davidej
Well-Known Member
An auto=darkening helmet is (IMHO) a must for the amateur migger
MIG Welding. (Gas or Gasless?)
- Thread starter Daydreamer
- Start date
Floyd Raser
N/A
I agree with the majority and would just like to add:
I bought a used SIP Migmate 100 about 20 years ago and still have it. So buy the best you can afford and it should last. I use the original set up with a small bottle on the unit and found it to be adequate, and easier to move, store and set up. I recommend you try it first before spending more than you may need to. I always unscrew the gas feed knob and release the tension on the wire feed rollers when not in use.
The cheapo mask that comes with it is ok for small tacking jobs but a self-darkening jobby is a good investment. I always use argo/CO2 mix for everything.
Oh, I built a Formula 27 (Lotus 7 replica) from plans with mine, and welded up to 3mm in the past.
I bought a used SIP Migmate 100 about 20 years ago and still have it. So buy the best you can afford and it should last. I use the original set up with a small bottle on the unit and found it to be adequate, and easier to move, store and set up. I recommend you try it first before spending more than you may need to. I always unscrew the gas feed knob and release the tension on the wire feed rollers when not in use.
The cheapo mask that comes with it is ok for small tacking jobs but a self-darkening jobby is a good investment. I always use argo/CO2 mix for everything.
Oh, I built a Formula 27 (Lotus 7 replica) from plans with mine, and welded up to 3mm in the past.
DownWest
Well-Known Member
Well, Yes.. But while I have both, for the short tacks in car fixing, I find the cheap old mask fine. And I use the auto one rarely.
Loads of good info above. Esp the link to the mig-welding forum.
I use mig everyday and would not use gas-less. Too spattery. Same with disposable bottles. Couple of probs there. Not much gas for the cost and unless you have a flow guage on your torch, it is difficult to judge usage verses flow. Having used pub gas (CO2) in the past, be careful, sometimes they put another gas in to increase the head on the beer. Whatever it was, you can't weld with the mix.
Due to the monopolies here, I have to rent expensive bottles and use Argon + 8% CO2 as the best option with a 150amp Kemppi. While this unit can go down to 15amps (watch repairs??), I would not be worried about another that 'only' had 30 amps as its lowest setting. Stitching thin sheet I never use the lowest settings.
The older Clark welders have a good rep. The newer ones might be a mixed bag. Better to buy an old transformer based commercial unit, which will be worth the same money when you have finished with it.
30boat
N/A
The transformer welders perform very well and have very little in the way of electronics.The electrical bits very rarely go wrong and can be replaced from indpendent makers,there are loads on Ebay.However the PCB can go wrong as the one on my Cebora did.I had it repaired by a specialst and after a false start it work well for serveral months but is now back in the shop after failing again.They're not available new so have to be repaired. I just hope they can get it working again as I really like my old machine. But as I said before the inverter based welder I now have is a gem.
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fishermantwo
Well-Known Member
+1 for an interverter welder and Argon straight or mixtures for automotive work. I have one of these Chinese units and with an automatic mask have suddenly transformed into an expert in thin mild steel and aluminium.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-ROSS...050644?hash=item1e717d3814:g:GZwAAOSwEgVWRUjF
Most of the quality main brands are Chinese made these days anyway.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-ROSS...050644?hash=item1e717d3814:g:GZwAAOSwEgVWRUjF
Most of the quality main brands are Chinese made these days anyway.
30boat
N/A
Did you have to change the rollers for aluminium? Do you fit a nylon sleeve everytime you switch to aluminium or do you have a second torch?No feed problems? Sorry about all the questions but I want to weld some aluminium with my Mig and haven't yet tried it.
fishermantwo
Well-Known Member
There is a nylon sleeve already fitted. Just buy the aluminium thin enough to pass through the tube easily. Nothing else changed. There are several videos on Youtube showing how to weld aluminium with a mig welder. This one is reasonable and you will understand the accent better than me. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSSPetpR4Mk
Most the videos reckon to push but I find pulling easier. Turn the output up and the wire speed very fast and the tip about 20mm from the job. The welding is very fast!
NickRobinson
Well-Known Member
I chime with posters who cherish their old transformer MIGs. I have killed a few cheap ones but I love (and can weld thin if ugly with) my oil cooled Oxford stick welder.
Bought SH in the 70's and too heavy to steal too.
Bought SH in the 70's and too heavy to steal too.
30boat
N/A
Thanks,that's a good video. Couldn't be simpler.
Floyd Raser
N/A
I wish youtube had been around when I tried welding aluminium years ago! Thanks for that link.
I was told to get the metal spotlessly clean and use pure argon gas. I gave up after a couple of attempts but now I would feel confident of giving it another go. :encouragement: