIG" welding because there is no gas, but we'll say it's of the mig style of welding.Mig, Tig, and stick welding. To me, it seems like this:Mig - Not the cleanest welds, but it's quick and simple. Gas is harder to use outdoors. Strong welds with the right equipment.Tig - The cleanest looking welds. Better for thin stuff or when less filler material is needed?Stick - Simple, can do it anywhere, better for heavy duty welding.I guess I'm asking because I have a little Titanium 125 flux core welder now, and I'm considering buying something a little better. I'd like the 110/220v feature. I just want to make sure I get something that I can use on anything I'd ever want to weld. (mower decks, atv bumpers, utility trailer repair, mailbox post, etc...) Tig seems cool, but would I ever really use it? I'm sure a good welder can make good strong welds with about anything... but is there a dumbed down version of which type of weld you should use and when? |
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发表于 2022-5-19 11:02:53