Welders Corner

[Doubt_Incarnate]

all really helpfull. true i'm probly not going to be able to run a 220-240 unit. i'll have to see what kind of bonus i get and if nothing needs fixed when i get it , before i decide if i go mig or tig. are there things you can mig weld and not tig, or will tig pretty much cover everything? welding aluminum looks rather apealing since i'd like to try to make a different intake/plenum, or even try to get an individual runner setup together (more for "wow" there). would you think a 120 unit be able to handle mounts for a 3400 swap? or makeing suspension parts?

[Guest]

all really helpfull. true i'm probly not going to be able to run a 220-240 unit. i'll have to see what kind of bonus i get and if nothing needs fixed when i get it , before i decide if i go mig or tig. are there things you can mig weld and not tig, or will tig pretty much cover everything? welding aluminum looks rather apealing since i'd like to try to make a different intake/plenum, or even try to get an individual runner setup together (more for "wow" there). would you think a 120 unit be able to handle mounts for a 3400 swap? or makeing suspension parts?

To get a TIG that has teh high frequency, you will be getting into a 220 unit. The Econotig is the cheapest unit I know of that will weld aluminium.

Miller has less expensive TIG welders, but they do not have the high frequency to weld aluminium.

I strongly suggest starting with MIG, especially if you will only have 120V, I also strongly suggest staying away from flux core. I know of many people that have had flux core and after getting gas sheild, they said they were disapointed in the fact that they even used flux core, anyone who welds will agree gas sheild produces a much better weld easier.

The only problem with gas sheilded is if you try and weld outside, on a windy day.

[geoffinbc]

I have to disagree. I love flux core. Not so much self sheild. But dual sheild (requires CO2) flux core makes for a very smooth and high penetration weld. The bead lays down very flat and even.

Self sheild is very good too. It does tent to spatter more but the bead is still very smooth and penetrates well.

The settings on flux core are critical. It requires more voltage than you would normally set your solid wire up for. For example on 1/16" flux core the voltage would need to be about 24~26V and wire speed 160~200ipm. This will draw over 200A and a 120V machine would not be able to properly weld with 1/16 flux core. You would need to go to smaller wire for sure.

For the question about TIG welding aluminum. Idealy you should weld aluminum with AC current for proper penetration and fusion. But you dont have to. DC current will suffice. You do not need high frequency. That is only a feature used to make staring the arc easier. All that is required with high frequency is that the operator bring the electrode near the base metal and the arc will start. But any CC welding machine (type used for stick) with the proper accessories can be used for TIG welding. The operator however, will be required to scratch the electrode on the metals surface in order to start the arc.

[RednBlack]

I love this stuff.

[geoffinbc]

I run my Sub Arc machine at work around 450A. I weld piling together of various lengths. I run a 6 pass 5 layer weld. Voltage is about 33V and wire speed is around 390ipm with a 5/64 solid wire. Its HOT! Every one gets ultrasonic tested. So I have to be on the ball.

The largest I have done so far was 24"X 0.500" X 120'. I have done larger diameters but those piles were the longest.

The stuff was so long we had to get an extendo trailer which is 73' long and drive the piles down the road at night. They only had to go about 5 blocks. Then the barge did the rest.

[Doubt_Incarnate]

this is gay. boss said he was going to do my bonus soon, that was like 2 weeks ago, still no extra dough. i was hoping to get a real welder to finaly do some some things but i might have to just settle for a oxy/ace handle that doesnt leak. still good, or at least better than my handle of fire. i'll just blow the rest of the $$$ when/IF i get it on other things to get my car on the street again.

maybe i'll pick up an airbrush to make the rest of the car look as good as the powder coated topside, new wheels, and the new black top i put on there like 4 years ago.